Common Rail TDIs

Diesel power comes courtesy of a four-cylinder 2.0-litre generating 84hp, 102hp, 140hp or 180hp. Equipped with twin turbochargers rather than the single turbo with variable turbine geometry fitted to its stablemates, the last-named generates a hefty 400Nm of peak torque. The other three engines offer 220Nm, 250Nm and 340Nm respectively.

Across-the-board fuel savings of up to 20 per cent are promised compared with the old four- and five-cylinder engines with their unit injectors. A 10 per cent cut in diesel usage and CO₂ output is the quoted average figure.

A particulate trap is a standard feature along with low-temperature exhaust gas recirculation and an oxidation catalytic converter, and all versions of the 2.0-litre comply with the latest Euro 5 exhaust emission regulations. A 2.0-litre petrol engine is available too, but will not be offered on this side of the Channel.

VW believes that frugal diesels combined with lower exhaust emissions make a lot more environmental sense in a van of Transporter’s size than some of the more exotic alternative sources of power. “We don’t think there is a business case for a hybrid,” one senior executive observed. Nor was he enthusiastic about the idea of an electric Transporter.

Spot the Difference

We hadn’t expected VW to restyle Transporter radically and we were spot-on. The external changes are subtle rather than immediately obvious, with a modest reworking of the front of the vehicle and the rear lights.

Internally you’ll find a new three-spoke steering wheel, revised seats, a new instrument cluster, redesigned air conditioning controls and updated radios and sat navs.

Sourced from Swedish manufacturer Haldex, now electronically rather than mechanically controlled, but available with an optional mechanical rear diff lock, the latest 4MOTION 4x4 system can be specified in conjunction with either the 140hp or the 180hp engine. Opt for it on the latter and you can combine it with DSG if you so wish.

Safety Options

VW is marketing Transporter with a host of optional safety features, including Side Assist. Employing a radar system that constantly scans the body’s back and sides it alerts the driver when he indicates to move into the next lane on a motorway or dual carriageway if he risks hitting, say, a car hidden in his blind spot. It will warn him too if he is about to pull into the path of a vehicle approaching rapidly from the rear. It’s activated at speeds in excess of 20mph and the warning is provided by LEDs in the appropriate exterior mirror housing. Side Assist can be fitted to vans, but not chassis cabs.

A reversing camera (Rear Assist ) can be specified as well, as can a tyre pressure monitoring system with a dashboard display.

Another handy safety option is what VW refers to as a static turning light. Integrated into the front fog lights, and activated by the indicator or the movement of the steering wheel, it illuminates the area into which the driver is turning to a distance of several metres at an angle of 35°. The idea is to ensure that he doesn’t clobber a pedestrian or a cyclist. It kicks in at speeds below 25mph when the driving lights are switched on.

A standard safety feature on all Transporters ensures that the brake lights flash rapidly to alert following vehicles if the driver has to slam on the anchors in an emergency. Once Transporter has screeched to a halt, the hazard warning lights come on automatically.