Volkswagen Transporter Review

Volkswagen Transporter 4MOTION (SWB)

Manufacturer’s RRP: £18,355 (excluding VAT)

The Transporter is flexible, versatile and highly distinguishable within its class.

Technical

The 4MOTION four-wheel drive version of the Transporter comes with a 2.5-litre TDI engine and six-speed manual transmission. The Transporter is offered with four other TDI diesel engines, a 1.9-litre four-cylinder with 85 and 104 PS and a 2.5-litre five-cylinder 130 and 174 PS. All of the vehicles use VW's unit injector technology, known as `Pumpe Duse' or `PD', which can operate at pressures of up to 2050 bars or 30,000 psi when required.

The badge	A nicely laid out dash
Plenty of room for your lunch	Comfy seats
A solid load space	Easy access to your load
We're quite arty	The box challenge

Drive

You almost forget you're driving a van when you take to the wheel of the Transporter due to its car-like features which are in abundance. The steering is faultless and the dash mounted gear lever feels natural and effortless to manoeuvre. The 4MOTION copes well at high speed and is smooth and noiseless, handling bumps effortlessly with no discomfort to passengers or load. The drive is split between the front and rear wheels, with up to 100 per cent of the engine's power transferable to the rear wheels if necessary.

Cabin Comfort

The cabin of the transporter is impressive, offering excellent comfort for long journeys. The driver's seat benefits from height, lumbar, reach and rake adjustment. The dashboard is designed to make instruments clear to read, and the heating system features fresh/re-circulated air circuits and a pollen filter. Storage is particularly generous with a 2 litre bottle, lunch boxes and a newspaper easily fitting in the driver or passenger door. There are storage pockets at each end of the dashboard beneath the air vents and even a storage box integrated in the roof liner.

Load area

Available in short and long wheelbase versions, four GVWs from 2.6 to 3.2 tonnes and three different roof types, you'll be spoilt for choice. A vast improvement from the previous generation model, the panel van boasts payloads of up to 1357 kg as well as impressive towing weights. With a strong box body, the Transporter is incredibly versatile with the option of two sliding doors as opposed to just the standard left hand side door - a tailgate can be added to the twin rear doors if required. A particularly attractive feature is the choice of rubber or wooden flooring which adds maximum protection to the load.

Standard Safety features

ABS brakes, ESP & Brake Assist (BAS

Driver's airbag (up to 5 additional airbags available as optional extras)

3 x 3 point, height adjustable inertia reel seat belts

Energy absorbing side impact protection

Cab outer seats fitted with belt pre-tensioners and force limiters

Height adjustable front seat belts

Verdict

Comfortable, versatile and easy to handle, the 4motion has everything you could want in a van - its good looking, spacious and stylish with a competitive price to boot.

Data file
Engines : 1.9 TDI, 2.5 TDI
Gearbox : 5 speed, 6 speed
Power Output : 85/104 PS, 130/174 PS
Insurance Group : 6E
Security features: Remote central locking, engine immobiliser, fitted alarm system, steering wheel lock, internal release for rear doors.
Maximum Pay Load (Kg) : 1357
Load Space (m3) : 5.8
Loading Area : length/ height(m) 2543 x 1394
Wheelbase (mm): 3000
Service Intervals : 3 years / 100,000 miles

Vansunited.co.uk verdict : ****