Transporter diesel boost
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• A week after the launch of the new MAN-VW 7.5-tonne truck range (CM 25 August-2 September), Volkswagen has released details of its 1988 light CV range, but UK operators will have to pay over 6% more for the new models because of unfavourable exchange rates.
The most significant feature of the 1988 line-up is the introduction of a more powerful 43kW (57bp) 1.7-litre naturallyaspirated indirect-injection diesel for the Transporter, derived from the discontinued 37kW (50hp) 1.6-litre ID1diesel.
While the new diesel offers 14% more power, its peak torque of 103Nrn (761b ft) is unchanged from its predecessor. Alongside its naturallyaspirated diesel, however, VW will continue to offer the Transporter with the existing 52kW (70hp) 1.6-litre turbo diesel and 58kW (78hp) and 84kw (112hp) petrol engines. As we predicted, Volkswagen is to extend the fitment of anti-lock braking on the Transporter to include all Syncro models. No changes have been made to the Transporter's exterior, but its heating and ventilation system has been revised to give improved performance. Higher up the weight range VW has trimmed its LT range, so that dealers will now hold 13 models with a further 15 available to special order. As part of this rationalisation, the single-rear-wheel LT31 longwheelbase high-roof parcel van has been dropped in favour of the equivalent 3.5-tonne GVW single-rear-wheel LT35E van.
The latest LT van models gain revised rear door stays and better lighting in the loading area, while all vans and chassis cabs are now fitted with halogen headlights.
VW has also improved the braking on its heavier LT40, LT45 and LT50 models with the adoption of a tandem braking system.
The front-axle rating on LT35 chassis is to be increased from the current 1,500kg to 1,650kg on all 1988 models, to avoid front-axle overloading on Luton-bodied conversions. VW expects the first of these models to reach the UK by December.
Other changes to the LT include new options like a 110litre fuel tank, rev counter and noise insulation package on petrol-engined models. bite the revised Transporter, the 1988 LT keeps its current body shell.
In line with the changes to the Golf car, the Golf van has minor cosmetic alterations for 1988, including a different grille, repositioned mirrors and a re-styled dashboard. The Polo vans and Caddy pickups, however, remain virtually unchanged.
VAG says that the first of the 1988 vehicles are already being built in Germany and will be shown for the first time at the Frankfurt Show this month.
Like Mercedes-Benz, VAG (UK) has been hit by fluctuating exchange rates. At the beginning of the month it increased its LCV prices by 1%, while on 24 August it raised Caddy and LT prices by 2.5%, and Transporter prices by 2.7%.