A sleek look
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that can turn heads
By George Barrow
WITH TWO-TONE leather upholstery, and a pearlescent black paint job, the Transporter Sportline isn’t your run-of-the-mill CV. It not only has looks that turn heads from streets away, but this A-Team imitator also packs a serious punch thanks to its 177hp 2-litre bi-turbo engine – the highest output unit for any of VW’s CVs. With 400Nm of torque available between 1,750rpm and 2,500rpm, it will come as no surprise to learn that the Sportline is lightning quick for a van.
Whether you need that much power is another issue, but as this bi-turbo option is available on other less ‘bling’ Transporter models, we’ll assume that the demand for power is real among VW customers.
Too much detail?
The real question is how much need is there for chrome detailing, front and rear spoilers, leather upholstery, steel side bars and sports suspension?
Unless you’re in the business of intimidation, a fleet of black Sportline vans might not be best for the corporate image, but for an owner-driver splashing out on a Sportline should help fill the void between a work vehicle and a personal car, thanks to its increased everyday usability and generous standard equipment.
With a fully adjustable driver’s seat, semi-automatic climate control, and an improved multimedia system that includes a colour satellite navigation screen with Bluetooth (an option not available on other Transporter models), the appeal over a standard Transporter starts to become apparent – and that’s before finding heated seats, greater noise suppression and cruise control on the options list.
Paying for quality
The base price of £28,460 is far from cheap, and if you are in need of a 3.2-tonne Transporter, and can’t live with less than 177hp, you’ll have to go for the Sportline trim option, but for those that can afford and justify the luxury of such a comfortable, well-equipped van, the Sportline will bring smiles to your face while performing both on and off the job.
And in case the all-black look of this particular Sportline is too much for you, Reflex Silver and Candy White colours are also available. ■