Volkswagen has unveiled the brand new T7 Transporter, not to be confused with the T7 Multivan. This new Transpoter replaces the outgoing T6.1 which was launched in 2019 and for the very first time the Transporter is now platform sharing with Ford, sitting on the same one as the best selling Transit Custom. This is part of the ongoing partnership between the two companies which has resulted in the new Ford Ranger and VW Amarok, VW Caddy and Ford Transit Connect and some Ford electric SUVs.

As it is sharing with Ford, the new Transporter takes those new powertrains we have seen with the Transit Custom which include diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric. Volkswagen has said though, that this is going to be a van and mini-bus only, with no California version planned. For that market, VW does have the new T7 California coming soon, which is based on the MEB Multivan.

For engines, we have three different diesel options, all 2.0-litre and come with either 109bhp, 148bhp or 168bhp and are front wheel drive. However on the latter two, VW will also offer it in four wheel drive. For the PHEV, just like the Ford it uses combination of a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. The battery is 16.5kWh with a combined total of 229bhp. However, as of writing, VW has yet to release the pure EV range, but on the Ford it is up to 35 miles.

For the pure EV version, again it is sharing with the Ford. This puts it in a strange place, competing with the ID.Buzz cargo. However, it is possible the Transporter version will be a bit cheaper. For this one, the Transporter is using the same tech as the Ford with a 64kWh battery pack with either 134bhp, 215bhp or 282bhp and is rear wheel drive. In the Ford, charging speeds are up to 125kW and range of 209 miles. However, VW has yet to confirm any specs.

Volkwagen will offer the Transporter T7 as a panel van fitted with three or five sears, a double-cab van with six seats or as a Caravelle with nine seats. All variants can come with any powertrain.

Inside, the interior is similar to the Ford, with a 12-inch drivers display, 13-inch infoinament screen and a nice amount of electrical outlets. In the front are two USB ports, one USBA and USB-C as well as 230V mains outlet.

Prices for the new Transporter are yet to be revealed, but for reference the new Transit Custom starts at £32,350 (exc VAT) and from £43,380 for the E-Transit Custom.

Source: VW UK