Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced a major expansion to its Transporter lineup with three new versions aimed at the construction sector.
The three new Volkswagen Transporter models will join the panel van and Kombi models with a new dropside double cab, L-shaped bulkhead version and new panel van Plus with either five- or six-seats.
VW says the double cab has been designed with construction, forestry, and horticulture industries in mind, and is complimented by the addition of the Transporter Panel Van Plus, which offers a mix of seating and cargo space.
The new panel van with an L-shaped partition is also being introduced, a brand-new option that allows you to move extra-long items as well as passengers.
All three new models come with the usual choice of powertrains which include diesel and electric van options. The panel van variants also have a plug-in hybrid drive system available for the first time.
The new dropside with a double cab is designed to be a workhorse and is built on the long wheelbase platform giving it seating for up to six people. The 4.2sqm load platform gets fold-down aluminium side walls, along with a payload of more than 1000 kg, and a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg.
For more on the Volkswagen Transporter dimensions, visit our dedicated van size page.
Engine options include a front-wheel-drive turbodiesel with either 110hp or 150hp. There's also an all-wheel-drive 4MOTION model for off-road use which is available with a 150hp engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, an all-electric dropside is also on offer, with a rear-wheel-drive system and power outputs of up to 286hp.
The Panel Van Plus is aimed at companies that need flexibility. It has a three-seat bench in the second row, providing a total of six seats with the optional double front passenger seat. A partition with a window separates the passenger and cargo areas.
New L-Partition models give owners a clever solution for carrying long objects with an L-shaped metal partition that separates the front and rear passenger seats from the load compartment. This creates a space on the driver's side that extends all the way to the front seats. This allows for the safe transport of extra-long items, while still protecting the passengers in the second row.
Both panel van versions can also be configured in the PanAmericana trim level, while the Panel Van Plus also gets the option of a stylish "Edition" version with 17-inch alloy wheels and a black roof.
The new models will be available to order soon. There's no word on UK pricing yet, but prices in Germany will start from from €38,525. That should mean UK models are priced at around £37,000.
