Volkswagen Transporter goes Euro-5

Volkswagen has now firmly established itself as a mainstream player in the LCV market; and at the core of this shift to prominence is its best-selling Transporter.

Introduced back in 2004, the Transporter pushed the brand to the centre of the stage and up the sales charts. It now shifts approximately 11,000 units a year (2009 prediction).

However, as is the norm during a van's lifecycle, it has just been given an update.

New engine line-up

In addition to the obvious cosmetic changes made at the front, and the new lights at the rear, the Transporter also gets a new Euro-5-compliant engine line-up.

The sole 2.0-litre TDI produces 83hp, 101hp, 138hp and 178hp and is claimed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by an average of 10%. The last three outputs can also be specced with the company's seven-speed DSG box, while the improved 4MOTION four-wheel-drive transmission is available with the last two.

Standard equipment now includes hill hold assist, which stops the vehicle rolling back on hill-starts, as well as uprated ESP electronic stability programme and an emergency braking light function, which flashes the brake lights when the vehicle is decelerating hard.

Internally, the Transporter gets a new steering wheel, driver's seat and fabrics. The Volkswagen Transporter dimensions remain unchanged from the previous model.

Load volumes range from 5.8cu m to 9.3cu m, while the Transporter payload ranges from 871kg to 1340kg.

On the road

This new version retains the solidity and focus that characterised the old one, but that was let down slightly by its engine. Now, though, thanks to the new engine, the Transporter feels more complete, thanks to its smooth and progressive. VW reveals that there's a flatter torque curve, and we're inclined to believe the vehicle manufacturer.

Matching the improved engine is a gearbox that's short and snappy, while the chassis and suspension are well-engineered and, dare we say it, foolproof.

The cabin also gets a mention thanks to its high standard of build and practical driving position. There's a real feeling of quality throughout as well, with high-grade plastics and excellent fit and finish, while the uprated driver's seat works well over long journeys , doing its bits to help reduce fatigue.