IT’S hard to believe that the humble VW Kombi/Microbus is 60 years old and was born out of a concept developed by workers at the VW factory building the Beetle.
Now called the Transporter/Caravelle/Multivan, VW’s one-box utility vehicle can handle a multitude of uses (except sporty driving).
The range spans everything from working dual-cab Transporter utes and one-box vans in a variety of configurations through to Caravelle people movers and high specification Multivan passenger vans.
The Australian range includes all-wheel-drive 4motion models and a long wheelbase nine-seater minibus.
All models can tow up to two tonnes (750kg unbraked) and all provide a high level of safety including multiple airbags and stability control.
This is essentially the mid-model revamp of the T5 series Transporter ushering in new engines and transmissions including a seven-speed direct shift gearbox automated manual standard on Multivan and optional on other models.
All are powered by a new generation, efficiency improved, four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 75kW, 103kW or 132kW outputs. Common rail direct injection has been used across the board.
The lower output engines have a single variable geometry turbo while the high output model has a twin turbo system boosting power with torque that maxes out at 400Nm.
All three versions of the engine deliver maximum torque (pulling power) at lower engine revs than the earlier T5s for gains in off-the-line performance and load lugging.
Hill start is standard across the range as are brake and transmission upgrades. All 132kW variants have dual piston calipers at the front.
The manual is a six-speed with closely spaced ratios and slick change action. A gear change indicator is provided to optimise efficiency.
VW has adopted more passenger car technology inside and in the way the new T5 drives.
Despite being a relatively high riding vehicle capable of swallowing two pallets in van configuration, the T5 feels agile and responsive with a super tight turning circle and simple ergonomically designed controls. There are plenty of practical features too.
It is available with a raft of options including side cornering lights, lane change assist and blind spot warning.
A rear view camera is optional but some models score rain sensing wipers, auto headlights and coming home lights.
When designing the new T5 VW took into account the fact that many owners spend upwards of 10 hours a day in the vehicle.
They made sure new T5 provides a comfortable and safe working environment.
Fuel economy is better than ever with the 2.0-litre 75kW van capable of returning as low as 7.5 litres/100km. All come in under the 10 mark. This is the first time the latest generation seven-speed direct shift gearbox has been used across a VW group product and can cope comfortably with high power and torque engines and loads.
The body is new from the B pillar forward and features a “corporate” nose similar to the new Golf. Behind the B pillar, the new T5 is pretty much the same as before.
The van load areas are from 5.8-9.3 cubic metres and barn doors or a tailgate are available at the rear.
Noise minimisation efforts yield a cabin with passenger car levels of refinement except in the case of an empty van.
Payload is up to 1.3 tonnes.
We were able to test drive all three engines and though the 132kW model is powerful and offers sporty performance, the 103kW and even the 75kW are fine for normal use.
We’d probably opt for the 103kW.
It sits on the road well, is comfortable and easy to drive. The tight turning circle and slick gear change are particularly pleasing.
It looks good, is practical and feels unbreakable.
Article from the mosman daily
