Reviews - Volkswagen

Overall Rating

The Volkswagen LT is VW's offering in the large panel van section. Up against stiff competition it has to justify the higher price tags as they hold there value so well. Large, good design and reliable engines it does tick boxes.

• Comfortable cabin
• Smooth ride with low engine noise
• Good range of standard equipment

• More expensive than competitors
• No change in exterior since 1990 launch
• Stayed with older diesel engineering

The Transporter is not the most inspiring van around to look at, drivers will be pleased to find the inside had been given a bit more thought. Storage options are plenty for all manner of bits and bobs and a lockable glove box is handy for security. Following the latest trend the gear stick is in the centre console and easy to reach. You could easily be in a people carrier such is the refinement and simplicity of the cabin. The piece de resistance of this van though is the performance on the road, even without a load the steering is almost perfect and the ride comfortable. You could be forgiven for thinking you are not actually in a commercial vehicle so quiet is the ride and the engine noise is quieter than any van I have been in. Every model has as standard remote central locking, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height, and adjustable driver's seat, drivers' airbag and ABS brakes. The T4 first hit our streets in 1990 and its successor the T5 Transporter has seen improvements. Looks wise there is no difference from the outside although one of the key objectives was to make the Transporter bigger. At 4,890mm long, 1,904mm wide and 1,969mm high, in short-wheelbase/low-roof form, the T5 Transporter is 183mm longer, 64mm wider and 29mm higher than the equivalent T4. Available in three roof heights and two wheelbases producing a range of load cubes spanning from 5.9 to 8.4 cubic meters. Payloads of between 795 and 1,245kg depending on your choice of body style and engine. As well as the panel vans there are chassis cabs, double cabs and the Transporter Shuttle. Volkswagen has stuck with the existing direct injection configuration and the result is the TDI Pump Duse. Two engines are available the 1.9-litre engine in 85PS or 104PS form while the 2.5-litre TDI is available with a 130PS output or a 174PS monster. A six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth Tiptronic-style semi-automatic. The Transporter models are named according to their engine and gross vehicle weight, so once you've understood the basic mechanics it's easier to track down that van.

Some of the best engines in its class. This vans interior and drive is like an MPV at the front with a good loading space in the back. Nothing special in the looks department but it?s not ugly.