VW Transporter Panel Van – Stylish Mover.

The iconic Volkswagen Transporter panel van has been rising to countless challenges for more than 65 years, which is why the load compartment makes no compromises when it comes to functionality and versatility. Outstanding workmanship is the foundation for efficiency and ensures that the van can handle the challenges it faces. Two wheelbases and three roof variants offer a load compartment volume of up to 9.3 m³, and a payload of up to 1.4 tonnes.

Reliable Workhorse;

With its high-quality interior and generously sized load compartment the Transporter is a work colleague that can be relied upon in every way. A diverse range of extras provide solutions for the specific requirements of an equally diverse customer profile, while the cabin of the van can be equipped with either two single seats or a front passenger bench to match individual requirements. Of course the Volkswagen Transporter isn’t just a panel van. As well as the regular commercial, there are Kombi double cab models and the more car-like Caravelle and Shuttle minibus, plus the ever-popular California camper van all built on the same chassis.

Cutting-Edge Technology;

The VW Transporter’s latest generation engines comply with the Euro 6 emission standard and provide convincingly low fuel consumption. Ground-breaking technologies provide further fuel savings. The optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive provides good traction, optimum handling and steering, and helps the driver to master even difficult conditions like driving on wet roads, in the mountains and on snow covered tracks. If required, 4MOTION all-wheel drive is also available with the dual clutch gearbox DSG – a unique drive concept in its vehicle class. While all engines in the VW Transporter panel van range are all 2.0-litres (2.0TDI) in capacity, power outputs of 84/102/150 and 204bhp are available, as are the option of 5 or 6-speed manual, or 7-speed automatic (DSG) gearboxes – depending on the model chosen. An official fuel consumption figure of 7.0-l/100km is quoted by VW, but this will ultimately depend on the the type of load carried, how the load is distributed within the van, and other fuel consumption-related factors. Three trim levels are available in the VW Transporter panel van – Startline, Trendline, and range-topping Highline, with a generous level of standard equipment available across the range, with numerous optional extras available for the ultimate in customer personalisation.

Test Van;

My test van was a VW Transporter LWB (Long Wheel Base) 2.0TDI Highline model fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, and a 4MOTION (4 Wheel Drive) drivetrain. Finished in prestigious Starlight Blue metallic paintwork, this range-topping model really is equipped with an impressive array of features, such as 17” Devonport alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, door handles & exterior mirror casings, auto wipers, heated & laminated windscreen, alarm system, cruise control, driver’s seat armrests, Climatic air conditioning, Park Distance Control front & rear, Discover Media satellite navigation system, front fog lamps with a cornering function, Hill Start Assist, ABS, electronic stability control, 12v socket in dashboard, and a 70-litre fuel tank, along with many more comfort, convenience, and safety features. The 204bhp engine in my test van provided terrific acceleration, and was more than adequate to move the 2,202kg unladen weight of the van in a very lively fashion, and felt easily capable of coping admirably with an additional permitted payload of 998kg (3,500kg in total). A wheelbase of 3,400mm makes the LWB Transporter very practical indeed, while an internal load area height of between 1,410mm and 1,940mm is available – depending on the model and roof height chosen.

Upmarket Feel;

The latest-generation VW Transporter panel van has an upmarket feel inside. The trim materials, and the solidity with which they come together, are a cut above the class norm, while an intuitive touchscreen navigation console makes it immediately easy to get to grips with. The pleasing contours of the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel add to the classy effect. On the move, the VW Transporter panel van furthers that upmarket impression given by the slick interior design. Its comfort and refinement is very good – so much so that it is easy to forget that this is a van, as it feels very car-like in many respects.

Verdict & Pricing;

I was very impressed by every aspect of the wonderful VW Transporter panel van. If you need a van to transport you (and your goods) in comfort, style and elegance then the Transporter T6 is right up your street. Businesses will be proud to stick their logo on the side of this premium van. More than 12 million Transporter vans have been produced by Volkswagen over the last six and a half decades, with this latest generation model set to dramatically build on this tradition. With on-the-road prices starting at just €26,665 (inc VAT), panel van buyers have never had it so good.

Visit www.volkswagenvans.ie for further information.