VW Transporter Kombi Trendline review: business van, say hello to people carrier

Volkswagen Transporter Kombi Trendline 2.0 TDI 140PS SWB

What is it?

AS Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ best-selling model in the UK –  and worldwide –  the VW Transporter needs little introduction. It slots neatly between the Caddy and the Crafter in the Volkswagen van range. And boy, does it have history: production began in 1950 and the vehicle is now in its fifth generation. More than 10 million Transporters have been produced since 1950. The latest generation T5 was launched in Europe in September 2009.

Owing to high demand for the ‘Kombi pack’ on the previous Transporter window van, Volkswagen now offers a stand alone Kombi model. The Kombi provides the flexibility of a panel van with seats for five as standard or, with the optional dual passenger seat, up to six people. Rear passengers have a sliding window in the side door and panel on opposite side, but the side panel behind them remains solid. It has a rear tailgate with heated rear window and wash/wiper, but this can be ordered without window, or with hinged wing doors (with or without windows). The VW Transporter Kombi is a handsome piece of kit with sleek looks and bags of style, both inside and out. The cab is comfortable and, with an extra row of seats behind and no bulkhead to separate the loadspace, the interior feels spacious and is more akin to a quality MPV than a van. In common with its standard Transporter stablemate, the driving position is first class with excellent visibility. Controls are precise and instruments are well designed and clear. It’s unmistakably all Volkswagen. The 140hp version of the 2.0-litre TDI engine is very responsive with 340Nm of torque. It’ll zip the Transporter quickly up to speed and on to a top speed of 108mph if you’re anywhere where that’s safe and legal.