The Vexel Quovis made headlines here in the Travel & Disability section back in December 2003.
This cute little car- designed specifically to be driven from a wheelchair -seems destined to make "Herbie, the Love Bug" jealous with its looks and Mini Cooper drivers wonder if they are driving a full-sized sedan when they see the small parking spaces the Quovis can fit in.
There have been some notable improvements since the model reviewed here in "All I Want for Christmas is a Vexel Quovis..." Starting on the exterior, Quovis comes with a sun roof and sporty aluminum wheel options. Six colors are available White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, and Orange.
Two steering options are available from the factory--a standard steering wheel or an integrated steering yoke that incorporates steering, acceleration and braking systems. An electric hand brake and electric gearshift are also available.
Under the hood the Spanish manufacturer installs a Lombardini 500cc diesel engine but Abe Hopper, importer for the USA, has spent the last several years perfecting various features such as acoustics and air conditioning while getting certification for a gasoline engine model. In June 2005 the California Air Resource Board approved the Vexel Quovis for sale in California and cleared the way for the current cross-country introductory tour.
The US model, known as the L-15, has a computer controlled fuel-injected gas engine and is air-conditioned. There are currently no photos available for this model so what you see in this articles are the Spanish L-4 and L-8 models.
The other day I received a note from Abe telling me that my Christmas was coming in July. He will bring a Quovis out to show during the 13th annual Shared Adventures Day on the Beach in Santa Cruz, California. Those who will be in the area on Saturday July 16 will have the opportunity to see the Vexel Quovis firsthand at Cowell Beach during the event. Following Day on the Beach we will post impressions in the discussion section below this article and add photos of the new L-15 model.
Don't expect to set any world speed records with the Quovis. It is licensed in the states as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) and meant as a commuter car limited to roads with a maximum speed of 35 mph. Not a road warrior - but not a rolling invitation to invade the Arctic Wildlife Refuge with oil rigs either.
If you are in the area, come out to the beach in Santa Cruz, California on July 16 and judge the Vexel Quovis for yourself.
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