Review
Volkswagen has treated the Transporter T5 to a midlife revamp, with a re-sculptured front end, new engines and improved comfort and safety.
The van, which recently won the Fleet Van medium panel van of the year award for the second year running, was launched six years ago and has since then built up a strong reputation.
Volkswagen director of commercial vehicles Simon Elliott said: “This will allow us to increase our market share next year. Its launch coincides with our increased fleet focus, which now sees us with 63 specialised LCV dealers and 12 repairers. We will shortly be appointing more dealers to help fleet buyers.”
The biggest change is under the bonnet, where the 1.9 and 2.5-litre diesels have been ditched in favour of a single 2.0-litre common rail TDI unit which is Euro V compliant and offers a choice of 84bhp, 102bhp, 140bhp or 180bhp. These engines offer an average of 10% fuel savings.
On the safety front, an improved ESP traction system is standard, including trailer stabilisation and hill hold assist, and the brake lights now flash under extreme braking to warn drivers behind of danger.
There will also be the option of Side Assist, to warn of vehicles in the van’s blind spot, a reversing camera and tyre pressure monitors.
Prices will be revealed nearer to the January launch date.
Verdict
The best medium panel van on the road today has just got even better. Now featuring the looks this van always deserved, the Transporter can only go from strength to strength.
