As well as the traditional panel van, the new Transporter will be available as a Kombi with two rows of seating, a double cab ‘dropside’ truck and a nine-seater Shuttle, which in other markets is called the Caravelle. There’s also a slightly tougher-looking PanAmericana version, which gets black wheelarch cladding and bumpers, exclusive fabric seats and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.
The new Transporter’s interior features a 12-inch fully digital instrument panel and a 13-inch central touchscreen. These are both standard across the range, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, LED headlights, keyless start and several safety systems such as lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.
Smaller details in the cabin include the traditional handbrake lever being replaced with a switch on the dashboard, and the gear selector in automatic versions being located on the steering column, which saves space and allows for a larger central storage cubby.
There are several USB ports and other sockets dotted around, too, so there should be no excuses if your phone runs out of battery. 230-volt (400-Watt) sockets for powering larger electrical devices will be available as optional extras, while an inverter with an output of 2.3kW can be added to plug-in hybrid and all-electric models.
Diesel, plug-in hybrid and all-electric Volkswagen e-Transporter
The new VW Transporter will be available with three turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engines, offering power outputs of 109bhp, 147bhp or 168bhp, plus fuel economy of up to 41mpg, depending on the model. The two more powerful engines will also be available with all-wheel drive.
Next up in the range is a plug-in hybrid or eHybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. Combined, the power output is 229bhp, but efficiency figures and the EV range for this set-up have yet to be announced.
The biggest news under the bonnet is the arrival of the VW e-Transporter electric van. Three versions of the electric van are coming, with 134bhp, 215bhp and 282bhp on tap. All of them use a single electric motor to drive the rear wheels, and are powered by a 64kWh battery that should deliver around 200 miles of range from a charge.
A less powerful variant with a smaller battery is also coming, intended for urban deliveries.
UK pricing for the new Volkswagen Transporter range has not been announced yet, but the first examples are expected to arrive in the UK next year.
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