New VW Transporter available with up to 286hp
Pre-sales of the next-generation model have already kicked off in Germany
We’re still some way away from being properly introduced to the new Transporter - the successors to the current Transporter 6.1 and Caravelle 6.1 aren’t expected to launch till 2025 - and yet it’s a measure of how crucial the next generation model is to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles that in Germany customers will be able to pre-order one from today. ‘Early birds can benefit from a lower starting price’, its maker suggests, excitedly.
That there will be many birds, both early and late, is a measure of the Transporter’s success - not least its capacity for generating a sizeable cult following. The new model is doubly important because it really is all-new: underneath it will get a platform co-developed with Ford to offer not only more load capacity and a higher payload, but also the option of diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains for the first time.
Additionally, Volkswagen says that the decision not to use the Transporter as a basis for ‘purely privately used vehicles and recreational vehicles’ - i.e. the new California - has helped to maximise its capabilities as a commercial vehicle. The latest model will be longer, wider and with a wheelbase increased by 97mm over the outgoing version, allowing for more cargo (up to 1.3 tonnes on the standard TDI) and additional space for occupants.
It will be available in a wide range of body styles, including as a panel van, panel van Plus (i.e. with a second row of seats), a Kombi and a double cab. There will also be a new Caravelle, although not till a later date. Some variants can be optioned with a higher roof and extended wheelbase, and all will come as standard with a new digital cockpit that features a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen alongside a 12-inch instrument cluster display.
The pre-sales of the Transporter will kick off with the diesel variants, available in 110hp, 150hp and 170hp outputs. All are front-drive as standard, though the more powerful versions offer all-wheel drive as an option. VW says these will be followed by an as yet unspecified plug-in hybrid system with an outright output of 233hp, as well as four derivatives of the all-electric eTransporter with 116hp, 136hp, 218hp and what sounds like a decidedly punchy 286hp.
Aside from the base model - which must make do with a 54kWh battery - all will come with an 83kWh battery. No word on range just yet, but VW says that every eTransporter will be rear-drive from launch (with a 4Motion option planned for a later date). No word on UK availability either, but expect to hear a good deal more about the incoming Transporter in the new year. If you’d like a hint on pricing, Germany’s so-called ‘early birds’ will benefit from a starting price of 36,780 euros (around £32k) for a standard entry-level diesel model.
https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/...
It seems like every new car/ van from them is aplatform share. I know they have been doing this since the Galaxy/ Sharan but it does seem an ever broader and deeper collaboration.
- Amarok on Ranger platform
- Transporter on Transit platform
in return Ford was meant to basing all of its future passenger cars on the VW MEB platform
However, it seems Ford is not happy about that (too expensive ?)
Also of note, VW is building some BEV's for China off an XPeng platform (because MEB cars are too expensive ?)
I have to say it does not seem VW's electric vehicle plans are going well (high end PPE platform looks rather better for Audi & Porsche)
But wait 'till you hear about the insane torque it puts out, without making any brmmbrmm noises!
It seems like every new car/ van from them is aplatform share. I know they have been doing this since the Galaxy/ Sharan but it does seem an ever broader and deeper collaboration.
Based on the "top 10" selling list then I'd assumed Tesla or Kia/Hyundai or even MG might have been ahead of VW Group. I guess in favour of VW group they have SEAT, Skoda, VW and Audi all to add together, so even if individual models don't sell that well, they've got a lot of models !
VW has completely lost its way.
I’m more worried there doesn’t appear to be a Kombi in the photo!
Efa
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