VW Transporter | Review

Model changes don’t come more substantial than this. The all-new seventh-generation VW Transporter really is ‘all-new’. That’s new platform, new powertrains and new electronics.

That’s largely because this new Volkswagen is actually a Ford Transit Custom. It was developed as part of Ford and VW’s ‘strategic partnership’ – the one that also gave us the Ranger/Amarok and Caddy/Connect – and is build at Ford’s factory.

In the UK, the Transporter is VW’s best-selling model, but it sits in the Transit Custom’s shadow when it comes to sales. Interestingly, this new version is offered with a lower list price, a longer warranty and improved specification.

We already know the Transit Custom is segment-leading van, so has the Transporter fared better or worse as a result?

Well, there will always be a pool of customers who bought a Transporter specifically because it wasn’t a Ford and Volkswagen's trusty TDI engines are renowned for their reliability – more so that Ford’s troublesome EcoBlue units.

But the new Transporter is bigger than before, has a greater payload than before, is packed with more technology and, perhaps most crucially, comes with factory-built electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain options for the first time.

A full range of bodies are available from panel van and kombi (crew van) to passenger carrier (Shuttle) and double-cab chassis.

There are two lengths: a 5,050mm SWB and the 5,450mm LWB, along with standard or high roof variants.

Wheelbase length has been increased, along with width, enabling a larger cargo area. The smallest panel van has a 5.8-cubic-metre load space, which rises to 9.0 cubic metres for the LWB high roof.

Gross vehicle weights (GVW) of 2.8-, 3.0-, or 3.2-tonnes are available for the diesel. The heaviest payload is 1,280Kg. Electric models come in 3.2-tonne or 3.4-tonne GVW, with a payload of up to 1,000Kg.

All the Transporter’s powertrains are derived from the Transit Custom. There’s a choice of three diesel engines, with 110PS, 150PS or 170PS. Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission options are available.

The plug-in hybrid – named e-Hybrid by VW – uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine and is expected to have a zero-emission range of up to 35 miles. This powertrain won’t be available until 2026.

A key variant is the e-Transporter, complete with a 65kWh battery and the choice of a 136PS or 218PS electric motor. These variants are all rear-wheel-drive and promise a range of up to 201 miles.

Our experience, for now, is limited to the 170PS TDI and the 218PS e-Transporter.

First impressions of the new Transporter are positive. The visual changes made to give it individuality are centred at the front end. There’s a new bumper, with a grille inspired by the fifth-generation Transporter, while the headlights are designed with a nod to the previous-generation van.

The interior is well designed and utilises a twin-screen layout, which is standard across the line-up. There’s a central 13-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.

Physical switchgear is scarce, with most functions controlled via the screen. Thankfully, the interface is really good. The main screen uses Ford’s software, with a few tweaks to change the general appearance. A fixed bar along the bottom of the screen is reserved for the climate controls, so adjusting the temperature or altering the fan speed can be performed fairly easily.

The digital instrument cluster will be more familiar to those used to Volkswagen cars and vans. Sitting behind a VW steering wheel, the driver display uses the brand’s conventional layout, with digital dials that include customisable sections.

All Transporter models come with a generous level of standard equipment. There are three grades: Commerce, Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro. The e-Transporter only comes in the later two grades.

Commerce gets air conditioning, keyless start, rear parking sensors, LED headlights with automatic main beam, a six-way adjustable drivers seat with armrests and lumbar support, a full metal bulkhead and cruise control.

Commerce Plus gains an alarm, front parking sensors, reversing camera and body-coloured bumpers.

The Commerce Pro includes luxury features such as heated front seats, electric folding door mirrors and automatic climate control. It also comes with alloy wheels and a suite of driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

Refinement levels are high, with a well-insulated cab keeping wind and road noise to a minimum. The Transporter rides comfortably with a firm edge that keeps body lean under control.

The diesel engine is strong and supplies good power, especially in 170PS guise. We’ve not tried the manual gearbox yet but the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Engine noise can be a little intrusive when you’re working it harder, but it’s nice and quiet when you settle to a cruising speed. During our testing the van was achieving a respectable 37mpg.

Switching to the e-Transporter, the silent electric powertrain gives a more relaxing on-board experience and seamless acceleration. We thought the van felt a little restricted, power-wise, as it gives very linear acceleration. Although this should please fleet managers as it’s not really possible to drive the e-Transporter particularly irresponsibly.

We managed 2.8mi/kWh in the e-Transporter, with no load on board. That should give a real-world range of about 182 miles in urban conditions. At motorway speeds, or in laden vehicle, we expect that range to be closer to 150 miles.

Towing capacities are between 2.0- and 2.8-tonnes, for the diesels, and up to 2.3-tonnes for the e-Transporter.

At £32,165 (CV OTR) the entry-level Transporter undercuts the equivalent Transit Custom by a small margin. You also get a longer warranty (five years) and Volkswagen’s 5+ Promise, which includes servicing, MOT and breakdown cover for five years.

The Transporter is a very capable and very desirable medium-size van. With its new powertrains and new technology, it sits among the best-in class. For fleet buyers, the Transporter should absolutely be on your consideration list.