|
Tradies in particular will be happy with Volkswagen's upgrade of the Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan range. The vehicles have been given a minor body facelift but have received new engines, a new DSG transmission and stability control. But those who use the VW Transporter workhorse to carry parts or specialised gear requiring a tailored interior fit-out will by happy with the status quo: No structural changes behind the B-pillar.
This means those who upgrade to the latest technology can simply remove and re-establish the interior modular fitout in the latest incarnation of the commercial vehicle stable Volkswagen call the T5. Most changes have taken place forward of the B-pillar, said VW commercial spokesman, Phil Murray.
While confined to the front of the vehicle the changes are significant and see reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, yet an increase in torque. Safety has also featured heavily in the upgrade with the entire Volkswagen commercial and people mover range adopting standard inclusion of the crash-preventing Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The smaller Caddy range also received the ESP upgrade as well as standard dual airbags across the range. The new-generation ESP also includes hill start assist as standard and will be welcomed by those who opt for the six-speed manual gearshift.
The T5 range has been given an entirely new range of 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engines replacing the current 1.9 litre and 2.5 litre TDI four and five cylinder powerplants. The new four cylinder TDI engines come with outputs of 75 kW, 103kW and 132 kW. The new 132 kW high-output engine uses a biturbo system of a high-pressure turbo and a low pressure turbo to produce smooth delivery of 400 Nm of torque. To improve fuel efficiency and cater for the increased grunt Volkswagen now offer a seven speed DSG twin-clutch transmission, replacing the current automatic.
The new DSG is a derivative of a six speed DSG used by VW and can handle up to 600 Nm of torque. VW confirmed the transmission would find its way into larger VW passenger cars as well as 4Motion (AWD) vehicles such as Touareg. In the commercial range it is fitted for the first time in the 4Motion Transporter range that are often used in off-road conditions and building sites.
The interiors have been given a makeover with higher quality instruments and steering wheels, new generation navigation system and improved seats. We found the driver comfort levels to be excellent with good ergonomics. Externally, the range follows the new VW design cues with clear, horizontal lines.
The Transporter variant is linked directly to Volkswagen's roots and is in it's 60th year. In 1950 the first Transporter was built and sold we called them Kombis but in Volkswagen-speak they are the Type 2, Type 1 being the Beetle. Ironically the Kombi was not a German idea, but came from Dutch VW importer, Ben Pon. Pon sketched a van, based on a Beetle platform, and convinced VW boss, Heinrich Nordhoff, to go ahead with a concept. This started the bus and transporter business for VW and some 8 million units later, the T5 upgrade sees technology unheard of back then incorporated into the latest variants.
VW differentiate between uses with the people carrier called the Multivan, the bus version called the Caravelle and the all-rounder workhorse called the Transporter. The Transporter also comes as a panel van, dual cab or van with normal or long wheelbase.
The new engines deliver improved economy by up to almost 20 per cent compared to current powerplants. Emissions are down by up to 10 per cent. VW claim in the manual Transport the three engines will deliver from 7.5 litres/100 km from the least powerful turbo diesel. The mid-range engine rates at 7.7 litres/100 km while the 132 kW will return 8.4 litres/100 km. However, link the 132 kW engine and the new 7 speed DSG and the economy drops to 7.8 litres/100 km.
A common feature of the new engines is the earlier delivery of torque which results in a more responsive vehicle, particularly around town which is where they are most likely to spend their working lives. The DSG transmission can be linked to the 103 kW and 132 kW engines in all three vehicles, and for the first time also to 4Motion with the 132 kW power plant. VW claim the transmission offers the comfort of a conventional automatic with the economy of a manual. The addition of the 7th gear is designed as an overdrive which means it's a tall gear designed for motorway running reducing not only revs or engine speed, but noise and improving economy and emissions.
Given the nature of vans VW is also offering an optional side-assist for drivers. This feature delivers a an orange light on the external rear-view mirrors when another vehicle is in the proximity of the `blind spot' warning the driver a lane-change may not be the right option at that time. A reversing camera is also an available option.
Visually, the vehicles closely resemble the current T5s, but have subtle differences. The bumpers of the Transporter and Caravelle are in dark plastic while the Multivan are in body colour. The Multivan has high gloss black cross slats, each with a chrome strip. There is little change to the rear section of the Caravelle and Multivan with redesigned lights. The badging for all three engines differs slightly in colours. Wheels come in 16, 17 and 18: in steel and alloys depending on the vehicle and trim level. The new Multivan Highline top of the range comes with 17 'Neva' 10 spoke alloy wheels. Multivan can be configured for up to nine passengers while the Multivan Comfortline caters for seven passengers.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
We were able to drive three examples: the Multivan Highline 103 kW DSG, Transporter Dual Cab 132 kW six speed manual and Transporter van 103 kW DSG. The Multivan Highline is like a lounge room on wheels with super comfortable `Captain's' style seats for the front. We found the linking between the 103 kW engine and DSG excellent and the system highly responsive for getting away at the lights and also for passing at the critical 80 km/h to 110 km/h range. It''s no sports car, but it's no slouch either. We like where the gear lever is positioned in all three vehicles, just left of the steering wheel. The ergonomics are fine and the layout of the dash simple and easy to use and read.
The Transporter Dual Cab's six speed manual gearbox is a pure delight with short, direct shifts smooth as you like. The doors and interior are loaded with plenty of storage nooks and crannies, ideal for the tradie who uses the vehicle as an office. Unlike many dual cabs, the VW does not feel like it needs a few hundred kgs in the tray to settle the rear suspension.
The Transporter Van highlighted the need for side assist with no windows on either side of the rear. We'd certainly look at the optional side assist even with the steep asking price of $2890.
MODELS AND PRICING
Transporter Van SWB
75kW TDI 5-speed manual $36,490
103kW TDI 6-speed manual $37,990
103kW TDI 7-speed DSG $40,990
132kW TDI 6-speed manual $41,990
132kW TDI 6-speed manual 4MOTION $45,490
132kW TDI 7-speed DSG $44,990
132kW TDI 7-speed DSG 4MOTION $48,490
Transporter Van LWB
75kW TDI 5-speed manual $38,490
103kW TDI 6-speed manual $39,990
103kW TDI 7-speed DSG $42,990
132kW TDI 6-speed manual $43,990
132kW TDI 6-speed manual 4MOTION $47,490
132kW TDI 7-speed DSG $46,990
132kW TDI 7-speed DSG 4MOTION $50,490
Transporter Dual Cab Chassis LWB
132kW 6-speed manual $44,990
132kW 6-speed manual 4MOTION $48,490
132kW 7-speed DSG $47,990
Caravelle
103kW 7-speed DSG $49,990
Multivan
Comfortline 103kW 7-speed DSG $49,990
Comfortline 132kW 7-speed DSG $56,990
Comfortline 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION $60,990
Highline 132kW 7-speed DSG $73,990
Highline 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION $77,990
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
