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THE EVOLIT ON'S HERE
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If awards were given out for time-served LCVs, the VolkswagenTransporter.with 53 years' service to call on, might just take first prize. Previous models have even gained cult status:in fact the old air-cooled Type 2 bus is still being built in Brazil.
Now in its fifth-generation and known collectively as the T5. the new model range is virtually unrecognisable from the flowery hippy-mobile of old.And as times move on.the Transporter's role has evolved. Rather than an early people carrier, it's now seen as a fully fledged commercial vehicle. albeit less popular than the Ford Transit and Vauxhall Vivaro.
The previous model stuck around for 13 years. and while it didn't pose any great threat to the class leaders, it carved out a niche as a dependable vehicle incorporating traditional Volkswagen values such as reliability and strong build quality.
The new model's arrival heralds the launch of a broad range of permutations.There are two wheelbases — the smaller offers either a 2.8 or 3.0-tonne GVW, while the larger goes up to 3.2 tonne&These come with three roof heights and four engine options, giving the Transporter plenty of scope. All powerplants are turbo diesel— there are no plans fo petrol units — starting with a litre, tuned to 84 or 103hp. A litre is offered with 128 or a large 172hp.The smaller-eni models come with a five-spe manual box, while the 2.5s g six-speed shifter.
Although the 15 is launch with a small wheelbase only will be a single and double c cab and a Kombi — a mix of I area and a second set of seal — later.All Transporters are wheel drive, and the suspen is fully independent. Stanch equipment now includes Al driver's airbag. a radio-cas& and traction control.
The range consists of fou vehicle weights, designated T28,T30 and T32, with payl of approximately 800kg. IA 1200kg and 1.400kg.These further complemented byl compartment volumes ran from 5.8m3 to 9.3m3. Prices £12.820 ex-VAT for the 841 1.9-litre T28 SWB panel va go up to £17,120 for the 17: litre T30 SWB Kombi.
On the road
From the outside, the "I1 an! seems quite conservative i design.Volkswagen has ph safe by sticking to a more
shape than that of some of its rivals, but its style should not date as quickly, either.This is a commercial vehicle, after all, and the Transporter's shape is likely to keep its looks over the long term.
Climbing inside.you're greeted by an all-new cabin.A rather attractive dash houses logically positioned and well laid-out switchgear, more car than van-like in desip.This is complemented by the light grey seats and twotone door panels.
On the road the van feels very solid and unshakeable.This is emphasised by its handling, which produces a positive turn-in through corners and a surprising lack of body roll. Even when pushed, the Transporter takes the extra speed in its stride, even lithe 128 and 172hp engines can feel a bit gruff. and the steering gives positive feedback.
Another revelation is the dash-mounted gearstick. Volkswagen has made much of the revised transmission and it does not disappoint. A very short throw is combined with a light and positive shift, emphasising the shortcomings of rivals' floor-mounted systems. On motorways,engine noise is satisfyingly insulated and the vehicle feels well planted.
In conclusion
Overall. its hard to find fault with the Transporter. Granted, the test vehicles on this introductory assessment were short-wheelbase, low-roofed models with only half loads,so larger versions are likely to produce less dynamic results However, the excellent build and standard ABS — not to mention the comfortable cabin all bode for a long and happy career for the T5.