Gary Worrall put the VW Transporter through its paces and found it offered plenty for the 'last mile' operators
By Gary Worrall | May 20, 2010
With the latest generation Volkswagen Transporter van available from dealers since its launch in March, ATN put one through its paces recently and found it offers plenty for the ‘last mile’ operators.
With a wheelbase of up to 3.4 metres, the Transporter has more than enough room for most deliveries but with the ability to access restricted travel areas such as urban and metropolitan regions where trucks are not allowed.
With sliding doors available on both sides and a standard highlift tailgate, the Transporter offers plenty of options for loading boxes and small items and offloading them by being able to pull into loading docks on either side of the vehicle.
The lack of a barn door option is probably the biggest downside to the Transporter.
Despite the healthy sized cargo area it is not possible to load a pallet because the tailgate does not open high enough to clear a forklift’s mast.
Despite this drawback, there is plenty to like about the mid-range VW.
It has a comfortable driving position and plenty of power from the 2.0 litre turbo diesel.
It is available in 75kW and 103kW outputs from the single turbo version or 32 kW from the range-topping twin turbo engine, which also scores a massive 400Nm of torque – enough to get the 3000kg gross weight up and running.
Tapping into Formula One technology, VW is offering drivers the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG clutchless AMT which offers smooth, rapid gearshifts.
Steering is well weighted and direct, with no noticeable dead spots.
The four-wheel discs have more bite than the tax office in July; even the slightest push of the pedal is enough to have the van washing off speed.
With optional seating for three – or the more usual two seats – the Transporter can be rigged for a variety of applications, particularly in the long wheelbase/high roof configuration.
For the full review of the Transporter, see the June edition of ATN.