Tuesday 10th May 2011

Video: How To Destroy A VW

Yump-jumping, door-slamming, bumper-breaking fun. Hands up who wants to be a VW test driver...

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We presume that, like many people who grow up as car nuts (most of the PH office included), a lot of you will have spent many a happy hour as children on the carpet or in the garden, merrily destroying your collection of Matchbox, Corgi, and Majorette models (except for Garlick - he spent his weekends polishing them).

Most of us, however, grew out of this as we got older. But for those who didn't it seems that Volkswagen offers the perfect career for you (at least according to this video) - the job of testing its vehicles to destruction.

This fabulous video, which we spotted on a work-avoidance rummage through YouTube, appears to be a VW corporate film proving just how hard its cars are tested. We're not sure how old it is, nor quite why this particular musical accompaniment has been chosen. But we are sure that none of the automotive victims could be described as having had 'one careful owner'...

And if you've ever wondered how we test the cars we review on PH, this is not how we do it. But we rather wish it was, because it looks like fun.

 

[Vladikar]

That van can nearly fly!

[Kawasicki]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

With a good risk assessment you can do anything!

[jon-]

I'm not entirely sure what some of those tests are meant to reproduce, but I strongly approve of them all!

[Chicane-UK]

That's excellent.. I think airtime in that green van would have been a bit hairy though!

[Liquid Knight]

Just an average day in Peterborough.

[Aizle]

That does look like a lot of fun. Not sure I would fancy being in that transporter when it flew!

[Silver940]

Looks like fun! What could possibly go wrong?

[UltimaCH]

The van needs some wings and then it will really fly Some impressive shots indeed

[nonplussed]

The music is awesome. I wonder quite what thought process ended up combining that with footage of cars being tested to destruction...

[scubadude]

Thought that Caravell was going to roll after that jump!

I suspect all major manufactureres do a similar level of abusing their products, except Vauxhall- who get it done for them by Essex teenagers and ramraiders :-)

[Lets Torque]

Sir, it's just like a Golf!

[Pixel Pusher]

The white Sharan looks like the OH on the school run.

[Dr G]

More fun than you can shake a stick at

[shalmaneser]

jon- said:

I'm not entirely sure what some of those tests are meant to reproduce, but I strongly approve of them all!

As I understand it they're to ensure the airbag doesn't go off unexpectedly if it's not required - a facefull of airbag at 30mph mid air might well prove to be something of a distraction!

[Caractacus]

Classic product testing.

Where do I sign up?

[BelperJim]

[mearsy555]

So tempting to try and re-create that video!

Must. Resist.

[Parrot of Doom]

That bit where he slid on full lock into the kerb....I've done that

[AndrewTait]

I'm pleased to see this - means the way the other half drives my car won't do it much harm. Seen her do 40 over speed bumps before now, and regularly grounds the front bumper. :-( Good job it's only a daily hack!

[Balmoral Green]

I know someone who treats his Elise like that, all the time. Amazingly, it has survived four years of it. Everything else he's had lasts only for a few months before it's terminally broked.