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The What Van? Road Test: Volkswagen Transporter (2020)
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2020 | Author: Steve Banner
Engine and gearbox
Our test van’s 2.0-litre common-rail direct fuel-injection turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder diesel delivers its maximum power output across a 3,200-4,250rpm plateau. Top torque of 250Nm kicks in over a wider plateau of 1,250-3,100rpm.
A diesel particulate filter plus selective catalytic reduction, which uses AdBlue, are there to ensure the Transporter complies with the Euro6 exhaust emission regulations. You will find the filler point for the 13-litre AdBlue reservoir under a flap on the nearside of the vehicle, along with the diesel filler point.
Driving
Our disappointment at the lack of a sixth gear was assuaged somewhat by the quality of the five-speed box’s change. It’s slick, it’s quick, and allows you to go up and down the gears far more quickly than is permitted by one or two other transmissions we can think of. That makes it easier to extract the best of what is available from the engine. When you are lightly laden 110hp is fine, but if you are running at maximum weight through hilly territory then a bit more power might come in handy, especially if you are towing a trailer.
Stepping up to 150hp might be a bit much in a short-wheelbase 2.8-tonner though, so it’s a pity VW doesn’t offer a 120hp or 130hp variant as a halfway house.
The Transporter handles well. The new electromechanical steering tightens up nicely as you take a bend, but offers ample assistance when attempting to wriggle into a tight parking space.
If that’s still too much like hard work, then you can always resort to park assist. New for the T6.1, and fitted to our vehicle as part of an option pack, it takes control of the steering and eases you into the slot. All you need to do is operate the pedals.
The pack includes an exemplary rear-view camera, which delivers a remarkably clear picture, and trailer assist. It automatically manoeuvres the van and any trailer it may be towing during parallel and reverse parking.
Included, too, in yet another safety measure is side protection. It consists of sensors that monitor the van’s flanks and trigger audible and visual warnings when getting too close to pedestrians or to obstacles such as pillars or walls.
The van’s ride is as good as can be expected over the UK’s rapidly disintegrating road surfaces. In-cab noise cannot be counted as an issue, although the engine can sound harsh under acceleration.
Stop/start helps reduce fuel consumption and is complemented by regenerative braking. We achieved about the same as the official combined figure quoted by VW – 37.7mpg – and would have expected our demonstrator to be a bit more frugal (the penalty you pay if you do not have that extra gear).
Traffic sign recognition, another new feature, was installed as an option. The display gives you the speed limit in force on the road you’re on along with the speed you are actually doing, and needs to be bigger.
Present too was another optional novelty for Transporter: active lane assist with side assist. Drift out of lane, and a twitch on the steering wheel edges you back into the lane you should be in, while alerting you to the danger.
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