In light of the increasing backlash against diesel engines, largely due to the controversy surrounding its own cheating of global emissions tests, Volkswagen is now offering two new petrol options for its mid-size Transporter van range.
Customers will have a choice between two 2.0-litre petrol units that develop 150hp and 204hp respectively. The 150hp version comes with a six-speed manual transmission and is front-wheel drive only, whilst the 204hp is available in both front and four-wheel drive, and has a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Maximum torque is 280Nm for the 150hp version, compared to 350 Nm for the more powerful model. These new units will be available across the entire Transporter range.
The move follows Volkswagen increasing the number of petrol car models it sells in the UK, with extra petrol engines recently added to the Passat and Tiguan ranges.
Priced £1,000 below the diesel equivalent, Volkswagen has calculated that the 2.0-litre 150hp Transporter will remain a cheaper ownership proposition overall until the van has covered 18,000 miles. While that mileage would be covered in mere months by many operators, Volkswagen is targeting buyers with low annual mileages in urban environments.
The new petrol-engined Transporters are now available to order. Prices start from £22,625.
