Volkswagen Transporter T28 2.0 TDI Highline Panel Van:
Like the Caddy before it, Volkswagen Commercial has appeared to have gone with the theory that ‘if it isn’t broke don’t fix it’ – looks deceive with the new Transporter T6, for apart from new bumpers, lights and mirrors it could be the outgoing T5, but under the skin it’s more refined.
It’s inside and under the metal where the biggest changes have occurred.
We got to drive the latest T28 Euro 6-compliant panel van in range-topping Highline trim to see if it has the measure of its rivals.
What’s hot?
- The basic Transporter shape looks no different from the outgoing T5, but Volkswagen has added styling lines that mirror their passenger car designs. You won’t miss the bigger new Highlights at the front, the wider front grille with chrome trim on our Highline model and the all-new front bumper, with its wide air intake. At the side, there’s a sharper belt line and slick looking repeaters. At the back, there are more modern-looking light clusters and a new rear bumper.
- If you’re disappointed with the evolutionary exterior looks, you’ll be pleased to hear that the changes are more obvious in the T6’s interior. Like the Caddy, we reckon the dashboard redesign has been influenced by the latest Volkswagen passenger cars. The more horizontal design looks more modern, there’s an impressive amount of stowage and all the switchgear is logically located.
- The latest Volkswagen Transporter feels well-made and durable – a cut above rivals
- You have to climb up to get behind the wheel of the new Transporter, but it’s easy to get comfortable with the tall driving position when you’re there. The standard seats are supportive, the switchgear is logically placed and the instruments easy to read at a glance.
The new Transporter T6 Highline’s dash is more car-inspired
- Highline is the range-topper and is well-equipped with Bluetooth, Climatic air-conditioning, electric windows, heated and power adjustable wing mirrors, a heated front windscreen, 5-inch touchscreen DAB radio and CD player for a considerable £27,282.
- On top of all the standard equipment, Transporter drivers also get car-like assistance and safety systems, with adaptive cruise control, automatic city braking and post-collision braking. A driver monitoring system is also fitted as standard, with audio and visual signals triggered when the driver’s behaviour indicates fatigue.
- Although not as sharp and car-like as the Transit, the new Transporter impresses with its calm and refined drive. The ride on the 16-inch wheels is refined and isn’t easily upset on pot-holed roads and although there is some body roll in corners, the Caddy handles tidily and there’s plenty of grip. The steering is also light and the gearchange pleasingly slick
- We’ve got the latest Euro6 2.0-litre with 101bhp here, that’s the same engine we tried in the smaller new Caddy. Torquey is the best way to describe it in the new Transporter. Acceleration is reasonable, with 62mph coming up in 15.4 seconds.
- The engine is all about efficiency and this Transporter can achieve 47.9mpg on the Combined Cycle, with CO2 emissions of 153g/km. This is good to know if the government moves to emissions-based taxation for vans.
Last year i ordered the T6 Transporter Kombi Van 140, T32 Highline, Blue motion Technology, Full Leather interior, well It arrived two weeks ago, every thing as it should be, until to my surprise, the rear seats are a 3 bench type and not the 2+1 combination that has always been in the Kombi, what a load of rubbish, it defeats all logic, if i carry anything long there is nowhere for rear passengers to sit, also there is no access to the rear if there is no space to open the rear doors, I spoke to VW & The dealership, waste of time.