Tag Archives: Transporter

VW T6 Transporter Chassis Cab

New Volkswagen Transporter Chassis Cab now available

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The VW Transporter has always been available in chassis cab form — a driving cab with a platform to the rear onto which a custom body can be built — but it’s always been a rare beast, especially in the UK.

The new T6 Transporter launched in panel van form in the UK in autumn 2015. Volkswagen has now announced the launch of the T6 Transporter Chassis Cab, which is now available to order in the UK.

VW T6 Transporter Chassis Cab

For the time being at least, the T6 chassis cab will only be available in long wheelbase format with a choice of crew cab or standard cab. Engine choice is restricted to VW’s 2.0TDI 140PS Euro 5 unit for the time being. Presumably a Euro 6 choice will be available before the 1 September 2016 deadline, after which all new vans will need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards. There will however be a choice of gearboxes, with buyers able to choose 6-speed manual or 7-speed automated DSG transmission.

The Transporter Chassis Cab will include the same standard features which are available across the Transporter range, including BlueMotion Technology as standard. This includes low rolling resistance tyres, regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems.

Other standard features include DAB+ digital radio, 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB connection. Volkswagen’s acclaimed Automatic Post-Collision Braking system is also standard. This automatically applies the brakes after a collision, reducing the risk or severity of a secondary impact.

Prices for the Transporter Chassis Cab start at £21,265 +VAT.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

Wind turbines create growing demand for 4×4 vans

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Continued growth in the number of onshore wind farms is seeing engineering giant Siemens expand its wind turbine engineering support team once more.

With more engineers comes a need for more vans, in this case vans with all-wheel drive and off-road capacity. Although a previous purchase was of Sprinter 4×4 vans, this time round Siemens has opted for Volkswagen Transporter 4MOTION vans, 20 of which will shortly be joining its UK fleet.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

According to Siemens, the fuel efficiency of the Transporter BlueMotion was a key factor, as was the van’s load capacity and 4-wheel drive option. Each Transporter has been equipped with bespoke racking to carry the equipment and spare parts essential for the commissioning and up-keep of the turbines.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

New Volkswagen Transporter & Caddy vans now available in UK dealers

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The latest versions of Volkswagen’s popular Transprter and Caddy vans made their debut appearance in UK dealerships today (7 Sept).

We covered the global launch of these vans earlier this year (Caddy & Transporter) but today is the first time that right-hand drive models have been made available in the UK.

Potential buyers can pre-book test drives on the VW website, but here are the key details of the new models.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

Prices start from £17,745 +VAT for the new Transporter, which is clearly an evolution of the T5 model.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is now available in the UK.

According to VW, the T6 Transporter features the widest range of potential engine, transmission and trim level option ever offered on a Transporter.

Engines: Starting under the bonnet, a choice of four 2.0-litre TDI Euro5 engines with outputs of 84 PS, 102 PS, 140 PS and 180 PS (Highline only) and a 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 unit that develops 102 PS are available.

Fuel saving: As I expect to happen across the sector, all new Transporters are now fitted as standard with VW’s BlueMotion Technology modifications. These include low rolling resisitance tyres, regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems to reduce fuel consumption.

Interior: Inside the cab, new standard features include DAB+ digital radio, 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB connection. VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, which applies the brakes automatically after a collision, is now also standard.

Payload and loadspace: The new Transporter is available in a choice of four gross weights, from 2,600kg to 3,200kg. Three roof height options are available, ranging from 1,410mm to 1,940mm, along with short and long wheelbase options.

Volkswagen Caddy

Prices start at £13,500 +VAT for the new Caddy, which the VW expects to remain the firm’s second best-selling commercial model.

Volkswagen Caddy 4th generation

The 4th generation Volkswagen Caddy is now available in the UK.

Trim: Like the new Transporter, the fourth-generation Caddy is available in three trim levels, Startline, Trendline and Highline. Highline is the top trim level.

Engines: The new Caddy can be specified with Euro 5 or Euro 6 engines for the time being. Unlike with the Transporter, BlueMotion Technology is not standard across the range, but is available. The most eco-friendly model, in Euro 6 spec, includes BlueMotion and a 2.0-litre Euro 6 102 PS engine that returns a claimed 65.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km.

Interior: Inside, the new Caddy is more car-like than ever. Standard equipment includes electric windows and heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a five-inch touchscreen Composition Colour radio system with DAB+ and Bluetooth capability.

Driving safety: The Automatic Post-Collision Braking system also makes an appearance in the new Caddy, and buyers can opt for Park Assist and a rear-view camera, as well as High Beam Assist and Driver Alert systems.

Volkswagen Transporter is newest choice for AA patrol fleet

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AA Patrol VW TransportersThe AA is adding 500 Volkswagen Transporter vans to its patrol fleet, including around 70 all-wheel drive 4MOTION models.

The Transporters will be painted in the AA’s distinctive yellow trademark colour at the Volkswagen factory in Hannover.

The vehicles will also be converted for purpose with specialist racking to accommodate the AA’s tow system, tools and additional equipment.

I’m not sure whether the AA fleet is switching wholesale to VW or whether the breakdown operator is adopting a mixed-marque policy. The Transporter has been used before, notably the T4 model. Recent years have also seen both the Ford Transit and Vauxhall Vivaro used as patrol vehicles by the AA, which seems to have less brand loyalty than it once did.

However, there’s no doubt that the Transporter is a high quality and capable choice that scores highly in the image department. VW’s network of more than 70 dedicated Van Centres around the UK also means that support should not be a problem, should problems arise.

Revealed: Volkswagen Transporter T6, the sixth generation

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Volkswagen has unveiled its new sixth-generation Transporter, six months after teasing visitors to the Hanover Commercial Vehicle Show with the T6-based Tristar concept vehicle.

Although it is very much an evolution of the outgoing T5, the T6 boasts a new range of Euro 6 engines and a range of improvements that should make it better to drive, safer, more comfortable and more fuel efficient.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

The new Volkswagen Transporter T6

Top of the list of changes are the engines: VW says that the T6 will have “a completely new generation” of TDI engines for the Euro 6 market, which have been developed with “longevity and ruggedness” in mind, the firm says.

Interestingly, VW mentioned engine  durability ahead of efficiency in the launch press release: is the firm trying to address the reputation of modern diesels, which are becoming known for their complexity and high mid-life repair costs, as much as their performance and efficiency?

Anyway, the new diesel engine is a 2.0-litre unit that’s available in 84PS, 102PS, 150PS and 204PS variants. Happily, there’s also a petrol option, a 2.0-litre engine with a choice of 150 PS or 204 PS power outputs. Volkswagen says that all of the new engines will save 1 litre of fuel per 100km, compared to the previous generation of models. All engines have a stop-start system as standard that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%, according to the firm.

Volkswagen T1 and T6

The Transporter T6 alongside an original T1, a model first introduced 60 years ago. The model on the right is the retro-style Generation Six special edition, which VW has recently confirmed will be available in the UK.

Other improvements include the availability (probably as options, in some cases) of a wide range of driver assistance systems, including Automatic Post-Collission Braking System, which is standard, Front Assist, which is a front-facing collision avoidance system, adaptive cruise control, City Emergency Braking and Hill Descent Assist (on 4MOTION all-wheel drive models).

An interesting an upmarket addition is Dynamic Cruise Control, which is a comfort feature that adapts the van’s electrically-adjustable shock absorbers to provide three driving modes, comfort, normal and sport. I suspect this is only really relevant on the passenger-carrying/Caravalle models, however, as it would be odd in a van.

Volkswagen Transporter T6 cab interior

The view inside the cab will be familiar to anyone who has driven a T5, but why mess too much with something so good?

Finally, there’s also a new infotainment system, which is available with a 6.3″ touchscreen, which provides a range of of features depending on how the van has been specified.

The new Transporter will arrive in the UK later this year — further details nearer the time.

Volkswagen Tristar concept hints at next-gen Transporter T6

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Volkswagen has unveiled a new concept van, named the Tristar, at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Hanover. The Tristar is significant because Volkswagen says it provides a pointer as to how the T6 — the next generation of VW’s best-selling Transporter van — will be designed.

Volkswagen Tristar concept

The Volkswagen Tristar concept provides clues as to the likely design of the next-generation T6 Transporter, according to the German firm.

The Tristar concept has been inspired by the Transporter Synchro, the four-wheel drive version of the Transporter which celebrates its 30th birthday this year. There is no Transporter Synchro model any more — and while 4Motion all-wheel drive is available on T5 Transporters, the raised suspension and rugged design of the old Synchro models is no longer an option.

Cab of Volkswagen Tristar T6 concept

Inside the cab is thoroughly VW — and very nice

The Tristar concept has been engineered as a beefy pick-up with an extended cab, short wheelbase has permanent four-wheel drive with mechanical rear axle differential lock and 30mm additional ground clearance.

Volkswagen Tristar T6 concept

Volkswagen says that the vans designers have developed a high-precision, new and yet familiar design language: the sharp wrap-around lines, LED headlights and a changed architecture of the whole front give the concept vehicle a wide and purposeful appearance. In other words, it looks like an updated and more modern version of the current Transporter.

If the Tristar is anything to go on, the T6 will be an evolution of the current T5, not a revolution — although that’s no bad thing, as the T5 remains one of the most desirable and modern vans in its class.

Indeed, Volkswagen says that firm’s Hanover plant, where most Transporters are built, has reached capacity and is working an extra night shift to meet demand — with Transporter order books now full until ‘well into the first quarter of 2015’.

VW launches 60th anniversary Transporter accessory pack

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Volkswagen Transporter with 60 Anniversary Pack

A Volkswagen Transporter fitted with the 60th Anniversary Pack

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the Volkswagen Transporter, and VW has already announced a limited edition Sportline 60 model to mark the occasion.

However, if you’re not in the market for a top-of-the-range new Transporter, you may have been feeling left out — but not anymore!

Today, Volkswagen unveiled the Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack — an aftermarket set of accessories that can be fitted to existing T5 Transporters to give them a bit of 60th anniversary bling (in a tasteful German way, naturally).

The new accessories package includes LED running lights*; chrome accent items such as mirror caps, side indicators and grille, Transporter 60 exterior decals and embroidered waterproof seat covers.

The pack goes on sale on 22 September, and prices will range from £609 up to £1,009, including VAT and fitting. Here’s what you get:

Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack details:

Items Detail
Transporter 60 exterior decals
(exclusive to pack)		 Exterior detailing
Transporter 60 seat covers
(exclusive to pack)		 Front seats and headrest waterproof covers featuring an embroidered Transporter 60 logo
Enhanced upper grille
(exclusive to pack)		 A gloss Piano Black upper grille with chrome detailing
LED daytime running lights Only available on Trendline and Highline models
Chrome side mirror covers Exterior detailing
Chrome side indicator surrounds Exterior detailing
Chrome tail guard cover Exterior detailing
Limited edition anniversary celebration book First 250 packs only

So there you have it: the first 250 customers to order the accessory pack will also receive a copy of a limited edition coffee table book that celebrates the Transporter’s 60 years in the UK.

Volkswagen Transporter brews up 45 winners for Zip Heaters

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Zip Heaters Volkswagen TransporterOnce upon a time, a kettle — or in large commercial kitchens a tea urn — was considered a modern way to dispense hot water.

These days, of course, such devices are a little old hat — the designers of high-end kitchens demand instant boiling water on tap, and one of the firms that has driven and profited from the growth of this market is Australian company Zip Heaters.

Having taken a brief look at the firm’s online store, not only can you get instant boiling water on tap, you can also enjoy instant sparkling, chilled and filtered water.

Sadly we can’t stretch to one of these taps here at vanrental.co.uk HQ, but apparently an increasing number of people can.

To deliver and fit these Zip Heaters’ increasingly popular taps in kitchens across the UK, Zip Heaters has just signed a 45-van fleet renewal deal with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

As befits a company with a high-end product, the vans are top-spec Volkswagen Transporter Trendline models, complete with VW’s automated DSG transmission.

David Durance, Technical Support Manager at Zip Heaters, said:

“As a company that sells high quality products, we required a fleet of vehicles that are befitting of this image. The Volkswagen Transporter not only offers an excellent load capacity but also has a reputation for being a stylish, high quality and efficient product, which matches our own brand image perfectly.”

The agreement will see Zip update and extend its existing fleet of 58 Volkswagen commercial vehicles to cover business expansion and ongoing fleet replacement, and Zip says that the new Transporters have been chosen for their exceptional reliability and low running costs.

Time for a cup of tea, I think…

Volkswagen motors away with super yacht deal

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Sunseeker Volkswagen TransportersVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles has signed a deal with Poole-based super yacht manufacturer, Sunseeker International, to supply eight new vans. The contract includes a mixture of Volkswagen Transporter and Crafter models.

The new vehicles will be used to transport yacht parts and personnel, and will replace Sunseeker’s existing commercial vehicle fleet. The first vehicles were delivered in July.

All eight vehicles have been supplied on a five-year service and maintenance contract hire agreement with Volkswagen Group Leasing, with support from Sunseeker’s local Volkswagen Van Centre, Breeze, located in Poole.

Mark Garside, transport manager at Sunseeker, commented:

“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is renowned for its efficiency and reliability so the decision on which vehicles to choose was easy. However, selecting a partner to supply and maintain the vehicles while sticking to a budget was harder.  From the start I was aware of the benefits of going with a local Van Centre but the fact they provided a very competitive finance package with aftersales care sealed the deal.”

Volkswagen Transporter Sportline 60 celebrates six decades of UK sales

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Volkswagen Transporter Sportline 60

The new Volkswagen Transporter Sportline 60

This year marks sixty years since the first Volkswagen Transporter was imported into the UK.

To market the occasion, VW has revamped its Sportline model into a new special edition, the Sportline 60.

The new model replaces the current Sportline and is available in short and long wheelbase forms as either a Kombi or panel van. Distinguished from the rest of the range, the striking exterior features unique 18-inch five-spoke Anthracite alloy wheels, black steel side bars, gloss black door mirror covers and special decals, the Sportline 60 is one of the most stylish T5 Transporters ever offered.

Inside, the Sportline 60 is generously equipped.  Customers are treated to a host of premium creature comforts including an upgraded Kenwood sat-nav infotainment system which features smartphone mirroring functionality, DAB and Bluetooth connectivity. Front and rear parking sensors with camera also come as standard along with new quilted and embossed leather upholstery featuring a special Sportline 60 edition logo.

Also included in the standard specification are a front seat armrest; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric windows, ABS, climate air conditioning, remote central locking and stereo with CD player.

Like the model it replaces, the new Sportline 60 distinguishes itself from other vans on the road with a number of distinctive styling cues. At the front, colour-coded front bumper and lower spoiler combine with a chrome grille. At the rear a roof spoiler, a colour-coded bumper and unique Sportline 60 badging add to the distinctive look. Available in metallic Reflex Silver or Deep Black as standard. Candy White with a Deep Black roof is available as an option.

The Sportline 60’s purposeful appearance is matched by the power that drives it. This special anniversary model comes with Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, offering up to 400 Nm of torque.  Customers can choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox. Retail prices start from £29,940 (ex. VAT) for the manual transmission (short wheelbase) and rise to £34,170 (ex. VAT) for the DSG transmission (long wheelbase).

To date, more than 300,000 Transporters have been sold in the UK, with 18,350 sold in 2013 alone. The current Transporter range is one of the broadest in the commercial vehicle sector and comprises of panel van, Kombi, Shuttle, Caravelle and California variants.