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VW adds petrol power to Transporter range
Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 |
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has added two petrol engines to the range of powertrains offered with its Transporter medium van.
These are the same units that have been fitted to the Caddy and consist of the firm’s 2.0-litre motor with outputs of 150hp or 204hp; the latter is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with front or four-wheel drive, while the lower-powered variant comes with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
Volkswagen said the petrol options would be better suited to van drivers and operators that cover short distances thanks to the purchase price being £1,000 less than a diesel-powered equivalent, but with the mpg performance over long distances being less efficient than diesel.
The German brand said its dealerships would “support and advise” buyers and operators, showing them the pros and cons of both fuel choices, though its calculations suggest it would take just over 18,000 miles to make up the increased up-front cost of the diesel in fuel savings.
“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,” said Sarah Cox, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “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.”
She added: “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.”
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