There is a genuine Buzz about a recent arrival at Sinclair Volkswagen and Van Centre showrooms and it is being created by a modern-day interpretation of one of the manufacturer’s most iconic models.

The DNA of Volkswagen’s legendary T1 campervan that debuted in the 1950s has been transferred into the present and the future too for that matter by the ID. Buzz – the Electric Vehicle with ‘EV-erything’ including a commercial sibling in the shape of the ID. Buzz Cargo. This all-electric model is functionally designed and fully-equipped for the age of electromobility whether you opt for the family-friendly, five-seater people carrier for those weekend breaks and leisure trips or the tough and tireless van that masters the Monday to Friday and eases your working week.

Huge interest has been generated by this very versatile Volkswagen and not only across South Wales. Almost 27,000 orders were secured worldwide by the end of 2022 despite the dynamic ID. Buzz double act only arriving in showrooms around the globe last autumn.

The newcomer has also amassed plenty of acclaim in the UK after winning a multitude of awards from respected publications and organisations such as What Van?, Top Gear and carwow. As well as being named International Van of the Year 2023, the ID. Buzz drove away with a pair of prestigious titles from What Car? – not only Best Large Electric Car but also the overall Car of the Year 2023 as it was saluted for combining the practicality of an MPV with the comfort and refinement of a premium SUV and the low running costs of an electric vehicle.

The judges enthused:

This is a car that you can buy with your head and your heart, then – one that doesn’t fit neatly into an established box but which is all the better for this. In short, it moves the game on more than any other model launched in the past 12 months.

The unveiling of the ID. Buzz marks Volkswagen’s entry into a new market segment and in doing so a sign that it is picking up the pace of its electric campaign in all vehicle classes as part of its ACCELERATE strategy. By 2030, at least 70 per cent of its sales in Europe is expected to be purely electric cars which equates to more than a million vehicles.

As its sales figures and trophy haul demonstrate, the ID. Buzz is certainly winning people over with its panache, performance and practicality.

Balancing the design aesthetic of the famed T1 with a futuristic look and feel fit for the electric era, the ID. Buzz is unmistakably Volkswagen. The V-shaped hood and large, prominent VW logo lend a charismatic appearance to the front, while a light strip links the headlamps which, like all ID. models, are LED to further distinguish its identity.

Based on Volkswagen’s versatile modular electric drive matrix (MEB) and with a wheelbase just shy of three metres, the ID. Buzz is 40 centimetres longer than the T1 but its harmonious proportions ensure far superior aerodynamics – particularly important in this day and age for the efficiency of an electric vehicle.

Inside the ID. Buzz, the design follows the genetics of its classic predecessor but in its very own modern way. This philosophy becomes apparent in the interior, for example, in the linear dashboard – as in the T1 – with its quietly stacked elements, including the smart control concept with the multifunction steering wheel and both digital displays.

Sure to impress is the sense of space within the new Volkswagen, which is generous, light and airy as a result of the compact electric drive and the battery being integrated in the vehicle floor as well as the very logical and intuitive layout. It is even more focused on the needs of the occupants and provides plenty of room, numerous storage spaces and handy interfaces for both drivers and passengers.

The ID. Buzz offers a load capacity of 1,121 litres that is increased to a formidable 2,205 litres with the rear seats folded down. For those seeking a contemporary workhorse, its commercial counterpart is just as accommodating and, with a large loading volume of up to 3.9 cubic metres, the ID. Buzz Cargo can swallow a pair of Euro pallets loaded sideways without any difficulty.

Two wide-opening sliding doors ensure loading is convenient and owners can also enjoy the flexibility of choosing between a two or three-seat configuration upfront and specifying the fixed partition between the cab and the rear with a window and through-loading if required too. What’s more, enhancing the Volkswagen’s pulling power, is its ability to haul trailer loads of up to 1,000 kilogrammes with the optional trailer hitch.

But whilst visually paying homage to the original campervan, the ID. Buzz is extensively equipped for the future and is awash with the latest technologies including class-leading connectivity thanks to its fully digital operating concept and innovative infotainment system. Its state-of-the-art specification includes USB-C ports to power smartphones, games consoles, notebooks and tablets and allow rapid charging with a capacity of up to 45 watts, which is three times the charging power that was previously possible.

Other advances include the Hello ID. voice control that recognises questions and commands quickly and precisely, asks questions and even allows itself to be interrupted. Taking driver assistance to another level is the Intuitive ID. Light feature which operates via a narrow light strip that runs under the windscreen in the cabin and relays information using different light pulses to indicate things like whether the vehicle is being charged, the direction in which to turn and, should it illuminate in red, to urge caution and brake.

Designed for the digital age, the ID. Buzz has over 30 assistance systems at its disposal and is taking a big step towards semi-automated driving. But it is also doing its bit for sustainability. The interior is completely free of animal leather and some of the yarn in its fabric coverings will be composed of recycled PET bottles and plastic that has been recovered from the sea.

Both versions of the all-electric van come with two feature-packed trim levels and are available with the iconic two-tone paint option.

The stunning good looks of the ID. Buzz are complemented by its exhilarating and efficient performance delivered by a 77kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor producing a pleasing 204 PS of power and an all-electric range of 256 miles. And of course charging has never been more simple or straightforward as whether you’re at home or out and about, you’ll never be far from a place to charge.

Charging can be undertaken using a domestic socket but the task can be done much faster via the ever-growing network of public charging stations or a domestic wallbox – it takes just half-an-hour to top up from 5% to 80%.

To find out more or to arrange a test drive, please visit www.sinclairgroup.co.uk