Volkswagen Transporter (10 on) - Review

The 2010 Volkswagen Transporter is a thorough revision of the T5 launched in 2003, although the changes are significant. Most important is a range of new, quieter and more fuel efficient engines. New technology, such as Bluetooth integration, is also available (although not from the vehicle's launch in January 2010), enhanced safety and for the first time 4Motion four-wheel drive is offered with a DSG automatic option. Competitive list prices and industry-leading residual values make the Transporter highly desirable as a new van, while used van customers are often prepared to pay premium prices.

Many people who have driven the previous version of the Transporter will experience a familiar feeling when sat in the driving seat of the 2010 model. Although the layout is familiar there have been some important changes. Switches have been upgraded to the latest Volkswagen parts, and the instruments are a more conventional red and white on black - no more blue back-lit dials. The radio is new with neater buttons and a more upmarket feel, plus you get a single CD player. Heating controls have similar been upgraded. The steering wheel is adjustable for height and rake, while door mirrors need adjusting by hand. The driver's seat is adjustable for height, lumbar, reach and rake, and it's a comfortable place to be for long journeys. There are a range of options too including sat nav, leather steering wheel and gear knob, fixed bulkheads, electric windows and air conditioning.

The Transporter is powered by the latest VW generation 2.0-litre turbo diesel which is both smooth and refined. It is offered in four different power outputs. The 84 and 102bhp come with a five-speed gearbox that is well-suited to the wide spread of power. Top gear can be hit at as little as 35mph, and there is plenty of pulling power that makes the Transporter nippy around town. The 102bhp version cruises easily on dual carriageways though top gear acceleration feels slow between 55-70mph. With a load on board the acceleration is slightly blunted and top cruising speed struggles to get beyond 80mph. The 140bhp and twin turbo-charged 180bhp models obviously offer more power but helped by the six-speed gearbox fuel economy is only 1 and 2mpg less respectively than the 102bhp model's 38mpg. Both higher power models can be ordered with the DSG automatic gearbox and/or VW's four-wheel drive system 4Motion. The Transporter's ride is impressive smoothing out major potholes and speed bumps so that any cargo gets a smooth ride. Heavy, bulky items does affect the handling though no more than you would expect of any panel van this size.