Volkswagen Transporter (03-09) - Review

Twin rear doors, two sliding side doors and a low sill for ease of loading. You get a choice of three roof heights and two wheelbases. Payload capacity ranges from 834kg to 1297kg and the area of the load space is between 5.8 to 9.3 cubic metres. There are two gross vehicle weight (GVW) options: 2600kg or 3000kg. It's a much improved space over the model it replaced in all respects. A minibus version - the Transporter Shuttle - is available as a cut price alternative to the Transporter-based Caravelle (see separate review).

Every Transporter comes with ABS, three-point seatbelts with height adjustment all round and a driver's airbag. Passenger airbag, twin side airbags and two curtain airbags are optional extras. Transporter window vans featuring 4MOTION have electronic stability programme and brake assist as standard. Remote central locking, deadlocks and a transponder immobiliser feature on all cars. A factory-fit alarm is optional.

On board dash computer determines the length of the service intervals; a service reminder is shown on the dashboard when it is due. Depending on the driving style and patterns, these intervals can be between 9,000 miles/1 year and a maximum of 18,000 miles/two years. The Transporter is a class leader for holding its value so you'd lose less in depreciation owning one of these than one of its rivals.

Been developed over many years, with proven engines and durable mechanicals. Problems should be few and far between. Feel solid with no squeaks or rattles.