Transporter unveiled
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• Volkswagen's replacement for its outdated Transporter van will be given its world debut at this September's NEC Motor Show. The company has also released selected details of the exciting newcomer, together with the first two official photographs.
The van bears an uncanny resemblance to an artist's impression published by Commercial Motor more than two years ago (CM 3-9 March 1988) and is new from the ground up. Technical highlights include a transverse front-wheel drive powertrain, independent front and rear suspension, and chunkily styled bodywork fresh from the wind tunnel.
The range will include two wheelbases, three payloads, and a variety of body options including high-roof van, single and double cab pickups, and, for the first time in the Trans porter line-up, a chassis-cab (also with single or double cab).
As befits such a clean-sheet design, the engines are new too, although they are derived from the same well-known family of four and five-cylinder units employed in the VW and Audi car ranges. There are three petrol versions: a 50kW (67hp) 1.8-lit four, a 63kW (84hp) 2.0-lit four, and an 82kW (110hp) 2.5-lit; these are backed up by two diesels: a 45kW (61hp) 1.9-lit four, and 58kW (78hp) 2.4-lit five. All are teamed up with a fivespeed gearbox.
As Audi has just launched a DI version of the 2.5-lit diesel in the 100 saloon it is likely that the 2.4, if not the 1.9, Transporter diesels will follow the DI route, although a company spokesman was not prepared to reveal whether or not this was true.
Final details will become clearer closer to the Motor Show.