Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced two new TSI petrol engines for the Transporter range.

The manufacturer claims the new powertrains will deliver significant up-front savings and potentially a more cost-effective solution for buyers operating in some locations or with particular driving profiles.

Customers can choose between two 2.0-litre TSI units that develop 150PS or 204PS. The latter is equipped with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard and available for front- or four-wheel drive, while the former comes with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive only.

Maximum torque, an important consideration if you’re carrying heavy loads, is 280Nm from 1,500 to 3,750 rpm for the 150PS version, and 350Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm for the 204PS.

The new units are available for order now, and can be specified across the Transporter range, including in California, Caravelle Executive, window van, Shuttle, motor home, kombi and panel van variants.

A Transporter Highline 150PS T28 panel van is £1,000 cheaper to buy outright than its diesel-powered equivalent. Using official fuel economy figures and average RAC Fuel Watch prices, it would take just over 18,000 miles to make back the up-front cost of the diesel in fuel savings.

Volkswagen says this makes the petrol-powered Transporter the perfect option for drivers and operators who cover low annual mileages and enjoy the agile performance offered by petrol engines.

The expanded Transporter range with petrol power is available to order now with prices starting from £22,625 (RRP inc. OTR exc. VAT).