- New VW Transporter officially unveiled
- First deliveries could arrive by the end of the year
- Plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains now available
- Full spec and price still to be confirmed
Volkswagen unveiled the next generation of its Transporter van on the opening day of the IAA Transportation show in Hanover Germany.
This all-new edition of the long-running Transporter series, built around the same base as the Ford Transit Custom, features enhanced practicality for commercial users and updated powertrains, including, for the first time, plug-in hybrid and electric options.
Commercial customers will benefit from greater payload capacity, increased cargo space, and improved towing capacity. The maximum payload has increased by 130kg over the outgoing model, peaking at 1.33 tonnes. There's also greater flexibility for hauling heavier loads, with the towing capacity now reaching 2.8 tonnes.
Inside, there are significant improvements focussing on ergonomics and ease of use for the driver. A combination of traditional buttons and switches and a new digital cockpit puts control at your fingertips.
As well as the traditional panel van, the new Transporter will also be available as a platform version with extended wheelbase, a crewbus for transporting passengers, and an innovative panel van 'plus' — this provides a full-length load bay with a reduced-width second row of seats to provide a potentially perfect balance between commercial and leisure use.
A more rugged, all-terrain PanAmericana version will also be offered, as will high-roofed and extended wheelbase versions, should you need increased flexibility or cargo space.
With an increasing focus on sustainability, Volkswagen has introduced fully electric and hybrid powertrains to the new Transporter line-up. Diesel-powered models will still be available, with three turbocharged engines ranging from 110hp to 170hp. An optional 8-speed automatic gearbox will be available for the more powerful TDI variants, and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system will be available for some models, too.
The eHybrid Transporter will produce an output of 232hp and will have an automatic gearbox as standard, while the e-Transporter, with its 64kWh battery capacity, will produce up to 286hp.
More specific details and pricing for the new Transporter models have not yet been made available, but it’s expected that the new model will start at around £35,000 plus VAT, with the first deliveries expected in the UK later this year.
Away from the IAA show, VW has also enlisted some celebrity help to plug the new Transporter in the form of Hollywood A-lister Jason Statham.
Actor Statham famously played the lead role in The Transporter film series that first launched in 2002 and he'll take the lead in VW's Transporter advertising.
Sandra Waidelich, Head of Sales & Marketing Experience at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, says: "We are thrilled to have Jason Statham as the face of our new campaign. Its energy and unmistakable style are a perfect match for our new Transporter, which is known for its robustness, reliability and innovative technology."
You can watch a special trailer below.
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