Volkswagen Transporter: all-new seventh gen gains more space and more powertrains

The all-new seventh-generation Volkswagen Transporter is here, and it’s gained some interesting new styling traits to match the increased space, payload and towing capacity. You’ll also likely have access to an even wider spectrum of funky colours now - the single most important quality in a medium-sized work/recreational van.

Three powertrain choices can be had from the off: a turbo-diesel that ranges between 109 and 168bhp, a plug-in hybrid with 229bhp or a triumvirate of electric motors. Those will float from 134 to 282bhp and will be supported by an even smaller battery alternative at some point in the future.

Other key details include an eight-speed automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive on most versions, with all-wheel drive also available as an option. Anyway, all this fettling means the new Transporter can also lug around more weight - now 2.8 tonnes (0.3 more than its predecessor).

Externally, the boxy shape has grown in size by 146mm in length and 128mm in width, though it still sits below two metres, so low bridges should continue to cause a minimal rise in blood pressure. Other styling traits include redesigned light signatures at both ends and a choice of between 17 and 19in alloys. Looks good, innit? Friendly. Comforting.

And, as with any Transporter, Volkswagen will offer several body type variations. That includes ‘Kombi’ (passenger transport), ‘Panel Van’ (additional load compartment for goods) and a nine-seat ‘Caravelle’, among others. 

You can then further customise your underlayer with more wheelbase length or higher roofs if you so wish. No mention of a 23-window version though, *sob*, but there will be a retro-fied ‘Pan America’ for the artsy types. 

You’ll probably tire of hearing the word ‘customise’ by the time we’re through with this story, but you can, er, customise the interior pretty much to your heart’s content. From standard, you do get a 12in digital cluster and 13in infotainment screen, while a multifunction steering wheel will be used to… do many things. 

The handbrake lever has also been ditched for a switch, while a stop/start button replaces the use of a conventional key. Because who likes the extra effort that comes with using one of those, right?

Volkswagen has also woven in some smart space-saving measures to unlock extra cupholders and cubbyholes. It also means there’s a bit more room for additional (and various) USB ports which have a total output of up to 230V, and as many as 14 speakers as part of the audio kit. May as well cancel those Kendrick Lamar tickets, then.

A price list has yet to be released for the new Transporter, but expect the most basic models to start at around £30,000 - scaling to several brackets higher depending on how you spec and trim your chosen body type.