Volkswagen Transporter BlueMotion on test – a refined cost saver

Volkswagen Transporter BlueMotion T27 2.0-litre 116PS

What is it?

VOLKSWAGEN’s Transporter has long been a popular seller in the medium panel van sector, chasing the Transit for the number one slot. The Transporter got the BlueMotion treatment last year. BlueMotion improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions with the adoption of low-rolling-resistance tyres, engine start/stop function to save fuel at traffic lights, energy recuperation, and cruise control. Our test van was fitted with the 116PS version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TDI engine. Official combined economy is 44.8mpg compared with the 37.7mpg achieved by the standard 84PS model. Emissions are also improved at 166g/km, compared with 198g/km for the standard model. And the BlueMotion Transporter has an impressive potential range of up to 789 miles on one tank of fuel.

The Transporter is a very refined van that oozes quality and style. The cab’s very comfortable, the driving position excellent, controls crisp and instruments well designed and clear. The engine has bags of zip and its 250Nm of torque will whisk the Transporter from 0-62mph in 14.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 102mph – if you ever find yourself any place where that’s legal! Standard equipment is comprehensive and includes ABS, EBD and ESP, driver and passenger airbags, tyre pressure warning light, full driver’s seat adjustment, electric windows and door mirrors, radio/CD player and loads of storage.

Our test van had some extras including body-coloured bumpers (£435), Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded radio including AUX-in socket and mp3 compatibility with four speakers (£230), SE pack including climatic air-con, alarm, solid bulkhead and driver’s armrest (£970), and leather multi-function steering wheel, gearknob and gaiter (£290).  

What’s hot?

• Stylish interior and exterior design – good looks will do credit to your business
• Well-built, quality feel
• Excellent cab, controls and instruments
• Smooth, torquey engine
• High level of standard equipment
• BlueMotion offers good economy and low emissions
• Three years/100,000-mile warranty
• Good capacity loadspace with easy access and six tie-down rings in cargo space

 

What’s not

• The Transporter has much going for it making hard to fault. It exudes quality and looks good, but despite its stylish lines, it doesn’t match the new Transit for up-to-the-minute head-turning looks.

 

Business Vans verdict

The conclusion of our Volkswagen van review is that if you need a fast, comfortable and capable van for your business, and one that’s is clearly well built, then the Transporter BlueMotion should be high on your list – especially so, given the need to control costs and keep fuel spending down.

What you need to know

On the road price as tested (ex-VAT)	£22,687
Load length (max)	2,570mm
Load width (max)	1,692mm
Load height	1,410mm
Load capacity	5.8cu m
Payload	871kg
GVW	2,700kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked	1,800/750kg
Engine	2.0-litre, 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque	114PS/250Nm
Economy (combined)	44.8mpg
CO2 emissions	166/km