The VK 122 was definitely Vorwerk's highest point IMHO. This is the vacuum I used most often when I cleaned houses for a living, because it was light and easy to use, relatively quiet and cleaned well. Great for pet hair, easy bag change, decent capacity and some of the best tools I've used to date. In short, it did everything you needed from a vacuum and did it well.
Also had a VK 130, and like Gareth I was disappointed to see Vorwerk had taken a step backwards with their new generation models. Performed great, but the bag was significantly smaller and filter upkeep was expensive if you stuck to the recommended schedule. The cable entry was indeed a bad design, so I used to wind the cord up on the hooks and then unplug it from the top of the handle to prevent it kinking. On two occasions I had to send the cleaner in for repair - once for the speed controller, and again for the power nozzle microswitch - which didn't exactly inspire confidence in me. I sold it on once the two year warranty was up and reverted back to a VK 122, which kind of says it all really.
On the subject of tools, it must be said a separate kit does have its advantages. You get a proper hose and full size tools for starters, something I consider essential for prolonged attachment cleaning. No way am I going to clean covings, skirtings, blinds, light fittings, curtains, upholstery, stairs and everything else with downsized and/or incomplete tools, and an onboard stretch hose that keeps tugging back on me or causing the upright to tip over. After dealing with all THAT fuss and bother, I soon came to the conclusion that hooking up a separate attachment kit isn't necessarily the awful imposition it is sometimes made out to be! In fact it's just like having a cylinder to compliment one's upright, only without actually having to tote around or store a complete second vacuum.
