The Volkswagen commercial vehicle company presented the first photos of its brand new Transporter. However, “completely” is a relative term as the T7 is heavily based on the Ford Tourneo/Transit Custom model. This is especially visible in the rear part of the vehicle, while VW tried to provide more originality to the front part. The front part resembles the predecessor T6.1.
The seventh generation of the series comes in three transporter variants (combined, van and pickup) as well as in the Caravelle version (passenger transport). State-of-the-art turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid and electric engines are responsible for the drive. All-wheel drive is optionally available.
In general, the spectrum of models has never been greater: the model program now includes the new Transporter and Caravelle, ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, Multivan and the new California.
In Germany, the new Transporter will be available at the beginning of 2025. This model will have a significantly expanded standard equipment compared to the T6.1, and will be available with an 81 kW (110 HP) strong turbodiesel engine (TDI) as a panel van at a price of 36,780 euros and as a pickup truck with a double cab at a price of 39,130 euros ( prices are net). All Transporter buyers will receive a guaranteed price until delivery next year.
VW offers the new Transporter as a panel van (space for the transport of goods), a panel van Plus (space with a second row of seats for the combined transport of goods and passengers), a van (for the transport of passengers) and as a double cab (van with a long wheelbase). This last variant sets it apart from its Ford brother. Van and van models are optionally available with a high roof and extended wheelbase.
The more exclusive Caravelle was developed with nine seats for commercial passenger transport – ideal for shuttles and large taxis. The Caravelle will be available in the basic version, as well as in the middle trim level “Life” and in the top version “Style”. The Caravelle will also be available with an extended wheelbase.
PanAmericana is also added. With its robust all-terrain design and exclusive equipment details, this fearless generation will be available based on the Transporter and Caravelle.
In addition to the latest turbodiesel engines (TDI), both models will be available with a plug-in hybrid drive as well as a fully electric drive. Three power variants of the new TDI engines are already available in the pre-sale phase; they develop 81 kW (110 hp), 110 kW (150 hp) and 125 kW (170 hp).
It is also already possible to order the newly developed plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid) with a system power of 171 kW (232 hp). Soon, three electric motors will be available in power levels of 100 kW (136 hp), 160 kW (218 hp) and 210 kW (286 hp) with a net battery capacity of 64 kWh.
In addition, an E-version with reduced power and a smaller battery will be available for urban delivery. The TDI and eHybrid models are front-wheel drive. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available as an option for the 110 kW TDI versions. All-electric models have rear-wheel drive, and a version with all-wheel drive is planned at a later stage. The TDI with 125 kW comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the TDI with 110 kW is optional. An automatic transmission is mandatory for plug-in hybrid and electric models.
The seventh generation is no longer started with the key, but via the start button next to the digital 12-inch instruments and the 13-inch infotainment display. The multifunctional steering wheel is equipped with transparent buttons. The volume of the infotainment system is adjusted via the steering wheel or the classic rotary knob. The handbrake has been removed; it is now positioned as the parking brake switch in the center of the dashboard.
Also new: reduced gear lever for automatic versions, which saves space. It allows even better access to the luggage or passenger compartment. Large cup holders in the front part of the center console (depending on the equipment) as well as additional drink holders and practical storage compartments in the upper part of the dashboard make the working day easier.
The new Transporter is 5,050 mm long (plus 146 mm compared to the T6.1). Its wheelbase has been increased by 97 mm to 3,100 mm, and an extended wheelbase of 400 mm (overall length: 5,450 mm) will be available as an option. At 2,032 mm, the Transporter offers an increased external width of 128 mm compared to its predecessors (without mirrors). The maximum width between the wheel arches has increased by 148 mm to 1,392 mm. Euro pallets are, according to VW, “easily” accommodated.
The length of the luggage space on the floor of the Transporter with the standard wheelbase is 2,602 mm – that represents an increase of 61 mm; with an extended wheelbase, the length of the luggage compartment increases to 3,002 mm. By increasing the length, width and wheelbase, VW managed to significantly increase the volume of the Transporter’s luggage compartment: the maximum volume of the version with a normal wheelbase is now 5.8 cubic meters.
Versions with a long wheelbase and high roof will be able to accommodate up to 9.0 cubic meters. The transporter can be equipped with up to six seats in the passenger compartment and various compartments.
Electrical equipment is powered through different interfaces; there are USB-A, USB-C and 12V sockets, as well as, optionally, connection options for 230V devices. In diesel versions, the 230V socket is always located on the driver’s seat. The transporter with electric drive will, if desired, have two additional sockets in the area of the D-pillar. The total power of the 230V system is up to 2,300 W. So there is a suitable power source for every electrical device – from a laptop to a circular saw.
Despite its large dimensions, the new Transporter with a height of less than 2.0 meters (normal roof) can fit into all standard garages. With a turning circle of only 11.8 meters (normal wheelbase), it easily navigates tight corners.
In addition, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has ensured that this automotive tool for professionals can carry weight proportional to its volume: the maximum load capacity is up to 1.33 tons. And if that’s not enough, the new generation of Transporter can tow trailers weighing up to 2.8 tons where cargo needs to be delivered (predecessor: up to 2.5 tons).
Volkswagen commercial vehicles have expanded the standard equipment of the new Transporter models compared to their predecessors. Now comes as standard: LED headlights, LED rear lights, electronic parking brake with Auto-Hold function, digital 12-inch instruments (“Digital Cockpit”), infotainment system (including DAB+, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, online services and 13-inch touchscreen).
Also, multifunction steering wheel, keyless start system “Keyless Start”, rain sensor, lane keeping assistant “Lane Assist”, automatic braking system “Front Assist” and recognition of traffic signs. The van is now equipped with a partition as standard. The rear-window van comes with three individual seats in the second row and a six-speaker audio system instead of four.
Nine seats as standard: Caravelle is the ideal solution for a large taxi or shuttle. Even the basic version offers a removable triple bench in the third row as standard, and thus nine seats. Compared to the Transporter versions, the Caravelle features improved seat materials, side and curtain airbags in the cabin, and a ten-speaker audio system.
The middle level of the Life equipment includes elements such as bumpers, mirror housings and door handles painted in body color, air conditioning, armrests on the driver’s seat, passenger seat adjustable in height with lumbar support and armrests, special decorations, three additional USB ports in the passenger compartment and 16-inch alloy wheels.
From the outside, the Caravelle Style is recognizable by its distinctive front with a dark-colored horizontal line featuring an integrated chrome strip. The chrome strip extends to the standard LED-Matrix headlamps that contain cornering and bad weather lights. Further equipment for the Caravelle Style compared to the Life version includes LED taillights with a personalized light signature, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Also standard: “Keyless Access” electric locking and starting system, electrically folding exterior mirrors, two-tone leather seats, special interior applications, multifunction leather steering wheel, large center console with cup holders, three-zone automatic climate control with additional rear steering wheel (in roof) and blinds for sun protection in the second row. Optionally, the Caravelle can be upgraded with details such as a large panoramic roof and a Harman Kardon audio system with 14 speakers (including a subwoofer).
The fourth generation Transporter was available from 2001 with the PanAmerican equipment package. With the fifth generation, the PanAmericana became an exclusive and iconic version in its own right. It is clear that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will also offer the seventh generation of the series as PanAmericana. And that in combination with van and Caravelle models.
From the outside, the new PanAmericana is recognizable by its robust all-terrain linings on the sills and wheel arches, bumper protectors with resistant surfaces and a colored radiator grille. The foil also protects the trunk lid or the rear door in the lower part.
The interior greets the driver and passengers with illuminated stainless steel inlays on the door sills, high-gloss black appliqués on the dashboard and chrome interior door handles. Also special are the exclusive seat covers with the inscription PanAmericana embossed in the backrests, as well as contrasting stitching in the corresponding color.
The Caravelle PanAmericana is equipped as standard with new 19-inch “Indianapolis” light alloy wheels (black with gloss finish); for the Transporter PanAmericana these wheels are available as an option. The optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive perfectly matches the character and application spectrum of both PanAmericana versions.
Source: www.magazinauto.com
