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Volkswagen individuals have dubbed this the ‘12 months of the van’ – and so they weren’t mendacity.
The brand new T7 Transporter vary has simply landed in Australia – an all-new technology for the favored industrial van – with loads of variants to make sure nearly each need and want is catered for.
The German automobile large now boasts a minimum of 9 van fashions and three utes (should you play alongside and settle for the Amarok and Amarok cab-chassis as completely different fashions), together with its personal Crafter Kampervan made by Jayco – obtainable completely by means of VW dealerships.
Whereas Australia has seen the primary few waves of budget-friendly Chinese language vans hitting the market, Volkswagen’s lineup is firmly on the premium finish, concentrating on patrons who need greater than only a metallic field on wheels – and competing towards the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Ford.
Talking of Ford, it’s price noting that the most recent Transporter was born from a current industrial car deal between the Blue Oval and Volkswagen – with the Amarok and the Transporter primarily based on the Ranger and Transit Customized, respectively.
Which isn’t any unhealthy factor. The Ranger is the market chief in utes, and – after reviewing it just lately – the Transit Customized could also be probably the greatest industrial vans of this dimension in current historical past. Which, I suppose, truly means probably the greatest ever.
In contrast to Ford, nevertheless, Volkswagen is delaying the discharge of its plug-in hybrid mannequin in Australia till 2026, as a substitute providing patrons a selection of diesel or pure electrical energy to start with.
However whereas Volkswagen put its personal huge stamp on the Amarok – arguably making it higher – it appears that evidently affect might not be fairly as important on the Transporter.
So, earlier than we’ve ever stepped into it, we all know the bones of the Transporter are rattling good. It’s only a query of whether or not Volkswagen have improved on it, or over-complicated issues by desirous to make the mannequin its personal.
How a lot does the Volkswagen Transporter price?
Opening the Volkswagen Transporter vary is the short-wheelbase TDI390, priced from $58,590 earlier than on-road prices, with the range-topping eTransporter BEV415 bookending the lineup at $85,590 earlier than on-road prices.
Regardless of being primarily the identical beneath the pores and skin, the entry-level Transporter is $2000 greater than the Transit Customized.
On the different finish is the the Volkswagen eTranspoter, which makes use of a extra highly effective electrical motor on the rear axle in comparison with the E-Transit Customized – providing 210kW and 415Nm, versus 171kW and 320Nm on the Ford. So it’s not completely an apples-for-apples comparability for every variant.
Consumers even have a selection of the usual van, together with a Crewvan – with as much as six seats – in addition to a six-seater dual-cab with factory-fitted aluminium tray.
Whereas Volkswagen affords its personal particular Jayco-made campervan, it recognises its Transporter is among the hottest platforms in Australia for campervan conversions, and so the model now affords a selected camper-ready Transporter.
These wanting a Transporter campervan can even select to undergo considered one of Volkswagen’s companions – which embrace Jayco, Trakka, Bayline Campers, Frontline Campervans, Horizon Motorhomes, and Campervans Australia – which means the conversion has been authorized by VW, and your complete car will probably be backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Transporter TDI390 SWB FWD | $58,590 |
| Transporter TDI390 LWB FWD | $60,590 |
| Transporter TDI390 4Motion SWB AWD | $62,590 |
| Transporter TDI390 4Motion LWB AWD | $64,590 |
| eTransporter BEV415 SWB RWD | $83,590 |
| eTransporter BEV415 LWB RWD | $85,590 |
To see how the Volkswagen Transporter traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
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What’s the Volkswagen Transporter like on the within?
The cabin of the Volkswagen Transporter is acquainted, each by way of it being nearly equivalent to the Ford Transit Customized, but in addition as a result of – oddly sufficient – it genuinely seems like a new-generation Transporter, reasonably than a easy and apparent rebadge.
All the pieces’s been designed across the driver, with each the infotainment display and digital instrument cluster being comparatively straightforward to learn and navigate.
Like on the Amarok, the Transporter makes use of a selected VW steering wheel, which makes the cabin really feel that rather more like an actual Volkswagen, and elevates the expertise considerably.
The motive force’s ergonomics are additionally excellent, providing a extra relaxed seating place – akin to a small SUV, and fewer like industrial vans of the previous.
Nonetheless, my one primary gripe with the Transit Customized additionally carries over to the Transporter, being that the automated gear selector knob lives the place a right-hand indicator stalk can be – and works in the identical means – making it very straightforward to knock the automobile into impartial whenever you’re intending on turning left.
Why Volkswagen didn’t work with Ford to make use of the identical shifter stalk because the ID. Buzz Cargo – which doesn’t replicate an indicator, however as a substitute twists – I’ll by no means know.
It’s additionally price noting that the passenger isn’t particularly effectively catered for. The seat doesn’t permit for any adjustment, and all Transporters have a set passenger sunvisor that can not be decoupled and used on the door window, because of the entrance airbag being fitted to the roof lining.
However there’s quite a bit to love inside. The comparatively mild and spacious inside of the Transporter makes it an inviting place to be – little doubt interesting to those that must spend extra a few hours behind the wheel.
The supplies are hardy with out being too low cost, and the Volkswagen strikes stability between consolation, perform, and longevity.
The infotainment system is straightforward to work, connecting with my cellphone rapidly. It’s most likely price noting that Volkswagen calls it a four-speaker stereo, after they imply it has two mid-bass woofers and two tweeters. Nonetheless, it’s surprisingly good and will probably be greater than sufficient for most individuals.
Apparently, whereas Ford affords the Transit Customized Path with fake leather-based and funky design parts, it seems from the skin as if the Volkswagen ID.Buzz exists to cater for patrons wanting extra consolation and elegance.
Out again, the Transporter affords between 5.8 and 6.8m3 of cargo house – or roughly three and 4 euro pallets respectively – with payloads of between 760kg and 1062kg, relying on the variant. These figures place it squarely between the smaller ID. Buzz Cargo and the bigger Crafter in Volkswagen’s industrial lineup.
| Dimensions | Volkswagen Transporter |
|---|---|
| Size | 5050-5450mm |
| Width | 2275mm |
| Peak | 1978mm |
| Wheelbase | 3100-3500mm |
| Cargo capability | 5.8-6.8m3 |
To see how the Volkswagen Transporter traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Consumers have the choice of two powertrains initially – the primary being a 2.0-litre ‘TDI390’ turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine making 125kW of energy and 390Nm of torque, which can be discovered within the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger.
| Specs | Volkswagen Transporter TDI390 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo-diesel 4cyl |
| Energy | 125kW |
| Torque | 390Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive kind | FWD/AWD |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 7.9-8.4L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 70L |
| Gasoline requirement | Diesel |
| Braked tow capability | 2300-2800kg |
The TDI390 is mated to an eight-speed computerized transmission powering the entrance wheels, although patrons can step as much as the Transporter 4Motion, which affords all-wheel drive for additional traction. Useful for individuals who journey in heavy rain, unsealed roads, or alpine areas.
Whereas the plug-in hybrid has been delayed till 2026, we all know that mannequin will put out 171kW and 205Nm in complete – the identical because the Ford Transit Customized PHEV.
These needing lower than 330km of driving vary per day could also be extra within the eTransporter, which makes use of a 64kWh battery to feed a 210kW/415Nm electrical motor driving the rear wheels.
| Specs | Volkswagen eTransporter BEV415 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 64kWh |
| Energy | 210kW |
| Torque | 415Nm |
| Drive kind | RWD |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 26.2-23kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 330km |
To see how the Volkswagen Transporter traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the Volkswagen Transporter drive?
On the native launch of the T7, Volkswagen gave us the chance to pattern nearly all of its industrial van vary – which means the Caddy, ID. Buzz Cargo, and Crafter, in addition to a number of all-new Transporter variants.
And whereas they’re all excellent at what they do, it actually highlighted how superior the T7 Transporter is in comparison with most industrial vans on the market.
The TDI390 engine is kind of versatile and elastic for a turbo-diesel, offering first rate response and acceleration in metropolis site visitors – probably helped by the eight-speed computerized transmission, which is barely noticeable more often than not.
Diesel engines historically have a narrower rev vary in comparison with petrol engines, so the additional cogs permit the Transporter to make sure it’s at all times tapping into its torque band so you possibly can benefit from these gaps in site visitors.
On the street, there’s a little bit of noise and vibration – which is anticipated for what is actually a giant metallic field – but it surely’s nothing egregious, as was the case with vans of yesteryear.
The eTransporter, then again, affords a extra relaxed driving expertise, due to the shortage of vibration and relative silence from the electrical powertrain.
Volkswagen clearly has the benefit over the E-Transit Customized, with the eTransporter boasting extra energy and torque from its electrical motor, and it reveals.
Squeezing the throttle has the eTransporter propelling itself to the pace restrict rapidly, whereas remaining planted and composed. Nearly 100Nm of additional torque in comparison with the E-Transit Customized isn’t any small factor, and the battery – mounted beneath the cargo space – retains the van’s centre of gravity good and low.
On the freeway, it was calm and composed, monitoring straight and permitting the driving force to focus on their route by means of the advanced Sydney tunnels.
However it’s the experience and dealing with which can be the standout options of the brand new T7 Transporter – whatever the engine.
It must be one of many best-riding industrial autos on sale, providing a stage of consolation you’ll count on from a passenger automobile.
Navigating industrial, airport, college, and purchasing site visitors close to Botany Bay, the Transporter proved its price – absorbing bumps from outdated and crumbly roads, gliding over pace humps in residential streets, and zipping by means of tight again roads of commercial areas.
That is due to the Transporter having unbiased rear suspension – a rarity on this phase.
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Whereas it doesn’t examine to an precise sports activities automobile, for a industrial van the turn-in and roadholding are rattling good.
It appears advances in engineering and expertise now imply van house owners can have their cake and eat it, too. Which is to say, a industrial car that rides and handles effectively, however can even take greater than a tonne of payload when referred to as for. It’s spectacular stuff.
To see how the Volkswagen Transporter traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
2026 Volkswagen Transporter gear highlights:
- 16-inch metal wheels
- 215/65R16C tyres
- Metal spare wheel/non permanent spare wheel (4Motion)
- LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- LED tail-lights
- Single sliding left-hand door
- Metallic bulkhead with window, load-through hatch
- Roof racks
- Material upholstery
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- Single driver’s arm relaxation
- Heated outboard entrance seats
- Underneath-seat stowage compartment
- 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- FM radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- 12-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- 7 x USB ports
- Single-zone local weather management
- Push-button begin
Is the Volkswagen Transporter secure?
It’s probably we’ll see a security score issued for the brand new Volkswagen Transporter within the close to future, however in the intervening time, the car is simply too new to have been independently assessed.
Nonetheless, its unidentical twin, the Ford Transit Customized, has acquired a comparatively excessive rating of 96 per cent total – incomes it a ‘Platinum’ standing (the very best obtainable) by the Australasian New Automobile Evaluation Program (ANCAP).
The van – fitted with a Blue Oval, reasonably than a VW badge – additionally acquired ‘Good’ scores throughout all classes, with ANCAP saying the Transit Customized “units the benchmark for fitment and efficiency, reaching a near-perfect rating in security assessments”.
Customary security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Intersection help
- Reverse AEB
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot help
- Evasive steering help
- Lane preserve help
- Lane centring help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Protected exit warning
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Reversing digicam with 180-degree view
- Entrance, rear parking sensors
- Entrance, front-side, and curtain airbags
To see how the Volkswagen Transporter traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Volkswagen Transporter price to run?
Volkswagen has service intervals of 12 months or 30,000km for each the diesel Transporter and electrical eTransporter, with service pricing obtainable for the primary 5 years.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Volkswagen Transporter/eTransporter |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 12/24 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 30,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual service price | $776/$427.20 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $3880/2136 |
These sorts of lengthy intervals can imply much less downtime for couriers racking up the miles annually, nevertheless, it may be price contemplating interim oil modifications each 15,000km for higher resale worth and longevity outdoors of Volkswagen’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Except the 36-month service, at $496, the eTransporter’s providers are price $410 for every go to, whereas servicing the diesel Transporter will price between $670 and $892.
To see how the Volkswagen Transporter traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Transporter
Maybe predictably, the 2026 Volkswagen Transporter is each bit as succesful and cozy because the Ford on which it’s primarily based – which may be very, excellent.
Whereas the bottom mannequin Transporter is $2000 costlier than its Ford counterpart, you gained’t start seeing any tangible profit till you step as much as an eTransporter, which affords a much more usable and satisfying powertrain due to the extra efficiency.
However, arguably, there’s something a bit of extra mature concerning the Volkswagen’s design in comparison with the Ford’s. Skilled tradies could discover the styling – and perhaps even the badge – tasks a extra respectable look to the world and their clientele.
Finally, the Transporter is arguably probably the greatest industrial vans within the phase, due to its comfy cabin, powertrain choices, and its class-leading experience and dealing with – with the eTransporter being even higher.
Should you’ve been a Transporter loyalist or your van is getting a bit lengthy within the tooth – otherwise you’re making an attempt to resolve on a snug and versatile campervan – the brand new T7 ought to be someplace close to the highest of your shortlist.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Volkswagen Transporter. Click on right here to get an excellent deal.
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MORE: Discover the Volkswagen Transporter showroom
