Volkswagen Transporter Diesel: test, size, engines, prices

It is not easy to become a recognizable icon for a commercial vehicle, but the Volkswagen Transporter It certainly succeeded. Through seven generations and 76 years of history, starting from the unmistakable first Bulli of 1949, the van of the Wolfsburg house is still the best -selling ever in its category today. The seventh generation, called T7, works on already established concepts and improves what was good on the previous one: it offers more load space, a complete equipment and powerful and efficient engines. Next to the tested diesel, the version also debut electricity and that plug-inthe latter not available before 2026. All at a price that remains competitive: the price list starts from 34,940 euros excluding VAT.

Volkswagen Transporter: Design, size, exterior

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The visual impact of the new Transporter is immediate: the new trapeze front mask with a horizontal line to separate the mouth stands out. The external forms are always those of the traditional Volkswagen van. The length has increased by over 14 cm compared to the previous generation T6.1: now the standard size version 5.05 meters and 3.10 meters of pace, while the elongated one arrives at 5.45 m and 3.50 m in pace. There are also two variants of height, from 2 and 2.48 m. A sliding door on the passenger side and the split tailgate and the swing and the swing tailgate is provided, but as an option the second driving side door and the standard rear tailgate are available.

Volkswagen Transporter: engines and autonomy

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The diesel engine remains at the base of the Transporter range: confirmed the 2.0 TDI shared with the Ford models and available in three power cuts from 110, 150 and 170 HP. The first is combined exclusively with six -speed manual transmissionwhile the second is also proposed with a automatic eight -speed and with 4motion all -wheel drive. Finally, only automatic for the more powerful version, also available on four driving wheels. Compared to the previous generation, the new platform shared with Ford sees the debut of a electric variant with four cuts of power, from 115 to 286 hpand of a Plug-in hybrid which will be available from 2026. It will combine a 2.5 four -cylinder engine with an electric for a combined power of 232 hp and will be equipped with a CVT automatic transmissionwhile zero battery emissions autonomy will be around 60 km.

Volkswagen Transporter: Interior and Technology

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The interiors have also been renewed, starting from the 12 “digital dashboard with customizable graphics and the 13” screen of theinfotainment Compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay in wireless mode. The standard configuration of the cabin provides three seatswith the passenger bench that can be replaced by a single seat that allows you to obtain a wider dashboard. In any case, the internal ergonomics are high, with large stowage spaces in the goalkeeper, an additional drawer in front of the passenger and a retractable holder in the lower part of the dashboard. The eight -speed automatic transmission lever is placed behind the steering. The central rear view mirror can be replaced as an option by a digital screen combined with a rear camera with a dashcam function. Well Four USB sockets available In the cabin: two in the lower part of the dashboard, one of which is a USB-A, and two in a large tank in front of the driver, USB-C with a recharging function. Among the accessories that can be added, the 230V socket under the driver’s seat also stands out. Being a vehicle designed for the workers, the transporter is based on the point and is proposed with the seats in manually adjustable fabric.

Volkswagen Transporter: the versions

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Versatility is one of the strengths of the Volkswagen Transporter and this is reflected in the wide choice of body configurations: there are 13 total, including the van for transporting caravels and special versions, some of which are not available in Italy . The van for freight transportas mentioned, is proposed in a short or long -step configuration and standard or raised roof. It is equipped as standard with windows with window and a sliding passenger side door, which can be requested with glass, but as an option there are a second driver’s side door and the single rear tailgate. The diesel version of the test can transport up to 1,326 kg of load, while the trailer capacity reaches 2,800 kg for the most powerful engine. The Transporter Kombi Instead, it is designed for those who use the vehicle both for transporting people and for goods or work equipment: it can be equipped with one or two files of additional three -seater seats, for a total of eight passengers plus the driver. By removing them, however, a large and configurable loading space is obtained. Finally, there is the version with cabinetexclusively with double six -seater cabin. It is built only on the basis of the long -wheelbase version and is equipped with a 2.17 m long rear body and 1.95 m wide.

Volkswagen Transporter: how it goes on the road

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During our contact with the diesel transporter, we traveled about 70 km around the Greek capital Athens on extra -urban roads with fast scrolling and with the load -free van. The engine, in this case the most powerful version from 170 HP and 390 Nm of torque With front -wheel drive, it turned out to be more than adequate to push the transporter at cruise speed. The consumption detected were contained, with an average of 6.9 l/100 km. The driving behavior is automotive and precise, with a soft steering that favors maneuvers, thanks also to the turn of 11.9 meters in the short step version. The soundproofing of the passenger compartment is good: the engine does not disturb, although it is not properly silent, while aerodynamic rustles are not felt.

Strengths and weaknesses

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Here’s what we liked more and what less than the new Volkswagen Transporter with diesel engine:

• Gamma: extremely wide, ranges from the classic van to the Kombi version for mixed transport, up to the wired frame;
• Motor: there is sufficient power for each use, especially in the 170 HP version;
• Consumption: content, even if during the test the vehicle was free of load;
• USB sockets: there are four in the passenger compartment, a USB-A and three USB-C, including two in a tank in front of the driver.

• Change: in the automatic version there are no palettes behind the wheel to change march;
• Special series: the range provides for several special versions, which however are not available in Italy.