A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4.5
Running Costs
3.8
Practicality
4.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a van that combines work capability with passenger car comfort? The Volkswagen Transporter might be exactly what you need. This medium-sized van has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and well-built commercial vehicles available. Whether you’re running a business, converting it into a camper, or need something that can handle both work and family duties, the Transporter delivers a premium experience that sets it apart from typical utility vehicles.
From the moment you climb into the cab, you notice the difference. The build quality feels solid and substantial, with an interior that rivals many passenger cars. Unlike basic work vans, the Transporter offers a refined driving experience that makes long journeys comfortable rather than enduring. The engines are smooth and efficient, while the handling feels more like driving a well-sorted SUV than a commercial vehicle.
What makes the Transporter special is its ability to be many things to many people. It’s equally at home on a building site as it is touring European campsites. The strong residual values reflect its desirability and reliability, making it a smart choice financially. While it commands a premium over basic alternatives, you’re investing in German engineering that’s built to last and a driving experience that makes every journey more enjoyable.
How Does the Volkswagen Transporter Drive?
The Volkswagen Transporter range offers a selection of efficient diesel engines designed for real-world versatility. The entry-level 110hp unit provides adequate power for most duties, returning up to 40mpg while offering enough torque for heavy loads. Step up to the 150hp or 199hp variants and you get noticeably stronger performance, with the top engine delivering genuinely quick acceleration that makes overtaking confident and safe. All engines feature modern turbocharging for smooth power delivery.
Where the Transporter truly excels is in its car-like driving dynamics. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to place accurately in tight spaces or enjoy on winding roads. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between load-carrying capability and ride comfort. Even when empty, it doesn’t bounce or feel harsh like many commercial vehicles. The driving position is excellent with great visibility, while wind noise is well-controlled at motorway speeds. It’s a van that genuinely feels refined and sophisticated to drive.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L TDI Diesel
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Power Output
110 - 199 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.5 - 8.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 41 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Volkswagen Transporter: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Transporter and you’re greeted by an interior that sets new standards for commercial vehicles. The dashboard design is clean and modern, featuring high-quality plastics and intuitive controls. The seats are genuinely comfortable, offering excellent support for long journeys and multiple adjustment options. Everything feels solid and well-assembled, from the door handles to the switchgear, giving you confidence in its durability.
The cabin is surprisingly quiet, with excellent sound insulation that keeps road and engine noise to a minimum. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration. Higher specification models add features like adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and premium audio systems. The overall ambience is more akin to a quality SUV than a traditional van, making it a pleasant place to spend time whether you’re working or touring.
The Volkswagen Transporter stands out as the premium choice in the medium van sector. It successfully combines commercial capability with passenger car refinement in a way that few rivals can match. The superior build quality, excellent driving dynamics, and comprehensive equipment make it genuinely enjoyable to own and operate. The strong residual values provide financial reassurance that you’re making a sound investment.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volkswagen Transporter?
The Transporter’s running costs reflect its premium positioning but remain competitive within its class. Fuel economy is impressive across the range, with the most efficient models achieving over 40mpg in real-world conditions. This translates to reasonable fuel bills even for high-mileage users. Insurance costs vary depending on specification and usage, but commercial policies are generally affordable for established businesses.
The higher initial purchase price is offset by exceptional residual values. Transporters hold their value better than almost any other van, making them a sound financial investment. Maintenance costs are reasonable for a premium vehicle, with widespread dealer network support and good parts availability. Many operators find that flexible van finance options make the monthly costs manageable while benefiting from the superior build quality and reliability. The strong resale value means your investment is protected over time.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volkswagen Transporter
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Ford Transit Custom
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Mercedes Vito
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £35,000 | £32,000 | £36,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L TDI 110hp | 2.0L EcoBlue 130hp | 2.0L CDI 136hp |
| Power | 110 bhp | 130 bhp | 136 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.5 seconds | 10.8 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 40 mpg | 38 mpg | 39 mpg |
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium interior, Car-like handling, Strong residuals | Practical design, Good value, Wide model range | Luxury cabin, Smooth engines, Advanced safety |
Is the Volkswagen Transporter Practical for Everyday Use?
The Transporter excels in versatility, offering multiple body styles and configurations to suit different needs. The standard panel van provides generous cargo space with a low loading height and wide rear doors. Load volumes range from 5.8 to 9.3 cubic metres depending on wheelbase and roof height chosen. The flat load floor and square sides maximise usable space, while tie-down points and optional partitions help secure loads safely.
What sets the Transporter apart is its adaptability. Many buyers choose it for conversion to camping vehicles, taking advantage of its robust construction and premium feel. The Caravelle passenger variant offers genuine eight-seat capability with individual captain’s chairs. For businesses requiring both passenger and cargo capability, the Kombi versions provide the perfect compromise. Compared to other used Volkswagen vehicles, the Transporter offers unmatched flexibility for users who need something beyond a conventional car.
Absolutely love our Transporter. The build quality is exceptional and it drives more like a car than a van. We’ve converted ours for camping and it’s perfect for long trips. The only downside is the fuel costs on longer journeys, but the comfort makes up for it.
The Volkswagen Transporter has earned its reputation as the thinking person’s van choice. It combines German engineering excellence with practical versatility in a package that feels genuinely premium. The refined driving experience, exceptional build quality, and strong residual values make it a standout choice in the competitive medium van market. It’s perfectly suited for businesses that want to project a quality image while getting the job done efficiently.
You choose the Transporter because you want more than just basic commercial transport. Its combination of capability, comfort, and style makes it ideal for everything from daily business use to weekend adventures. The strong van finance options available make the premium positioning more accessible, while the exceptional resale values provide long-term financial security. If you’re looking for a van that delivers on both practical and emotional levels, the Transporter should be your first choice.
