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The market for all-wheel-drive vans is fairly small, but nearly all manufacturers have at least one model that fits the bill. Volkswagen's offering is the Transporter 4Motion.
Words: Ian Tonkin Going off the beaten track in a van might sound ludicrous. but there are still a number of operators who need to gel to site and make deliveries off the asphalt.
All-wheel-drive (AWD) Volkswagen CVs have been part of the landscape for 25 years already, but, in the case of this 4Motion. it's the most advanced enhanced traction system VW has ever fitted to its Transporter.
Unlike the mechanical system used in the Ford Transit AWD and the previous generation 4Motion. the new system is electronically controlled and uses a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque to the wheels with the most grip,
Within the multiple-plate coupling is an electric oil pump that maintains a constant lubricant pressure. 'the oil pressure sends torque to the rear wheels and is no longer controlled by speed differences between front and rear axles.
In normal conditions, the transmission sends 90% of the engine's power to the front wheels, but when the road gets slippery, it can send all the torque to the rear wheels.
During the launch event near Munich. we got the chance to test the system on steep and icy single-track roads.
Going up, the Transporter 4Motion climbed the slope with minimal fuss, but it was hardly testing for the vehicle and its new Ha ldex4 differential. so we'll reserve final judgement until we've tested it on our own off-road circuit later this year, Prospective buyers have a choice of two engines wit I: the 4Motion system: the new 138hp and I78hp 2.0-litre common-rail units (see CM 18 February for full road test). While VW gives buyers a choice, Ford, on the other hand. only sells its AWD version with a 2.4 TDCi 138hp engine; however. Ford's and VW's high-output engines are hardly fleet favourites, which may limit appeal.
For the first time on the Transporter. the 4Motion transmission can be specified with VW's latest sevenspeed DSG gearbox. but the manufacturer says that only a fraction of customers will opt for this combination.
In total. VW expects 4Motion models to account for only 5% of Transporter sales.
So does the added traction help on-road dynamics? Yes, is the short answer, hut you'll only really notice it on those occasions when the road is wet, where the system gives the vehicle a degree of backend stability and that bit of extra driver assurance.
Having this advanced traction system onboard does affect payload, and it's estimated that 4Motion adds around 100kg to the van's unladen weight, but despite this minimal penalty. VW says that this latest AWD model is still more fuel-efficient and responsive than the version it replaces.
So, on the face of it, the 4Motion system delivers the goods, but what's the rest of the vehicle like?
Well, for a start. the Transporter's new common-rail engines are so much more refined than the noisy Pumpe Duse engine that was used before, and in 178hp guise you'll not be left wanting for performance.
'Me interior, too, has been given a thorough refresh with new dials and buttons helping to modernise the cabin to class-leading levels.
Finally, there's the price, which might be a potential sticking point for those looking to add them to fleet. The base 4Motion starts at 120,500 for the 138hp LWB chassis cab, rising to £24,340 for the LWB 178hp BiTDi 4Motion panel van with DSG gearbox.
The Transporter 4Motion is not going to sell in huge volumes, but there arc still a handful of businesses out there that require this type of vehicle, and if you are one of these, this LCV won't disappoint. 11