Transporter is a blockbuster van that’s a Transit packed with VW goodness – it’s better equipped & great for your wallet

THE mega-selling Ford Transit Custom is box office.

Multi-award winner. Britain’s favourite van by a country mile.

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So imagine sprinkling a bit of Volkswagen goodness on it, making it £2k cheaper AND throwing in £3k of free servicing.

That’s the VW Transporter.

Ford and Volkswagen have decided to play nicely together, to build vans for each other, to cut costs.

So the seventh-generation Transporter is actually a Transit Custom underneath, built by Ford alongside you know what.

Same capabilities, same menu of engines, just a different badge on its rump and nose.

Right, questions. Let’s go.

Is it better than the old Transporter, the T6.1?

I think so, yes. It carries more stuff. It tows more stuff. And it comes in every power type – diesel, petrol plug-in hybrid and pure electric.

It also rides a little bit better. The base model is better equipped. They listened. The turning circle is similar to a Golf.

Is it better than the Ford?

Hmmmm. That’s your call. Both are blockbusters. Ford has more versions of the Transit Custom, including the rufty-tufty Trail and the sporty MS-RT.

Let’s get the tape measure out

But if you compare the base vans like-for-like, the Transporter is cheaper and has a five-year warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five free services thrown in. Ford doesn’t offer that.

Other observations.

VW has given the cabin a bit more love — adding a second glovebox, with a lid on top of the dash, as well as rubber-trim door inserts to stop things rattling about.

The steering wheel and seat fabrics are VW’s own and that 13in central screen is angled more towards the driver.

Also, the Transporter has a plastic strip across the rear doors to hide the number-plate lights and rear inner wheel arches to protect the bodywork and reduce noise.

So now let’s get the tape measure out. The Transporter is longer and wider than the T6.1. But no taller. So it still fits in underground car parks.

The cargo area has grown 6cm to 2.6 metres front to back, and by 15cm to 1.4 metres between the wheels, increasing load space by five per cent to 5.8 cubic metres.

Crucially, it can carry 8-by-4 ply in the back. The XL version, with its three-metre load floor, can take three Euro pallets instead of two.

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Maximum payload has risen to 1.27 tonnes. Roof load is up 20kg to 170kg. Trailer weight is now 2.8 tonnes, also more than before.

Now you have to decide if you want a tailgate or split doors at the back? One side door or two?

Right, engines.

You’ll want a diesel. Mostly because it is cheaper and more convenient but also because you’ll have the option of a manual or auto gearbox and 4WD. There are three diesels – 110hp, 150hp or 170hp.

The battery-powered Transporter is quiet and easy and nippy and will suit some businesses.

But it won’t top 180 miles on a full charge. Plus, it costs £10k more.

The plug-in hybrid follows in 2026.

Last question. Will there be a California campervan?

Yes and no.

Volkswagen is using the Multivan as the base for its legendary campervan.

Not the Transporter as before.

The result is beyond brilliant, of course. But it also keeps its crown jewel away from Ford.

HERE’S Jason Statham in his latest role – flogging Transporters.

The Transporter actor returns as “courier” Frank Martin in a Volkswagen TV ad to be aired soon, reminding us of his strict set of rules.

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“Rule No1 ­— Never open the package.”

“Rule No2 — No names.”

“Rule No3 — A deal is a deal. It cannot be renegotiated.”

Except this time his blockbuster co-star isn’t a beautiful woman. It’s a van.

I’m told Statham liked it so much, he ordered one.

Mind you, he used to drive a Golf back in the day, so he clearly loves his VWs.

The seventh-gen Transporter hits showrooms next month — from £32k excluding vodka and tonic. That’s £2k cheaper than the equivalent Ford Transit Custom.

Get in quick before they realise.

Rule No3.

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