Petrol-powered Transporters widen choice

ARE you covering low mileage with light loads? Well, maybe a petrol van might be more suitable than a diesel and Volkswagen might have the answer in the form of its latest petrol-powered Transporters!

Following on from the launch of petrol-powered versions of the Caddy range in 2015, Volkswagen is now adding petrol versions to the Transporter to meet customer demand.

The diesel-fuelled Transporter T6 panel van won our Business Vans Van of the Year 2017 title with Best Large Trades Van, while the T6 Kombi won the Crew Van title.

Now two petrol versions are available with the advanced 2.0-litre (1984 cc) TSI engine producing 150PS and 204PS.

The 204PS version is fitted with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard and available with front or four-wheel drive, with the 150PS having a six-speed manual transmission and offered as front-wheel drive only.

Worried that you won’t have enough torque to carry heavy loads? Don’t, as even the 150PS version boasts 280Nm from 1,500 to 3,750 rpm. Go for the 204PS and torque jumps to 350Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.

These petrol engine choices aren’t just limited to the van either, as they can also be specified in the California, Caravelle Executive, window van, Shuttle, motorhome, kombi and panel van versions.

Still need convincing that a petrol powered Transporter version is what you need? No problem, as in line with its ‘Working With You’ mantra, which promises to design the right van and bespoke aftersales package for every customer, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is ready to offer buyers and operators the support and advice to help them decide which fuel type to buy – see panel.

For example, the Transporter Highline T28 panel van with a 2.0 TSI 150 PS engine is £1,000 cheaper to buy outright than its diesel-powered equivalent. Then, using the official fuel economy figures and average RAC Fuel Watch prices, they have worked out that it would take just over 18,000 miles to make back the up-front cost of the diesel in fuel savings.

Other additional factors to take into account include the insurance (which is often cheaper for petrol models) and could extend that difference between petrol and diesel still further.

So, a  petrol-powered Transporter could be the perfect option for drivers and operators who cover low annual mileages and enjoy the agile performance offered by petrol engines.

Opting for diesel power is still the better choice if you’re covering high mileages and regularly carry heavy loads, however the introduction of the new petrol Transporter versions gives buyers more choice to choose a vehicle that better suits their requirements.

Head of marketing Sarah Cox commented: “The van market is currently dominated by diesel, but we know that customers are aware of changes to legislation and looking at other available options.

“They’re scanning the market for guidance on what will be right for their fleets not just today or tomorrow, but in three or five years’ time.

“Expanding our petrol range and offering a new alternative in the multi-award-winning Transporter range offers customers choice, while our Van Centres are also available to offer advice on the right choice for every fleet and operator.”

The expanded Transporter range with petrol power is available to order now with prices starting from £22,625 (RRP inc. OTR exc. VAT).

Now with petrol: Transporter Highline short wheelbase panel van