Volkswagen has revealed the next-generation Transporter ahead of its launch next spring.
Teased as a near-production prototype in a YouTube video along with the Caravelle people carrier, the T7 Transporter and fully electric e-Transporter will be built on the same platform as the new Ford Transit Custom/E-Transit Custom, under the firms’ longstanding collaboration.
The Transporter line-up will include a panel van in two different lengths and heights, a Kombi, a dropside vehicle with double cab and the Caravelle.
Powertrain line-up will include a TDI diesel version, along with a TDI 4Motion all-wheel drive variant, an e-Hybrid plug-in hybrid and the fully electric e-Transporter.
Specifics haven’t been announced but the e-Transit Custom uses a new all-electric architecture and a 64kWh battery to deliver a targeted driving range of up to 209 miles and a towing capacity of 2.3 tonnes.
The Transporter is also likely to carry over the 2.0-litre diesel from Ford’s Transit Custom line-up, which delivers a range of power options, starting with 110hp, then 136hp, 150hp and a range-topping 170hp, with either a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed auto.
If it mirrors its Ford counterpart, the Transporter eHybrid PHEV model will feature a 2.5-litre petrol engine, outputting a combined 232hp with the motor, and giving an electric driving range of up to 35 miles.
The Transporter will be built alongside the Transit Custom at Ford’s plant in Kocaeli, Turkey. More details will be announced closer to launch.
