Volkswagen T5 Transporter (2003–2015)

August 2009

Volkswagen reveals the new Transporter

It’s offered with a range of new common rail turbodiesel engines and a variety of body types. There's a new exterior style with more aerodynamic door mirrors and a similar front grille and headlight design to that seen on the latest Volkswagen passenger cars.

The Volkswagen Transporter can claim a lineage, if not quite direct descent, from the 1950 VW Type 2 ‘splittie’ that started off the whole Volkswagen van tradition. IN reality, the present Transporter owes its existence to the T4 Transporter that arrived in 1990. It set the template for the van we have today of a front-engined, front-wheel drive model.

Under the bonnet is a new range of four 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines, with power outputs of 84PS and 220Nm of torque, 102PS with 250Nm, 140PS with 340Nm and 180PS with 400Nm from a mere 1,500 rpm. These engines are quieter, more economical, and more efficient with lower emissions that now comply with the latest Euro V standards. To further aid fuel economy, there is also a gear shift recommendation display.

Internal changes make the new Transporter even more comfortable and convenient with many enhancements to quality and equipment. These include many features from the latest Volkswagen passenger cars, such as a three-spoke steering wheels, stylish new instruments and the latest audio and touchscreen navigation systems.

January 2010

The revised Transporter went on sale in the UK.

May 2011

Transporter Sportline model added to the range. It comes in short- and long wheelbase versions with prices from £28,220 + VAT and uses a 180PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.

October 2012

BlueMotion version of Transporter is introduced

It comes with 84PS, 102PS and 114PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines that offer 40.4mpg for the two lower power models and 44.8mph for the 114PS version. The lower power models also share 184g/km CO2 emissions, while the 114PS model cuts this to 166g/km.

October 2012

Trendline and Highline models introduced to Transporter line-up. The Trendline has an uprated stereo, ParkPilot display, Bluetooth connection, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Comfort Pack. For the Highline, Volkswagen adds alloy wheels, front fog lights, alarm, leather steering wheel and gear knob.

March 2014

Transport BlueMotion updated

The Transporter BlueMotion model now achieves a combined fuel economy of 48.7mpg and emissions of 153g/km. These figures represent a 3.9mpg improvement in combined fuel economy, and a 13g/km reduction in emissions compared to the previous BlueMotion model.

The efficiency of the Transporter BlueMotion, which is available only as a panel van, is achieved by modifying the engine management system and transmission as well as using low rolling resistance tyres, start/stop and battery regeneration systems and cruise control. At the heart of the Transporter BlueMotion is the familiar 114 PS 2.0-litre TDI engine with common rail direct injection, which delivers a maximum of 250 Newton metres of torque. Prices start at just £19,245 (basic RRP ex. VAT).

July 2014

Transporter Sportline 60 launched

The new model replaces the current Sportline version but gets extra equipment and special Sportline 60 decals.

Available as a standard panel van or a five-seat Kombi in both short and long wheelbase versions, the Sportline 60 gets the same 18-inch five-spoke Anthracite wheels of the Sportine and gloss black mirrors but adds black rather than chrome side bars plus special Sportline 60 graphics including side stripes.

Inside it gets quilted leather seats with a special Sportline 60 edition logo while the Kenwood in-car system has been upgraded with a reversing camera and smartphone mirroring functionality, which replicates the screen of your phone and lets you use it - including certain apps - through the touchscreen.

As before, standard equipment includes front seat armrests, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric windows, air conditioning, remote central locking, colour-coded bumpers, a chrome grille and rear spoiler. It's available in metallic Reflex Silver or Deep Black as standard while Candy White with a Deep Black roof is available as an option.

Power comes from the impressive 2.0 BiTDI engine with 180PS and 400Nm that has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or a seven-speed DSG as an option. Prices start from £29,940 without VAT for the manual transmission (short wheelbase) and rise to £34,170 without VAT for the DSG model (long wheelbase).

September 2014

Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack introduced

The new accessories package includes LED running lights, chrome accent items such as mirror caps, side indicators and grille, Transporter 60 exterior decals and embroidered waterproof seat covers.

The first 250 customers to order the accessory pack will also receive a copy of a limited edition coffee table book that celebrates the Transporter’s 60 years in the UK. Prices start from £609 up to £1009 (inc. VAT) and include fitting.