Volkswagen LT (96-06) - Review

The LT panel van appeared in this format in 1996 and has only just been replaced by the Crafter, by which time it was definitely showing its age against the opposition. It was big, tough and capable and was rather overlooked by its brother the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which as a shame as in most respects it is just as capable. It does mean, however, that used prices are likely to be lower than those for the Sprinter, so there are bargains to be had. A variety of diesel engines offering a raft of power outputs were on offer and all featured rear wheel drive. Gross vehicle weights ranged from 2.8 tonnes to 4.6 tonnes.

As the years ticked by and the new millennium dawned, van cabs were changing rapidly, with features such as CD players, airbags and air conditioning increasingly being offered as standard. The LT never quite kept up with these trends and as such, a radio/cassette player came as standard but little else in the way of creature comforts. However, the driver’s seat is a good one and features adjustments in all directions and the LT gives a commanding view of the road ahead.

Three wheelbases and two roof heights are on offer. All have power steering as standard, which makes for some easy handling. All models are capable performers although the LT suffers, like many vans, from a harsh ride unless there is a fair amount of weight in the back. Gearchanging was never the best in class as the LT features a long gearstick which looks like a furled umbrella, leading to notchy changes, especially on the way down. A 2.5-litre diesel unit is the main one used in the LT and pumps out 90bhp or 109bhp. There is also a rather dashing 2.8-litre version with 130bhp on offer and peak torque of 206lb-ft. It’s a real flyer but equally, the smaller output units prove quite adequate for every purposes.