WE already know how popular the Transporter panel van is, as it has already picked up the ‘Large Trades Van’ award in the 2017 Business Van awards. So it’s nice to see that when compared to stiff competition, the Transporter has also kept hold of its Crew Van crown – unchanged for the last three-years!
Why? Well, when compared to rivals, with its large load area and enough space for carrying a crew to a job, Volkswagen has created its own niche product in the form of the Transporter Kombi.
No other crew van does tax-efficient dual-use as well in our opinion and being a working van during the day – plus those sliding rear windows and that proper bench seat – means the Transporter Kombi can also be a family vehicle when needed.
Best Crew Van – The Contenders:
- Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab 2900 1.6CDTi BiTurbo 125PS L2H1 Sportive Start/Stop ecoFLEX Euro 6
- Volkswagen Transporter Kombi T6 2.0TDI T30 Highline SWB BMT 102PS
Last year’s winner was the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi 2.0 Startline
Buyers who like creature comforts won’t be frightened away from the latest Transporter, as range-topping Highline equipment levels are generous.
Equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Climatic air-conditioning, cruise control, park distance control and front fog lamps with separate daytime running lights.
There’s also the benefit of a curvier dashboard with plenty of extra stowage.
Okay, you might be driving a van, but the Transporter still benefits from some of the latest technology previously debuted in Volkswagen car models – such as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking system.
Another reason to choose the Transporter is that it is refined and as easy to drive as any Volkswagen car.
Volkswagen Transporter Kombi
- Gross vehicle weight: 3,000 kg
- Payload: 1,224 kg
- Load volume: 5.8 cu m
- Fuel economy (combined): 45.6mpg
- CO2 emissions: 162 g/km
- Price (ex-VAT): £31,089
The 102PS 2.0-litre TDi diesel now meets Euro 6 emissions regulations and there’s even a DSG semi-automatic transmission option for extra convenience if you need it.
What the judges said:
“The Transporter Kombi created this market niche, and continues to fill it excellently with an aspirational and dynamic product, van-like abilities and a true car-like driving style.
“It has always stood out from the crowd and can be offered in basic form or fully loaded with plenty of ‘car-like’ spec. Preferred in Highline or Sportline spec with plenty of horsepower.
“The Vauxhall Vivaro Crew van is a nice looking beast but does not have the heritage or desirability of the VW.”
- The Business Van of the Year Awards 2017 are supported by Vanarama.
Kate Thompson receives the Transporter Kombi’s award from Jon Gilbert, left, of sponsor Vanarama and Paul Hollick of TMC, chairman of judges
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