New Transporter pricier but better specified

VOLKSWAGEN Van Centres are now taking orders for the revised Transporter van, which features new styling, a range of quieter and more economical Euro5 common rail TDI engines and reduced running costs.

Average prices have been increased across the range by between 3% and 5%, with the new VW Transporter range now starting from £15,700 (ex-VAT) for a short-wheelbase, low-roof T26 84PS TDI 2.0 litre. A long-wheelbase T30 with 140PS TDI 2.0 litre engine costs £19,140.

But service intervals have been extended by up to 7,000 miles to a maximum of 25,000 miles, reducing servicing costs, while the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels that replace 1.9-litre four-cylinder and 2.5-litre five-cylinder engines in the outgoing Transporter offer significantly lower running costs.

And anti-skid Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), previously a £295 option, is now standard along with ARP (anti-rollover protection), Ready Alert Brake and Rain Brake Support for faster braking, a trailer stabilisation function, and an all-new hill start assistant.

New to the VW Transporter range is a kombi model with a folding and removable rear bench seat that can carry up to six people and a load in the rear. This configuration used to be available only as an option pack but due to its popularity has now become a model in its own right. This model achieves N1 classification and so is taxed as a commercial vehicle.

New optional safety features include a tyre monitoring system to alert the driver if there is a change in tyre pressure, plus ‘side assist’ which warns the driver if there are any vehicles in the blindspot. And to reduce the risk of accidents when turning or reversing, there is now an optional cornering light incorporated in the front fog light to illuminate the road in the direction in which the vehicle is turning, plus a reversing camera, with ‘virtual’ lines showing where the van is going.

Comparison of new Transporter engines against old Transporter engines:

• Old 1.9 TDI PD 1896cc, 102PS, 250Nm torque, 37.2mpg
• New 2.0 TDI 1968cc, 102PS, 250Nm, 37.7mpg

• Old 2.5 TDI PD 2460cc, 130PS, 340Nm, 34mpg
• New 2.0 TDI 1968cc, 140PS, 340Nm, 36.7mpg