The What Van? Road Test: Volkswagen Transporter (2021)

Date: Friday, August 26, 2022

Cabin

Interior and equipment

In the past I’ve been a bit hard on VW’s van stylists and complained that their efforts have often resulted in vehicles that look far too bland both internally and externally. Not this time around.

Sportline features one of the coolest looking cab interiors I’ve ever encountered, with an attractive yet practical dashboard complete with gloss black inserts. Equipment includes Discover Media satellite navigation, an 8in touchscreen, which can offer access to streaming and internet services, a DAB radio and Bluetooth compatibility.

Two USB ports are on hand along with a pair of 12V power sockets.

Air conditioning, heated leather-trimmed seats complete with the Sportline logo and red stitching, adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows and electrically-adjustable, heated and folding exterior mirrors are all included in the deal. Low-speed manoeuvring is a doddle thanks to front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The reach-adjustable leather-trimmed steering wheel is height-adjustable too. So is the driver’s seat, which comes with lumbar adjustment.

In-cab storage facilities include a pair of bins in each of the doors, a small lockable glove-box with shelves above it, and shelves on top of the fascia. Good to see a grab-handle on each of the A-pillars, and to see that the driver’s door sports a removable miniature rubbish bin.

You’ll find a cup-holder at each extremity of the dashboard, plus a third one next to the moulding that accommodates the gear shift.

The cab is a three-seater, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. That’s because anybody who occupies the middle seat will find the aforementioned moulding is crowding their right knee; not very comfortable, especially if you are embarking on a long journey.

Truth is that, like so many vans of its size, Transporter’s cab just isn’t wide enough to accommodate three people in comfort.

The comprehensive package of onboard safety systems includes ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist.

Crosswind Assist is provided too – it’s there to stop your van being blown off-course into an adjacent lane if you encounter a sudden, strong crosswind on the motorway – as is Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System. If somebody casually wanders out in front of you as you’re heading down your local high street, then it will bring your van to a halt.

Traction Control System is present as well, as is an electronic diff lock, and can be switched off. So, of course, can the Stop/Start system, which features regenerative braking.

Still with safety, the front fog-lights boast a cornering function, the wipers come on automatically when it starts to rain on the heated windscreen, and the LED headlights dip automatically at night to avoid dazzling other drivers.

McPherson-strut-type suspension helps support the front of the vehicle while independent suspension with load-sensitive shock absorbers does duty at the rear. Eibach coil springs are fitted which lower the van by 30mm, enhancing its handling as well as its appearance.

Our demonstrator’s alloy wheels were shod with low-profile Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 255/45 R18 tyres.

Power-assisted electromechanical steering delivers an 11.9m turning circle.

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