Review: Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis (2004-15)

Review: Volkswagen T5.I Transporter cab chassis (2004-10)

Overview

Released in September 2004, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Transporter cab chassis was available in single and dual cab bodies on standard and long wheelbase chassis; the standard wheelbase models, however, were discontinued in 2006. Engine choices for the T5.I Transporter cab chassis consisted of 1.9-litre and 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engines, with the latter available in 96 kW and 128 kW power outputs. Although the majority of models were front-wheel drive, the 3.2i variants were available Volkswagen’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system. The full range is given in the table below.

4Motion all-wheel drive system

The Volkswagen Transporter’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system utilised a second generation Haldex limited slip coupling with a mechanical hydraulic pump. In ordinary conditions, the system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, the coupling would engage all-wheel drive and begin to transfer torque to the rear axle with one-quarter of a wheel’s rotation.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T5.I Transporter cab chassis included a driver’s airbag, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 2.5 TDI variants were further equipped with a front passenger airbag.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Transporter cab chassis included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. The Transporter was also fitted with an electronic differential lock as standard.

The Transporter 2.5 TDI – with peak power of 128 kW – was further equipped with cruise control.

Review: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter cab chassis (2010-15)

Overview

Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Transporter cab chassis introduced a long wheelbase-15ly range, new 2.0-litre turbo and bi-turbo diesel engines and transmissions, including a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). The range initially consisted of the 103TDI and 132TDI variants. In September 2011, however, the 103TDI variant was renamed as the TDI340 and the 132TDI became the TDI400.

Visually, the Volkswagen T5.II Transporter could be identified by its new headlights, bonnet, grille, door mirrors and tail-lights. Inside, there was an updated dashboard, steering wheel, air conditioning controls, audio panel and re-shaped seats; there was also a choice of bucket or bench seating.

Safety equipment

Compared to its T5.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T5.II Transporter cab chassis was upgraded to include dual front airbags and electronic stability control. For models with two individual front bucket seats, front seat-mounted side airbags were also fitted as standard.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen T5.II Transporter cab chassis included a two speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility and an auxiliary input, air conditioning, daytime running lights, rear fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser.

The dual cab 132TDI and TDI400 were also fitted with cruise control.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (December 2012)
• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (March 2014)

Related links

• Specifications: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (March 2014)
• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Transporter
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen T5 Transporter