Volkswagen Transporter review

Because the Transporter is natively front-wheel drive, grip levels aren't at the mercy of your payload like in rear-drive commercial vehicles. So it drives little differently whether it's empty or full. And it’s a truly comfy and easy-going thing to drive at that, and genuinely good fun to hustle around empty. We’ve driven less sprightly feeling hot hatches, particularly when you go for the full-fat 201bhp powertrain with the DSG ‘box. 

Heck, the Sportline in short-wheelbase form will do 0-62mph in just 8.9 seconds. It gets independent rear suspension too, and all round there’s Eibach lowering springs that are 30mm shorter than those on a Startline or Highline Transporter. It really does handle well, and not just for a van. 

What else do I need to know?

Much like the Californias we’ve driven previously, it’s all reassuringly car-like too. There’s a tad more aural hubbub here – carrying around a huge hollow box behind you tends to do that – but the four-cylinder engine is smooth and you can maintain a motorway cruise and hold a hands-free phone conversation without issue. Not a given in supposedly plusher cars.

What’s it like in a more basic spec?

We’ve not just driven the T6.1 in Sportline trim. We’ve also tested a joyously workmanlike Startline 2.0 TDI 110PS (the least powerful option available) in its shortest, lowest form, with five gears and very little flim-flam anywhere.

Our relatively basic Transporter didn’t even feel bereft without a sixth gear, though I think you’d want one if you’ll be spending the vast majority of your time on motorways. But 42mpg fully loaded suggests it’s far from essential from an economical point of view. The six-speed manual by the way becomes available once you step up to 148bhp iterations.

This 108bhp tune has more than enough power though. It accelerates as briskly as you’d ever want or need fully laden and possesses some proper shove when empty that totally belies its modest peak outputs. The magic of vans is their torque, and the 184lb ft of this engine matches most junior hot hatches while being delivered at a paltry 1,400rpm. We never once craved one of the Transporter’s more muscular powertrains.