Volkswagen Transporter Review 2024
The Volkswagen Transporter is a legend in the commercial vehicle world. Renowned for its reliability, practicality, and surprisingly energetic handling, it's been the workhorse of choice for tradies, couriers, and adventurers for decades.
Rivals to the Volkswagen Transporter include the Ford Transit Custom and Mercedes Vito.
Our Volkswagen Transporter review covers:
- Refresh exterior with a bolder grille, sharper headlights, and redesigned bumper
- Sleek, spacious and well-designed car-like interior
- Payload is between 688 to 1,278 kg, and Load volume is between 5.8 to 6.7 m³
- Range of 2.0-litre TDI engines
- Three trim levels are available: Startline, Highline and Sportline
Pros:
- Robust and reliable
- Spacious and versatile
- Comfortable and refined
Cons:
- Basic cargo security
- Not the most fuel-efficient
- Not the most exciting drive
The exterior update is subtle but effective. Gone are the slightly boxy lines of the previous model; the new Transporter sports a sharper, more contemporary look. The bolder grille, sleeker headlights, and redesigned bumper give it a more confident stance. It's still unmistakably a Transporter, but with a modern edge that won't alienate traditional buyers.
The cabin is where the new Transporter truly shines. VW has ditched the utilitarian feel of yesteryear and replaced it with a sleek, car-like interior. The redesigned dashboard features a crisp touchscreen infotainment system that wouldn't look out of place in a swanky SUV. High-quality materials, supportive seats, and ample headroom ensure even the longest journeys are comfortable.
The cargo space is abundant, with multiple configurations, wheelbases, and roof heights to choose from. Whether you're a builder needing to haul tools and materials, a family embarking on a grand adventure, or a courier delivering parcels, there's a Transporter to suit your needs. The clever FlexiVan system allows you to configure the load area quickly and easily, with removable seats and adjustable bulkheads providing maximum flexibility. The payload for the Volkswagen Transporter is between 688 - 1,278 kg, and the load volume is between 5.8 - 6.7 m³. The load length is 2,572 - 2,975 mm, and the Load width is 1,700 mm.
The new Volkswagen Transporter has undergone a dramatic interior makeover, transforming it from a utilitarian cabin to a surprisingly sleek and comfortable space. Gone are the days of endless stretches of grey plastic. The new Transporter welcomes you with a modern two-tone dashboard featuring high-quality materials and soft-touch finishes. The redesigned steering wheel feels substantial in your hands, and the driver's seat offers excellent adjustability, ensuring you find the perfect driving position.
Dominating the centre console is a crisp touchscreen infotainment system. Gone are the fiddly buttons and knobs; everything is now controlled intuitively through the touchscreen or the multifunction steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, keeping you connected and entertained on the go.
Whether you're facing a long motorway haul or navigating city streets, the new Transporter's seats are designed for comfort. The supportive bolsters keep you snug during sharp turns, while the adjustable lumbar support ensures your back doesn't complain. Even the passenger bench is surprisingly comfortable, making every journey a pleasure, not a chore.
Storage Savvy. VW hasn't forgotten about practicality. The cabin is packed with clever storage solutions, from hidden compartments in the dashboard to generous door pockets and overhead shelves. There's even a handy pull-out drawer under the driver's seat, perfect for stashing away paperwork or tools.
Three trim levels are available: Startline, Highline and Sportline.
The Startline comes equipped with various features, including Crosswind Assist, an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, a Brake Assist system, Front Assist with a City Emergency Braking System, and Electromechanical steering. It also boasts a Composition Colour DAB+ radio system with a 6.5-inch touch screen and four loudspeakers, an SD card slot, Bluetooth hands-free, and two USB interfaces (type-C) on the dashboard. Additionally, it features electrically adjustable and heated exterior door mirrors and daytime running lights.
Moving up to the Highline models, which include all the Startline features and add body-coloured exterior door mirror housings, door handles, and bumpers. These models offer automatic headlight activation with separate daytime running lights, leaving home and manual coming home functions, electrically foldable exterior door mirrors, windshield wiper intermittent control with a rain sensor, and a climatic air conditioning system. Highline models also include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with a speed limiter, Front Assist with a City Emergency Braking System, an Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring in the cab, backup horn, towing protection, Safelock, and parking sensors at the front and rear.
The Sportline models, positioned at the top of the range, combine the practicality of the Transporter 6.1 with a robust 204PS 2.0 BiTDI engine featuring a 7-speed DSG. The Sportline's exclusive body kit, which includes a distinctive front bumper, striking 18" alloy wheels, and a unique spoiler at the rear, gives it a commanding presence on the road. Standout features include Sportline badging throughout, an eye-catching contrast grille strip in red, and illuminated sidebars, making the Transporter 6.1 Sportline a truly distinctive choice.
The Volkswagen Transporter might be a workhorse, but that doesn't mean it skimps on power and performance. The T6.1 model packs a punch under its redesigned bonnet, offering a range of engines and setups to suit every need, from nipping through city streets to tackling rural terrain.
The Transporter primarily relies on trusty turbocharged diesel engines, available in three power outputs:
- 90hp: This base option is ideal for budget-conscious drivers or those who mainly navigate urban environments. It offers decent fuel economy but might feel sluggish with a hefty load.
- 110hp and 150hp: These mid-range options strike a good balance between fuel efficiency and performance. They handle highway driving with ease and offer adequate pulling power for most jobs.
- 199hp and 204hp (Twin-turbo): For those who need a bit more muscle, these top-tier engines deliver impressive power and torque. They're perfect for hauling heavy loads, tackling steep inclines, or towing a trailer.
All engines come paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission as standard. However, a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission is available on most models, offering added comfort and convenience, especially in stop-start traffic.
While the Transporter isn't exactly built for sports car handling, it surprises with its agility for its size. The revised suspension provides a decent balance between comfort and control, while the precise steering makes manoeuvring in tight spaces a breeze. But remember, physics still applies, so don't expect to be carving up corners like a hot hatch.
Whether you're delivering parcels, hauling tools, or embarking on a weekend adventure, the new Volkswagen Transporter is a capable and stylish companion that won't let you down. So, if you're after a van that can handle the daily grind with a smile, the Volkswagen Transporter is still the king of the cargo castle.
The Volkswagen Transporter is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £35,652.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £369.10.
If you're considering leasing a Volkswagen Transporter, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a Volkswagen Transporter can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.
