New Volkswagen Transporter Hosts A Range of Powerplants

Volkswagen has unveiled the new T7 Transporter, with various powertrains and body styles available. That includes diesel, PHEV and battery electric drivetrains.

New Transporter uses the underpinnings of the latest Ford Transit Custom. Overseas there will be various 2.0L turbodiesels, two of which (110kW and 125kW) will be available with 4Motion AWD. And the top diesel gets an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The PHEV version uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a 16.5kWh lithium ion battery. There’s 171kW of system power that drives the front wheels. It is good for around 56km of emissions-free travel in town. 

Electric variants (eTransporter) have a rear-mounted motor, ranging in output from 100kW to 210kW. All utilise a 64kWh battery that should deliver a range of 334km, if Transit is anything to go by. Fast charging at up to 125kW is possible.

There are seemingly as many body variations as powerplants. 

The Transporter is available as a traditional panel van with three or five seats, a double-cab van with six seats or a nine-seat minibus (Shuttle). A tough-guy Panamericana version with special wheels, bumpers, wheel arch cladding and cloth seats will also be available overseas.

Unlike the current situation, a California camper variant based on the Transporter will not be offered. Volkswagen will use the Multivan as a basis henceforth.

Transporter body lengths range from 5050mm to 5450mm while maximum load volumes begin at 5.8 cubic metres and end at 9.0 cubic metres. New T7 has a wheelbase of 3100mm, a significant increase on its forebear. The width between the internal wheel housings also rises by 148mm to 1392mm, enough to fit a Euro pallet. Load lengths range from 2.6m to just over 3.0m. Transporter can tote payloads of up to 1330kg, and pull a 2800kg braked trailer.

VW’s T7 loadhauler borrows its 12-inch digital instrument panel and 13-inch infotainment touchscreen from the Transit Custom. USB-A and USB-C ports are fitted while a 230V outlet that can power an external device is an option. Regular features include wireless smartphone connectivity, LED headlights, keyless start and safety items like lane keeping assist, AEB and traffic sign recognition. The emergency brake and gear lever are now on the dash, optimising cabin space.

The new Transporter will launch here next year.