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Volkswagen Transporter T30 2.0 TDI If an attractive exterior is

1st September 2011
Page 36
Page 36, 1st September 2011 — Volkswagen Transporter T30 2.0 TDI If an attractive exterior is
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high on your list of priorities, then the Transporter will be right up your street. Even without the optional metallic paint (£490) and alloy wheels (£505), this is one of the best-looking vans in its class, and also a fantastic all-round package.

From the driver’s seat, this van oozes quality. The dashboard looks neat and has a solid feel to it, while the dials and switchgear are attractive, sensibly positioned and clearly visible. Having said that, steering-wheel/ column-mounted audio controls would have been a welcome addition.

It’s relatively easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, thanks to a fully adjustable steering column. However, our taller testers felt the bulkhead prevented the seat from moving far enough, restricting legroom slightly. The problem was exacerbated by an intrusive gearstick housing, which one tester complained rubbed against their left knee.

Visibility, though, is great, helped by decent-sized wide-angle rear-view mirrors. The van scored well for storage, with plenty of obvious places to stow mobile phones, paperwork, sunglasses and bottles of water.

Turn the key and you are struck by how audible the engine is. At tickover it was the loudest of the group, but occupants are well shielded from road noise, and by the time you reach 70mph only the Vito is quieter.

Although the Transporter was the least powerful of the bunch (100hp), there were no complaints about its performance. It was the third quickest to 50mph, and although the slowest between 30-50mph and from 40-60mph, it didn’t feel sluggish. Ride and handling are two of this van’s strongest points, and it felt perfectly stable on the motorway or being driven enthusiastically around mid-Wales’ twisty A-roads.

The transmission proved popular, and although it is missing a sixth gear, it doesn’t feel like it needs one and doesn’t detract from the overall drivability.

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