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First photos of the new Transporter and Caravelle

They provide a glimpse of innovative multitools for professionals.

Robust tool: the new transporter. (Photo: VWN)
Robust tool: the new transporter. (Photo: VWN)
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Claus Bünnagel

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) presents the first photos of its completely newly developed transporter. Many technical details and features have been improved compared to the predecessor. The new generation offers more space, payload, towing capacity, and efficiency. This seventh generation of the series is launched in three transporter variants (Kombi, panel van, and flatbed) as well as the Caravelle (passenger transport). The powertrains include turbo diesel, plug-in hybrid, and electric drives. An all-wheel drive is optionally available. Generally, the Bulli spectrum is broader than ever: With the new transporter and Caravelle, the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, the Multivan, and the new California based on the Multivan, VWN provides a wide range of choices for customers.

The Model Range

VWN offers the new transporter as a panel van (cargo space for pure freight transport), panel van plus (cargo space with a second row of seats for combined freight and passenger transport), Kombi (for passenger transport), and as a double cabin (flatbed with a long wheelbase). The Kombi and panel van are optionally available with a high roof as well as an extended wheelbase.

The more exclusive Caravelle was developed with its nine seats for commercial passenger transport – as a shuttle and large-capacity taxi. Volkswagen will offer the Caravelle in a basic version as well as a mid-range trim level "Life" and the top version "Style". Additionally, the Caravelle is also available with an extended wheelbase.

Moreover, there is also the "PanAmericana" version. With its robust all-terrain design and exclusive equipment details, this Bulli will be available in the new generation based on the transporter and the Caravelle.

New Drive Range

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is significantly expanding its drive program with the debut of the new Transporter and Caravelle versions. In addition to the latest turbo diesel engines (TDI), both models will also be available with plug-in hybrid and pure electric drives. Three power variants of the new TDI engines are available during the already started pre-sales phase. They develop 81 kW/110 HP, 110 kW/150 HP, and 125 kW/170 HP.

The newly developed plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid) with a system output of 171 kW/232 HP is also already available for order. Three electric drives with power levels of 100, 160, and 210 kW and a net battery capacity of 64 kWh will follow quickly. Additionally, there will be an E-version with reduced power and a smaller battery for urban delivery traffic. The TDI and eHybrid models are front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive 4Motion is optionally available for TDI versions starting from 110 kW. The purely electric models have rear-wheel drive; an all-wheel-drive version is planned for a later date. The 125-kW TDI is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, the 110-kW TDI offers this optionally. For the plug-in hybrid and electric models, an automatic transmission is mandatory.

The Transporter in Detail

The seventh generation is no longer started with a key but generally via a start button next to the digital 12" instruments and the 13" infotainment display. The standard multifunction steering wheel is equipped with clear buttons. The volume of the infotainment system is adjusted via the steering wheel or a classic rotary knob. The handbrake lever has been abolished; it is now arranged as a switch for the parking brake in the center of the control panel.

Also new is the space-saving steering column selector lever of the automatic versions. It allows for even better access to the loading area or passenger compartment. Large cup holders in the forward center console (depending on equipment) as well as additional cup holders and practical storage compartments in the upper area of the dashboard make everyday work easier. Typical Bulli: the high and clear dashboard, the high seating position, and the ergonomically optimal arrangement of all controls.

Improved Usability

The new transporter is 5,050 mm long (+146 mm compared to the T6.1). Its wheelbase increased by 97 mm to 3,100 mm; optionally, there will be a 400 mm extended wheelbase available (total length: 5,450 mm). With 2,032 mm, the transporter offers an external width (excluding rearview mirrors) increased by 128 mm compared to its predecessors. The maximum width between the wheel arches increased by 148 mm to 1,392 mm, making it easy to store Euro pallets. The cargo length on the floor of the transporter with a normal wheelbase is 2,602 mm – an increase of 61 mm. With an extended wheelbase, the cargo length grows to 3,002 mm.

With the increase in length, width, and wheelbase, VWN was able to significantly increase the load volume of the transporter: the maximum storage volume of the versions with a normal wheelbase is now 5.8 m3. Versions with a long wheelbase and high roof will be able to accommodate up to 9.0 m3. The transporter can be equipped with up to six seats in the passenger compartment and various partition walls.

Power Supply

Various interfaces supply power to the electrical equipment. These include USB-A, USB-C, and 12V sockets, as well as – optionally – connection options for 230V devices. In the diesel versions, the 230V socket is always located at the driver's seat base. The electric-powered transporter will additionally have two more sockets in the D-pillar area upon request. Total output of the 230V system is up to 2,300 watts, providing a power source for any electrical device – from laptops to circular saws.

Increased Payload and Towing Capacity

Despite its generous dimensions, the new transporter with a height of under 2.0 m (normal roof) fits into all common parking garages. With a turning circle of only 11.8 m (normal wheelbase), it also handles tight turns with ease. Additionally, VWN has ensured that this automotive tool for professionals can carry weight proportional to its volume: the maximum payload is up to 1.33 t. And if that is not enough, the new transporter generation can tow trailers weighing up to 2.8 t, depending on the variant, to wherever the load is needed (predecessor: up to 2.5 t).

Extended Standard Equipment

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has extended the standard equipment of the new transporter models compared to their predecessors. Always on board from now on: LED headlights and taillights, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, digital 12" instruments ("Digital Cockpit"), an infotainment system (including DAB+, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, online services, and a 13" touchscreen), a multifunction steering wheel, the keyless start system "Keyless Start", a rain sensor, the lane-keeping assistant "Lane Assist", the emergency braking system "Front Assist", and traffic sign recognition. The panel van now also comes standard with a partition wall. The combi with windows in the rear is characterized by three individual seats in the second row and an audio system with six speakers instead of four.

The Caravelle in Detail

The Caravelle already offers a removable three-seater bench in the third row as standard in its basic version, providing nine seats. Compared to the transporter versions, this model is characterized, among other things, by refined seat fabrics, side and curtain airbags in the cab, and an audio system with ten speakers. The mid-level "Life" trim is enhanced with features such as body-color painted bumpers, mirror housings and door handles, air conditioning, armrests for the driver's seat, a passenger seat height-adjustable analogously to the driver's seat with lumbar adjustment and armrests, distinctive decor, three additional USB ports in the passenger compartment, and 16" alloy wheels.

Visually Distinctive Top Version

The Caravelle Style is recognizable from the outside by its distinct front section with a dark-colored crossbar, including a chrome strip integrated here. The chrome strip continues into the standard LED matrix headlights, which also include cornering and poor weather lights. Other features of the Style compared to the Life version include LED taillights with a distinctive lighting signature, privacy glass in the rear, and 17" alloy wheels.

Also standard: the "Keyless Access" electric locking and starting system, electrically folding exterior mirrors, bi-color synthetic leather seats, unique interior trims, a multifunction leather steering wheel, a large center console with cup holders, a three-zone climate control system with an additional control unit for the rear (in the headliner), and sun protection blinds in the second row of seats. The Caravelle can also be enhanced with options such as a large panoramic roof and a Harman-Kardon sound system with 14 speakers (including subwoofer).

The PanAmericana in Detail

The fourth generation of the transporter was available from 2001 with a PanAmericana equipment package. With the fifth generation, the PanAmericana became a standalone exclusive version. Given this background, it was clear that VWN would also offer the newly introduced seventh generation of the series as a PanAmericana–in conjunction with both van models and the Caravelle. The new PanAmericana is identifiable on the outside by its rugged all-terrain cladding on the side sills and wheel arches, embossed bumpers with resilience qualities, and a painted grille guard. A film also protects the lower part of the tailgate or the rear doors.

Inside, this Bulli welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated stainless steel inlays for the door sills, high-gloss black accents on the dashboard, and chrome inner door handles. Also unique: exclusive seat fabrics with the "PanAmericana" lettering embedded in the seatbacks and color-coordinated contrast stitching.

The Caravelle PanAmericana comes standard with the new 19" "Indianapolis" alloy wheels (in black with polished surfaces). For the Transporter PanAmericana, these wheels are optionally available. The optional 4Motion all-wheel drive perfectly fits the character and range of applications of both PanAmericana versions.

Translated automatically from German.
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