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

Date: Friday, August 26, 2022

Go back a few years and vans were the least glamorous conveyances on the highway. Viewed as humble, utilitarian tin boxes on wheels, they were there to do a job; and nothing more.

How times have changed. Ford and Volkswagen are among those manufacturers that have come to appreciate that small business owners and the self-employed in particular often want a lot more from vehicles they may spend more time in than they do in their own homes.

Naturally they want climate control, heated and electrically-adjustable seats and sophisticated on-board infotainment systems. What they may also want however, are stylish alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, spoilers and a fancy paint job with a liberal spattering of eye-popping decals.

What is more – and despite the fact that we’re all living through tough times – they’re willing to pay for the privilege.

Hence VW’s eagerness to promote the Sportline derivative of its iconic (an overused word, but justified in this context) front-wheel drive Transporter. Its styling tropes include 18in black alloy wheels, a distinctive red stripe across the front grille, illuminated chrome sill guards and a spoiler above the rear door.

It is produced in both short and long-wheelbase guise, and you can order it as a van or a Kombi.

Whichever variant you pick, power comes courtesy of a 204hp 2.0L BiTDI diesel married to VW’s utterly-superb seven-speed twin-clutch DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission. It can be used as either an auto or a manual.

We took delivery of the short-wheelbase van – and can’t pretend we didn’t enjoy getting to grips with what is undoubtedly a hugely attractive package.

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