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The sixth generation Volkswagen Transporter van looks a strong package these days, with cleaner, more efficient engines and extra equipment. Plus it's as tough as ever.
The VW Transporter panel van continues to be a quality and cost-effective offering in the medium range van sector thanks to a wide range of common-rail diesel engines and a tangible boost to its safety specification. The interior remains one of the most polished in the panel van class and the wide range of body options should keep most operators happy.
This is the sixth generation T6 version of the Volkswagen Transporter, a medium-sized panel van that sits in the Wolfsburg maker's van range above the compact Volkswagen Caddy but below the substantial Volkswagen Crafter. Throughout all its incarnations, this vehicle has managed to remain simple, effective and well suited to the needs of its operators.
There's quite a bit of competition around for the VW Transporter from models including the Citroen Dispatch, the Vauxhall Vivaro, the Ford Transit Custom, the Mercedes Vito and the Renault Trafic but Volkswagen vans will be hoping that a vast model range, some clever engine technology and a detailed specification will carry the latest version to glory.
The Volkswagen Transporter engine range consists of four 2.0-litre TDI Euro5 engines with outputs of 84PS, 102PS, 140PS and 180PS. All 84PS and 102PS engines are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with 140PS and 180PS units equipped with either a six-speed transmission as standard or a seven-speed DSG automatic.
Alternatively, there's the cleaner 2.0-litre TDI Euro6 engine range, which offers 102PS, 150PS and 204PS powertrains featuring a range of improvements designed to increase efficiency and drivability.
So far so good, but what's it actually like to drive? Well 'quietly efficient' probably sums it up. The 'quiet' bit's significant: Volkswagen reckons that drivers used to rival vans will find this one to be much quieter, which'll make a lot of difference after a hard day at the wheel. And efficient? Well, let me put forward the braking system as an example. It features ABS of course, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Braking Control to maximise its effectiveness and as soon as you use it in anger, the brake lights flash rapidly to alert following vehicles.
Once you've screeched to a stop, the hazard warning lights come on automatically. Neat. The Transporter's traditionally precise handling remains, with plenty of feedback through the redesigned steering, a slick gearchange and a Germanically firm but by no means unpleasant ride. It's manoeuvrable too, for such a big vehicle.
The latest VW Transporter looks a sharper proposition but not by much. In keeping with tradition, this T6 model offers a range of body options and gross vehicle weights to suit the needs of all operators and drivers. In addition to three roof height options; standard (1,410 mm), medium (1,635mm) and high (1,940mm), this Volkswagen van is available with four gross vehicle weights (ranging from 2,600kg to 3,200kg) along with short and long wheelbase options.
At the wheel, there are the expected driver and passenger airbags, plus a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel. Sliding across the three-seater cabin is slightly impeded by the way that the gear lever is mounted on a moulding that curves out from the dashboard, but the location does make it easy to use. A design touch we weren't sure about was the way the more aerodynamic outside mirrors house the radio, 'phone and GPS antennae: bashing them, as van drivers tend to do, would be expensive.
Still, there are plenty of more thoughtful design features dotted around the cab. Each door, for example, incorporates both upper and lower storage bins, the lower one able to accommodate both a 1.5-litre bottle and an A4 clipboard. On the passenger side, there's a storage box under the seat and, on the side of the facia, a net to hold documents. Pull out the ashtray and you'll find cupholders for your McDonald's breakfast on both sides and there's a shelf for your sunglasses above the windscreen.
Entry-level 'Startline' models are priced from around £18,000 (panel van, excluding VAT) and introduce a host of standard features including BlueMotion Technology, a DAB+ digital radio, a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a USB connection.
Standard equipment also includes Volkswagen's acclaimed Automatic Post Collision Braking system, which automatically applies the brakes after a collision, reducing the risk of a secondary impact. 'Trendline' models start from around £20,000 (panel van, excluding VAT) and get smarter wheel trims, a full-height steel bulkhead (panel van), body-coloured bumpers and rear parking sensors. A Comfort pack consisting of foldable grab handles on A-pillars, additional storage compartments, dimmable cabin lights and additional noise suppression is also fitted as standard.
'Highline' models top the VW Transporter range and are priced in the £21,500 bracket. Here, buyers get a leather multifunction steering wheel, a heated windscreen, an automatic driving light control, daytime running lights and 16-inch Clayton alloy wheels. 'Highline' models also come with front fog lights with cornering function and a Thatcham Category 1-approved alarm as standard.
Practicality first. Let's start with the basics. Vehicle length varies between 4,892mm and 5292mm depending on your choice between short or long wheelbase bodystyles. As for load volume, well, that's anything between 5.8 and 9.3m3, depending on your choice between low, medium and high roof heights. And payloads? Depending on the version you choose, they vary from 749kg to a heavy duty 1,333kg.
Access to all that space is via a sliding nearside door with 1020 by 1284mm dimensions that conceals a useful step. Or the usual twin rear doors that open out to either 90 or 180-degrees creating an aperture 1486mm wide and 1305mm high. There's a reasonable rear loading height of 566mm to lump stuff over into a well illuminated cargo area that offers 1244mm between the wheelboxes and 1410m of height. Then there are six floor-mounted tie-down points to keep your load from moving about, with side lashing rings being optional. On to running costs.
All models benefit from Volkswagen's efficient BlueMotion Technology modifications as standard. These include low rolling resistance tyres, plus regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems, there to reduce fuel consumption meaning this Transporter is cleaner and more efficient than the outgoing model. For example, the 2.0-litre 102PS Euro6 panel van SWB can return 47.9mpg on the combined cycle and emits 153g/km of CO2. Go for the eco-conscious BlueMotion version of this variant and those figures improve to 51.4mpg and 145g/km. One thankful of fuel will therefore be good enough for around 850 miles, enough to get you from Portsmouth to Prague!
Volkswagen vans have piled some desirable technology features into its latest Volkswagen Transporter panel van. The advanced safety systems should be well received but it's the common-rail diesel engines that will really get customers going. On performance, refinement and economy, these units are difficult to top. Better still, the rest of the VW Transporter looks as solid as ever.
