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
Comfort & Interior
4.2
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 versatile commercial vehicle that can handle both work and family duties? The Volkswagen Transporter has been the backbone of British businesses for decades, offering unmatched reliability and practicality. This medium sized van sits comfortably in the competitive commercial vehicle market, where it faces strong competition from rivals like the Ford Transit and Renault Trafic. The Transporter excels with its robust build quality, efficient diesel engines, and impressive load carrying capacity that makes it ideal for tradespeople, delivery drivers, and growing families alike. Whether you need a panel van for your business or a converted camper for weekend adventures, the Transporter delivers German engineering excellence with lower running costs than many expect. Its reputation for holding value well makes it a smart choice for both personal and commercial use, while flexible car finance options mean you can get behind the wheel sooner than you might think. The Transporter stands out from the crowd with its premium interior quality and refined driving experience that feels more like a car than a traditional van.
What's the Volkswagen Transporter Like to Drive?
The Volkswagen Transporter prioritises efficiency and reliability over outright performance. The diesel engine lineup focuses on delivering strong torque for carrying heavy loads while maintaining reasonable fuel economy. The 2.0 TDI engines, available in various power outputs from 84 to 199 bhp, provide smooth acceleration and plenty of pulling power. Even the entry-level variants feel adequate for most commercial applications, while the higher-powered versions make light work of fully laden trips or motorway cruising.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder TDI Diesel
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Power Output
84 - 199 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.8 - 7.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 42 mpg
- Boot Space
- 800 - 1,400 kg
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Transporter?
Step inside the Transporter and you’ll find one of the best van interiors available. The dashboard layout is logical and well-designed, with controls falling easily to hand. Material quality is impressive, with soft-touch surfaces on key contact points and robust, easy-to-clean materials elsewhere. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer journeys. There’s plenty of adjustment to help drivers of all sizes find their ideal position.
It’s an icon for a reason. The Transporter’s blend of practicality, reliability, and understated cool remains unmatched; a workhorse that somehow manages to be genuinely desirable.
Is the Volkswagen Transporter Expensive to Run?
As a premium commercial vehicle, the Transporter’s running costs reflect its quality positioning. The efficient TDI diesel engines are the highlight here, delivering real-world fuel economy between 35-42 mpg depending on load and driving conditions. For a vehicle of this size and capability, these figures are impressive and help keep fuel bills manageable. Insurance costs are reasonable for the commercial vehicle sector, though they’ll vary significantly based on usage and driver experience.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volkswagen Transporter
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Ford Transit
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Mercedes Sprinter
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £28,000 | £35,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L TDI 102hp | 2.0L EcoBlue 105hp | 2.1L CDI 114hp |
| Power | 102 bhp | 105 bhp | 114 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.6 seconds | 11.2 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 40 mpg | 38 mpg | 37 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 1,000 kg | 1,100 kg | 1,200 kg |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium interior, Refined ride, Strong resale value | Practical design, Good payload, Competitive pricing | Spacious cabin, Advanced safety, Premium materials |
Volkswagen Transporter Practicality & Boot Space
The Transporter’s practicality credentials are exceptional, which explains its popularity across so many different sectors. Load space varies depending on the wheelbase and roof height chosen, but even standard models offer generous cargo capacity. The wide rear doors and low loading height make it easy to load bulky items. Side sliding doors are available on passenger variants, making access simple in tight parking spaces. The load area features numerous tie-down points and optional accessories to help secure cargo safely.
We’ve had our Transporter for three years now and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The build quality is superb and it still feels tight and solid. Perfect for our building business and comfortable enough for family holidays. Can’t fault it really.
The Volkswagen Transporter stands as the benchmark for premium commercial vehicles, offering a compelling blend of practicality, quality, and refinement. It wraps impressive load-carrying capability, excellent build quality, and car-like driving dynamics into a versatile package that works equally well for business or leisure use. While the premium pricing places it above budget alternatives, the superior ownership experience and strong residual values justify the investment for many buyers.