MOTORING

Transporter doesn't change up a gear

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You won't get far in the UK without stumbling across a VW Transporter, lovingly modified or being used to haul kids, bikes and dogs around. But now VW reckons it's time for a change. Here's what we thought.

WHAT'S NEW?

There's not a single shared part between this and the old T6, which is incredible when you consider how little the Transporter had actually changed since 2003. This generation has been developed with a little help from Ford, and it's not hard to spot it's the Blue Oval's engineers who've won most of the design arguments. There's a new platform, engines, interior, and technology too. It's also grown considerably.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

There's a trio of 2.0-litre diesel engines, ranging from 108bhp to 167bhp, available with frontor all-wheel-drive. A petrol plugin hybrid is on the way, and there's a fully electric e-Transporter too. Our van is a mid-range 147bhp diesel, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This makes for an easy drive, and it's efficient. However, the Ford gearbox won't be winning over any diehard VW DSG fans. It's not as smooth, nor quick, to change gear, but it does the job, this is a van after all.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?