Seventy-five years ago, the Volkswagen Transporter arrived in Britain, shook up the commercial sector and now it’s laying down a new challenge in the electric age.
The company has introduced its first eHybrid model in the popular T32 series, in 16 versions of long or short wheelbase vans together with kombi crew styles and the people orientated shuttle derivatives.
Prices rise from about £47,200 to £66,200.
The Transporter eHybrid uses a proven 2.5 litre petrol engine together with a 11.8kWh battery for a 35 miles zero emissions range, ideal for low emission-zone deliveries, and its 1132kg payload.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is expanding its Transporter line-up with the addition of a new top-of-the-range Sportline variant, alongside its new Commerce Pro S trim.
Celebrating 75 years of the Volkswagen Bus and more than 20 years of sports vans, the new model adds premium touches, high-quality design upgrades and the latest technology to set it apart from any van in its class.
The new Transporter Sportline eHybrid is the most distinctive of the Transporter range, continuing a legacy that has made Sportline an icon among performance-led vans.
Our Transporter eHybrid LWB panel van cost £63,796 on the road including VAT.
Sportline’s distinctive character is defined by a suite of exclusive exterior enhancements. Sportline-specific front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, gloss black grille, mirror caps and badging are combined with side skirts, roof rails and a 29mm lowered suspension to deliver a purposeful, planted stance. Exclusive 19-inch dual-finish alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, and a Sportline signature red grille together complete a look that is instantly identifiable as Sportline.
Inside, Sportline adopts a premium, driver-centred cabin with embossed, hand-crafted eco-leather sports seats with red stitching, a heated leather steering wheel and Sportline-branded floor mats. Additional details such as illuminated metal scuff plates, footwell lighting, high-gloss black display surrounds and illuminated sun visors elevate the everyday driving experience.
Transporter Sportline includes a comprehensive suite of comfort, safety and driver assistance technologies. Keyless Access with SAFELOCK, Area View camera, heated and power-folding mirrors, and advanced driver assistance systems are all standard, supporting everyday usability alongside its distinctive design.
The latest model offers probably the best combination for a hard working business or demanding private owner covering high mileage.
We only had a short run in the newcomer but it left a strong impression regarding it powertrain, sophistication, comfort and ease of operating.
Doors open wide and the cabin is very roomy, the big seats highly supporting with a good adjustment range and sightlines were fairly unobstructed but helped by large door mirrors.
Every major and minor control fell straight to hand or foot, operated smoothly and it steered, braked and held onto the road with confidence aided by its front wheel drive and weigh balance.
The offside front charging port is easy to use and the battery recharges on a 3.7kW AC point from 0-100% in 4.5 hours so there is minimum inconvenience and you’re ready to take on a zero-emissions zone for working or delivery.
Fortunately, the 2.5 litre petrol engine will look after you very well outside the zones and smoothly delivers its performance, with reasonable acceleration in urban areas and easily keeps up with motorway traffic as well.
Automatic eight-speed changes were silken and slick and I liked its tight turning circle and very smooth brakes.
Secondary controls were neatly laid out and the instruments and infotainment screen were simple and clear while the heating and ventilation was straightforward and effective.
For a working vehicle, the Transporter offered a lot of in-cab oddments spaces for driver and passenger infront, to the sides and even under the seats.
Cargo area door opened wide and the back could be pallet loaded if required and benefitted from restraint hooks as well as interior courtesy lights. Its sensible shape offered good loading permutations and adaptability for custom fitting.
Without a load in the back on test the Transporter eHybrid did wallow over undulations and roll around some corners but it always came back on-line easing off the throttle or winding back the steering.
There is enormous choice of models and optional equipment with the range but you need to carefully pick what is really wanted as it can push up the final price well above less proven newer rivals with only a fraction of the VW van’s 75 years.
