Volkswagen has given us the first look at its next-gen Transporter panel van, which will be available in the UK in full electric form and with plug-in hybrid and traditional diesel power options.
Images of the medium-sized van have been released by Volkswagen, although covered in distinctive camouflage. Still, it’s easy to see some influences from the Ford Transit Custom, a van it shares its underpinnings with.
Both the Volkswagen Transporter and Ford Transit Custom will be built alongside each other at Ford’s plant in Turkey. The shared design is the latest in a partnership between the two manufacturing behemoths, with Ford building the Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok pickup at its planet in Silverton, South Africa.
Volkswagen is taking the lead with the compact van options, building the Caddy and its Ford Transit Connect twin in Poland.
Every new Transporter will come as standard with an electronic parking brake with auto hold function, a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13.0-inch infotainment system that includes DAB+, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic wipers, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and road sign recognition with wrong-way warning.
Next-Gen Volkswagen Transporter: Engines and Drivetrains
Most buyers will opt for diesel power in the Transporter, which means a 2.0-litre engine developing 110, 150 or 170hp. Following at a later date will be a plug-in hybrid option, using Ford’s 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 16.5kWh battery pack, outputting 233hp.
Four electric versions will also become available, with power outputs ranging from 116hp to 286hp. A 54kWh battery pack will back the lowest power model, while all other models will receive the 83kWh pack, which should provide a range of around 235 miles.
Diesel and hybrid models will be front-wheel drive, with the 150hp diesel also available with four-wheel drive. Electric models will all be rear-wheel drive, although Volkswagen expects to introduce all-wheel-drive at a later date.
Next-Gen Volkswagen Transporter: Cargo and Payload
Longer than the outgoing model, the Transporter has a wheelbase extended to 3,100mm, with a longer wheelbase model extending to 3,500mm. Being a little wider — it’s 148mm wider between the wheel arches, at 1,392mm — means the Transporter offers more payload volume than before, with the standard length, standard roof model able to accommodate 5.8m3 of cargo.
The increased volume also tallies with an increased maximum payload limit, rising from 1.2 tonnes to 1.3 tonnes, depending on specification. Towing limits on some models have also gone up, from 2.5 tonnes to 2.8 tonnes.
Like its Transit Custom cousin, Volkswagen will offer the new Transporter as a panel van, double cab in van, and an innovative L-partition version. This latter model is a twist on the double cab in van models, with an L-shaped partition cutting rear passenger space to two seats but allowing for a narrow full-length load bay with direct access via a sliding door in the side. Standard and extended wheelbase and roof options will also be available on some models.
Buyers will also be able to choose between regular barn-style doors at the rear or a lifting tailgate.
Next-Gen Volkswagen Transporter: Pricing and Availability
Prices in the UK for the Transporter, which will go head to head with the Ford Transit Custom, Meredes-Benz Vito, Renault Trafic and the Stellantis quads of the Citroen Despatch, Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Vivaro, haven’t been released yet. However, the range will start at €36,780 (£31,650) in Germany, before charges and taxes.
First deliveries are expected in 2025.
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