VW Transporter Panel Van T28 Trendline SWB 2.0TDI 102PS

What is it?

The VW Transporter Panel Van T28 Trendline SWB 2.0TDI 102PS is the most compact panel van in the sixth generation range in this short-wheelbase form at just under 4.9 metres long making it a great choice for urban delivery work.

Add on the standard audible parking sensors front and rear and a single sliding side door on the nearside flank, and the T28 makes a powerful business case to be your choice of wheel for city work.

What’s hot?

  • Despite just 102PS from the worthy 2.0-litre TDI motor, its 250Nm of torque, while not that impressive on the 0-62mph sprint, makes light work of shifting away from the traffic lights up to legal urban speeds aided and abetted by a comparatively sylph-like gross weight of just 2,800kgs.
  • For many years road testers have known that a manufacturer’s urban claimed economy is the ‘real world’ consumption a driver will see and the T28 came pretty close recording 37mpg of diesel despite some fairly pacey driving with a full load on our 600-mile test. This frugality comes courtesy of its BlueMotion technology including low rolling resistance tyres, start/stop and regenerative braking.
  • Compact it may be but most business users will be satisfied with a 5,800-litre load volume even in this low roof version which adds the urban advantage of being able to enter most multi-storey car parks.
  • The T28 is also a capable motorway cruiser offering plenty of comfort for the average build driver and two passengers and comes with an easy-to-use cruise control as standard. The cabin is also bright, airy with plenty of storage options and enjoying a car-like feel to switchgear and instruments.
  • Its infotainment system is sophisticated and slick and now offers the £144 option of App Connect for all your business connectivity needs and the Bluetooth connection for hands-free and audio is quick and intuitive for stress-free setup.
  • There’s a good list of standard kit on this van which boasts driver’s retractable armrests, aforementioned infotainment, connectivity, parking sensors and cruise control, multi-adjustable driver’s seat, body-coloured bumpers, heat insulating glass, rear parking sensors, ABS, post collision braking, electronic differential lock and traction control.

What’s not?

  •  While the cabin is comfortable for most people, those with longer legs will soon run out of seat adjustment without having to set the back very upright because of the bulkhead.
  •  Prospective owners should order the van with ply-lining because the interior paint scratches very easily as we found on our test.
  •  Handling, while good and neutral at slower speeds, is quickly compromised into wandering with loads on higher speed corners so don’t let the car-like feel of the van make you think you’re in a hot-hatch.
  •  Its optional Discover navigation system is very expensive at £816 and is blighted by VW’s latest generation software that buries the postcode search behind the city option – a pain compared to the old system.
  •  On the topic of cost, a starting price of £21,175 excluding VAT may have many potential buyers casting a keen eye over its opposition.

Verdict on the VW Transporter Panel Van T28 Trendline SWB 2.0TDI 102PS

A truly good looking van for those wanting a classy vehicle as something of an ambassador for their brand and service.

Performance and fuel economy are both more than adequate for both urban and motorway work and its compact size may make customers looking at smaller vans rethink whether they should be limiting themselves in carrying capacity.

The Low Down:

On the road price (ex VAT): £21,175
Load length: 2,572mm
Load width (max): 1,700mm
Load height: 1,410mm
Load capacity: 5,800 litres
Payload: 886kg
GVW: 2,800kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked: 2,200kg/750kg
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel
Power/torque: 102PS/250Nm
Economy (combined): 47.9mpg
CO2 emissions: 153g/km
VW Transporter Panel Van T28 Trendline

Sixth generation SWB VW Transporter panel van T28, pictured in Highline trim, is ideal for city work

 

 

 

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