Volkswagen has announced its UK price list for the new seventh-generation Transporter, which will become available to order in January.
This is the biggest update to the Transporter’s design in more than two decades, and marks a fundamental shift for one of Volkswagen’s oldest nameplates. Rather than developing its own platform for the Transporter T7, the new model is based on the latest Ford Transit Custom – launched last year – as part of the ongoing LCV joint venture programme between Volkswagen and Ford.
First unveiled back in September, Volkswagen claims that the new Transporter ‘T7’ will offer more space, increased payload and trailer weight, and a vastly improved cabin experience. Customers will also be able to choose from diesel, petrol/electric plug-in hybrid and all-electric models to suit their business needs.
Load space on the base-spec short wheelbase Transporter (standard wheelbase and roof height) has increased by 10% over the T6 to 5.8m3. With the long wheelbase and high roof combination, this goes up to 9.0m3. Depending on specification, maximum payload peaks at 1,330kg, an improvement of 130kg on the previous ‘T6’ model. Trailer weight also improves to a maximum of 2,800kg, which is an improvement of 300kg.
As usual, the new Transporter will be offered in multiple panel van configurations, as well as ‘Kombi’ and ‘Transporter Shuttle’ passenger versions and double cab-chassis versions.
As well as sharing development costs, the joint venture with Ford means that Volkswagen can offer a wider variety of powertrain options on the new Transporter. The biggest volume sellers in the short term will continue to be diesel engines, with three versions of the same 2.0-litre engine offering power outputs of 110hp, 150hp and 170hp. The 110hp version is only available with a manual gearbox, while the 150hp is offered in either manual or automatic form. The 170hp version is automatic only. The 150hp and 170hp versions are also optionally available in all-wheel drive.
The plug-in hybrid version isn’t expected to launch for at least another year. It will combine a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined power output of 230hp.
For the first time, Volkswagen will offer a factory electric option with the new e-Transporter. Two power outputs will be available, with 136hp and 218hp. Both share the same battery size of 64kWh. Range details have yet to be provided, but Ford claims 163-209 miles for the E-Transit Custom depending on model and specification, so expect something very similar.
Available to order in January, pricing for the new range will begin at £38.5k for the short wheelbase Transporter with the entry-level 110hp diesel engine and manual gearbox, rising to £55k for the automatic long wheelbase 136hp ‘Commerce Pro’ electric e-Transporter.
The Transporter will now be built in Ford’s factory in Germany, unlike previous versions that were built in Volkswagen’s Hanover plant. This is unlikely to have any impact on UK supply, however.
