The Volkswagen Transporter can trace its lineage right back to the old ‘VeeDub Splitty’ of the late 1950s and early 1960s and has earned itself a tremendous reputation over the years for build quality and longevity you just have to look at the huge number of T4’s on the roads today. The Transporter slots in between the smaller Caddy and the larger LT and is VW's offering in the large panel van section. The T4 first hit our streets in 1990 and its successor the T5 has seen more improvements. Looks wise there is no difference from the outside although one of the key objectives was to make the Transporter bigger. Available in three roof heights and two wheelbases producing a range of four gross vehicle weights, with payloads from approximately 800kg to 1,400kg. These are further complemented by load compartment volumes ranging from 5.8m3 to 9.3m3. Inside the load area, you’ll find six or eight load lashing rings, according to wheelbase, to secure your load. When further capacity is needed, another useful feature is that the dual passenger seat back folds forward to help create extra space when carrying a longer load except when an optional bulkhead is fitted. Body options include a second sliding door, to add flexibility when loading or unloading, and a rear tailgate instead of the standard unglazed twin rear doors, which optionally open to an angle of 250° on long wheel base models.Volkswagen has stuck with the existing direct injection configuration and the result is the TDI Pump Duse. Two engines are available the 1.9-litre engine in 84PS or 102PS form while the 2.5-litre TDI is available with a 130PS output or a 174PS. Two gear boxes are available either a six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth Tiptronic-style semi-automatic. The Transporter models are named according to their engine and gross vehicle weight, so once you've understood the basic mechanics it's easier to track down that van.
German cars and vans all feature seats which at first feel a little hard and upright and the Transporter is no exception. It’s only after a couple of hundred miles behind the wheel without a back twinge that you come to realise that these seats are very good indeed and that maybe you were wrong to pre-judge them. As with most other Volkswagens, the Transporter has excellent ride and handling characteristics and offers a lively performance even without a load the steering is positive and the ride comfortable. You could be forgiven for thinking you are not actually in a commercial vehicle so quiet is the ride and engine noise. The fascia looks smart with many switches and buttons carried over from VW's passenger cars, which are well placed and easy to operate. The instruments are clear and easy to read and get soothing blue backlighting; the gearstick is in the centre of the dash, rather than fixed to the floor and is easy to operate. Storage options are plenty for all manner of bits and bobs and a lockable glove box is handy for security. Following the latest trend the gear stick is in the centre console and easy to reach. You could easily be in a people carrier such is the refinement and simplicity of the cabin. Every model has as standard remote central locking, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height, and adjustable driver's seat, drivers' airbag and ABS brakes. The Transporter is one of the most reliable vans on the road, so hopefully those expensive VW parts won’t be required very often.
