VW Transporter Kombi Review – specs & dimensions

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Introduction

The double-cab version of Volkswagen’s iconic mid-sized van offers great loading capabilities and seating for up to six occupants. With a variety of seating, trim level and wheelbase options, our VW Transporter Kombi Review helps you decide which version is best for you and your business.

There are two trim levels (Startline and Highline), two wheelbases (short and long wheelbase), two roof heights (standard and high), two seating options (five or six seater – the latter being a £130 option), three engines (110PS, 150PS and 199PS) and three transmissions (5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic).

Specifications

Transporters are fabled and sought-after vans and Volkswagen has priced and specced the vans accordingly. Compared with its counterparts, the Transporter – especially the Highline – has far less features but is more expensive.

While the entry-level Startline models are fairly well-specced with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App Connect, air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel, multi-function display in the instrument panel, crosswind assist and cruise control with speed limiter, it’s a different story for the Highline.

Apart from the climate control, front fog lights, alloy wheels, auto headlights, auto wipers, and front and rear parking sensors, most of the upgrades are cosmetic and there is very little to justify the £3,300 plus VAT price increase.

Despite costing up to almost £40,000 plus VAT, the Highline lacks LED lights, high beam assist, rear-view camera and the seats aren’t leather, heated or electrically adjustable.

Seating

There is a standard five-seat configuration consisting of two individual front seats and an easily removable, although fairly heavy, rear bench. The front bench seat, which allows for three seats (including driver) in the front and six in total, is a popular option on the Kombi at £130 plus VAT.

Interior

The most obvious differences between the Transporter Kombi and panel van is the removal of the bulkhead, and the addition of a second row of folding seats and a tailgate. However, there also a distinguishable rubber floor covering in the passenger compartment with loading edge protection, illuminated steps to the load area and full-height side trim panels.

On the Highline, there is privacy glass in the rear and front seats are height-adjustable and come with armrests and lumbar support.

VW Transporter Kombi dimensions

There are three variants of the Kombi; the short wheelbase, and long wheelbase with both a standard and high roof. All internal dimensions are the same as the panel van, except for the interior load length which has reduced to 1,600mm on the short wheelbase and 1,967mm on the long wheelbase due to the extra row of seating.

Payloads vary between 877kg on the T30 Highline 7-speed DSG and 1,186kg on the T32 Startline 5-speed manual.

Engine and driveline

The Kombi is available with three versions of VW’s famed 2.0TDi engine; the 110PS (5-speed manual), 150PS (6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG auto) or the 199PS (7-speed DSG only). A 4WD version, the 4Motion, is also available on the 150PS and 199PS outputs.

VW Transporter Kombi price

Prices start from £26,475 plus VAT for the T30 Startline SWB 110PS and rise to an eye-watering £40,340 plus VAT for the T32 Highline 199PS 7-speed DSG, which makes it the most expensive spec-for-spec double-cab in the medium sector. However, due to its huge lifestyle appeal, the Transporter also benefits from the best residual values in the sector.

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