Colleagues who recently attended the Geneva Motor Show will have been treated to a host of outlandish concept vehicles.
Concepts at a motor show are traditionally an opportunity for designers to let their hair down, forget the restrictions of legislation and factory assembly procedures.
More recently though, manufacturers have used concepts to gauge public opinion, showing barely disguised details of future models. There is usually little of substance beneath the bodywork though, unless the manufacturer wants to try a new dash design, and it is rare indeed that the vehicle can actually move under its own steam.
Occasionally though, a concept actually works and the manufacturer will allow a few journalists to get behind the wheel to try the vehicle. This is one of those days, as Volkswagen has given us a rare opportunity to try the Tristar concept, first seen at last year’s Hanover CV show.
Tristar takes its name and inspiration from a Transporter dropside, first seen at the launch of the synchro all-wheel drive system almost 30 years ago. The concept has an extended cab, a high-riding 4×4 driveline and a luxurious interior, potentially appealing to both business and leisure users.
Having seen the way the latest Caddy moves on Volkswagen’s design language from the previous generation, it is fairly obvious how Tristar points the way towards the T6 Transporter, which will make an appearance later this year. The wrap-around bonnet lines, horizontal grille elements and striking LED headlights all give clues to the new van’s exterior look.
The interior is equally familiar, though using slightly updated Volkswagen styling, mixing the firm’s latest car design with the commercial.
The concept is powered by a 204hp version of Volkswagen’s well-proven 2.0-litre diesel engine, driving through a seven-speed DSG gearbox and permanent 4Motion drivetrain. However, we were speed restricted during the test, as the van is still a one-off, not to mention fairly valuable, creation.
A few laps of Millbrook Proving Ground’s hill route were enough to demonstrate that Transporter customers will feel instantly at home in the new vans though.
As well as the design tweaks, there are some interesting ideas on Tristar, such as the huge water-tight drawers that can be pulled out from the side and the rear below the dropside deck. We’ve seen a similar idea on the rear of Fiat’s Doblo Work-Up, and the drawer offers secure storage for an exposed pick-up.
There are of course a number of ideas that will not be making production any time soon, like the video conferencing facility in the cab and the touchscreen table top. It’s doubtful that Volkswagen will offer an integral winch on the front of the next-generation Transporter either.
But as a way of showing customers the direction that the new van will take, both in appearance and in terms of possible performance, Tristar offers a tantalising vision of the future.
We’ll be seeing the real T6 Transporter towards the end of April, though we won’t get to drive it until slightly later in the year. Don’t be too surprised if you recognise elements of the van’s external and in-cab appearance.