Volkswagen T5 Van (Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California) facelift review:
New generation of the Transporter, Multivan, Caravelle and California:New versions of the best-selling series begin in autumn 2009
New Common Rail TDI drops fuel consumption by up to 1.9 litres
New front design in keeping with the stylistically refined Volkswagen Design DNA
New infotainment and driver assist systems for optimum comfort and safety
New generation of ESP including the hill-start assistant comes as standard in all vehicles
The Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California - these are the four basic versions of an internationally best-selling vehicle so popular that is has sold in the millions. For its huge fan base, people like service providers, trades people, families, business people and globe trotters, these multi-talented vehicles are an automotive way-of-life, a symbol for endless mobility and variety. A few weeks after the Multivan and California are premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt in September 2009, a new generation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle`s successful models will hit the roads. The new perfected version gives out even fewer emissions as well as being more efficient, economical, comfortable, elegant, intelligent and safer than ever before. Advance sales for all four basic versions will start at the IAA.
Refinement and high-tech features fit for a bestseller
The bestseller`s body design is now in line with Volkswagen`s new Design DNA. The new front design shows off the series in an even more elegant light. The series, which is known as the T5 by Volkswagen employees, has also been given a huge technical boost. Take the engines for example: the new Turbo diesel engines (TDI) are more efficient, exceptionally quiet and now fitted with a Common Rail Injection system. Thanks to the new TDI, fuel consumption levels have decreased by up to 1.9 litres and CO2 emissions have dropped by 52 g/km, so that all engines now fulfil the EU5 emission standards. What`s more, the new versions come with an optional 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG) - an international first for this class of vehicle! As another optional extra, you can have the new four-wheel drive function (4Motion with 4th generation Haldex coupling), which allows you to drive off-road. Another revolutionary highlight from the new models is that, from the start of the year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be offering a 4Motion version in conjunction with DSG. Safety features have been further improved thanks to the standard hill-start assistant, refined ESP, a new hazard warning light for the brake lights (emergency brake lights) and new optional driver assist systems. In addition, the interior is fitted with new instruments, steering wheels, radio/navigation systems and textures on top of ergonomic perfection.
Four new Common Rail TDI and dual clutch gearboxes
With the new four-cylinder diesel engines with Common Rail Injection, the best-selling series in both Germany and Europe sets new benchmarks for both its economy and its kindness to the environment. The TDI (1,968 cm³) comes as either 62 kW / 84 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 103 kW / 140 PS or 132 kW /180 PS. The 140 PS engine is boosted by a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, while Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has fitted a two-stage charger with bi-turbocharger in the top of the range 180 PS. This form of downsizing means that, for the first time in the Volkswagen Group, a compression ignition engine is being used in a vehicle of this performance range.
The greatest feature is the fuel-saving capacity. It is the first time in the world that a transporter, van or touring vehicle has been equipped with a 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which allows fuel consumption in the 180 PS version to drop by up to 1.9 litres when compared with the previous 6-gear automatic. In the meantime, the 85 kW / 115 PS petrol engine will be carried over and now complies with EU5 emission standards. Compared to previous generations, Volkswagen were able to decrease CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels by an average of 10 percent across the whole range. In vehicles with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels* range from 7.2 litres / 190 g/km CO2 (84 PS and 102 PS) to 7.5 litres / 190 g/km CO2 (180 PS): that`s up to 0.9 litres less than ever before.
All four diesel engines respond extremely quickly and almost as soon as you have left idling speed as well! Even the smallest TDI engine with 84 PS has a maximum torque of 220 Newton metres from just 1,250 rpm. The 102 PS version goes to 250 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm, the 140 PS TDI hits a high of 340 Newton metres from 1,750 rpm while the 180 PS TDI propels into the crankshaft with an impressive 400 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm. And of course all versions are fitted with a particle filter.
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 4–5-door, 6–7-passenger van
BASE PRICE (GERMANY): $40,509
ENGINES:
DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection, 115 hp, 125 lb-ft;
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 84 hp, 162 lb-ft;
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 102 hp, 184 lb-ft;
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 140 hp, 251 lb-ft;
twin-turbocharged DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 180 hp, 295 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS: 5- or 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 118.1–133.9 in
Length: 192.6–208.3 in
Width: 75.0 in Height: 77.6 in
Curb weight (mfr’s est): 4400–5000 lb
PERFORMANCE (MFR'S EST):
Zero to 62 mph: 11.4–22.2 sec
Top speed: 117 mph
FUEL ECONOMY:
European combined cycle: 22–32 mpg
