The Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle

Volkswagen has expanded its MPV range still further with the availability of the Transporter shuttle. This people-carrying version of the Transporter offers unrivalled space and practicality for up to nine individuals.

Unlike the Caravelle – which has seven seats based on a unique rail system, and competes in the luxury MPV market – the Transporter shuttle is available in two wheelbases with seating for up to nine people. It is targeted at large families, in addition to customer-facing businesses such as hotels, airport shuttle services and taxi operators.

In standard form the Transporter shuttle seats eight people – two in the front, with two rows of three behind. The ninth seat is available as an option, and is located in the front row as a dual passenger seat.

The difference between the existing Transporter window van – which has the same seating options – and Transporter shuttle is quite simple: the Transporter window van is Volkswagen’s heavy duty answer to people carrying. The emphasis is therefore on practicality, making it perfect for moving crews to and from building sites, for example. The Transporter shuttle offers more luxury, with standard features including roller blinds for side windows; electrically adjustable mirrors; electric windows; and SE versions benefiting from body-coloured bumpers, air conditioning and carpeted floors.

Four advanced TDI PD diesel engines are available to Transporter shuttle buyers: two 1.9-litre units with outputs of 85 PS and 104 PS, and two five-cylinder 2.5-litre powerplants with 130 PS and 174 PS. The larger engines are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of six-speed tiptronic automatic on the TDI PD 130 PS. For extra traction, for example when towing a boat from a riverbank, 4MOTION four-wheel drive is offered as an option on TDI PD 130 PS versions.

The latest Transporter has a high level of standard equipment fitted across all models, including items such as ABS; TCS (Traction Control System); remote central locking with deadlocking and immobiliser; plus a driver’s airbag. Since its launch last year, the Transporter has won a number of awards including What Van? Van of the Year and International Van of the Year 2004.

The Transporter shuttle range starts at £19,462.75 RRP on the road (£15,970 basic RRP ex-VAT) for the T30 S TDI PD 85 PS with short wheelbase, and goes up to £24,926.50 RRP on the road (£20,620 basic RRP ex-VAT) for the T30 SE TDI PD 174 PS long wheelbase.