Review: Volkswagen T5 Transporter van (2004-15)

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

Overview

Released in April 2004, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Transporter was a two-seat van available in standard and long wheelbase models (3000 mm and 3400mm, respectively). From 2006, however, the VW T5 Transporter was available in a Crewvan edition which had a three-seat rear bench behind the driver and front passenger. The Volkswagen T5.I Transporter was also in four variants: the 2.0i, 3.2i, 1.9 TDI and 2.5 TDI (see table below).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T5.I Transporter included a driver’s airbag, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Transporter 2.5 TDI and 3.2i variants were further equipped with a front passenger airbag.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2008 VW T5 Transporter 1.9TDI – fitted with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.93. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for both front occupants and there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the front passenger. In the side impact test, the maximum score was attained.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 TDI – with peak power of 63 kW – included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front fog lights, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

As standard, the Transporter was also fitted with an electronic differential lock.

The Transporter 77 kW 1.9 TDI, 2.0i and 2.5 TDI were further equipped with remote central locking, power windows and power mirrors. Beyond this, the Transporter 128 kW 2.5TDI and 3.2i also featured cruise control.

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

Overview

Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Transporter van introduced a revised range with new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and transmissions, including a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). There was also a choice of different roof height (low, mid and high), single or twin sliding side doors and lift-up or barn-style tailgates.

Visually, the VW T5.II Transporter could be identified by its new headlights, bonnet, grille, bumper, 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.

In July 2012, the Transporter van range was expanded with the introduction of TDI340 BlueMotion editions. To minimise fuel consumption, the TDI340 BlueMotion was fitted with Volkswagen’s Stop/Start system (i.e. engine shutdown when stationary), low-rolling resistance tyres and ‘regenerative braking’ which inversely varied alternator output according to engine load.

Safety equipment

Compared to its T5.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the VW T5.II Transporter van 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 VW T5.II Transporter 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 an immobiliser.

2012 and 2014 Transporter Runner

In August 2012, limited edition Volkswagen Transporter Runner models were introduced. Solely available as TDI250 variants, the Runner editions were differentiated by their hard-wearing ‘Runner’ trim and unique ‘Runner’ badging. Production of the Transporter Runner was limited to 350 vehicles.

The Transporter TDI250 Runner was released again in 2014.

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