Go-further engines for new-style Transporter

January debut for new design VW Transporter

WE HAVE first details of the new Volkswagen Transporter van. The new VW Transporter range includes kombi, chassis cab and window van versions. Pictures we’ve seen show a revised exterior design featuring the new corporate grille. VW says the new van will offer significant advances in comfort, safety and refinement when it arrives in January 2010. Lower running costs are also promised thanks to a new range of common-rail TDI engines. These offer lower emissions and improved economy by an average of 10% across the range. A new exterior sports more aerodynamic door mirrors and a similar front grille and headlight design to that seen on the latest Volkswagen passenger cars. Under the bonnet is a new range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines. These TDI engines in the new Transporter are available with four power outputs:

• 84PS with 220Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm
• 102PS with 250Nm at 1,500 rpm
• 140PS with 340Nm at 1,750 rpm
• 180PS with 400Nm at 1,500 rpm

The engines are apparently quieter, more economical, and more efficient with lower emissions that now comply with the latest Euro V standards. To aid fuel economy, there is also a gear-shift recommendation display. Internal changes include many features from the latest Volkswagen passenger cars, such as new three-spoke steering wheels, new instruments and the latest audio and touchscreen navigation systems. New options include Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG gearbox, which will also be available later in 2010 with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Plus class-leading driver assist systems such as Volkswagen’s Side Assist lane change assistant, which uses LED lights in the door mirrors to warn if there is anything in the vehicle’s blind-spot. Also added is a reversing camera, and a new tyre monitor display, which can detect any decrease in tyre pressure. Other new safety features include anti-skid ESP, hill-start assist and an emergency braking system which automatically puts on the hazard warning lights, which will all be standard across the range. As yet we have no word on prices.