SECTOR: Medium van   PRICE: from €20,360 (approx)   FUEL: 5.8–8.8l/100km   CO2: 153–232g/km

65 years on and Volkswagen’s Transporter is probably, in name at least, the longest running panel van series in the world. The current model has been with us since 2003, which means that we can’t have long to wait until its replacement appears, particularly with the Ford Transit Custom, Renault Trafic/Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro and shortly the Mercedes-Benz Vito giving the sector several new choices.

Since the 2009 facelift, the diesel engine range has been focussed on Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel with a range of power outputs from 84hp to 180hp. In common with its other product ranges, the Transporter is also available as a BlueMotion model, equipped with a range of technologies to keep fuel consumption to a minimum. This includes automatic engine Stop/Start, to reduce fuel wasting engine idling, regenerative braking, cruise control and low rolling resistance tyres. Power output for the BlueMotion model is 114hp, so low fuel consumption is not the product of a low-powered engine.

The Transporter BlueMotion is available as a short wheelbase low roof model and offers EU combined fuel consumption of 5.8l/100km, with CO2 emissions of 153g/km. These are some of the lowest figures for vans in this class. The combined figure is better than either the Transit Custom ECOnetic or the new Opel Vivaro ecoFLEX.

The short wheelbase low roof body offers 5.8m3 of load space, slightly less than the Transit Custom but more than the L1H1 Vivaro/Renault Trafic. It might be ageing, but the Transporter is still competitive. Payload is 871kg for the 2,700kg gross vehicle weight BlueMotion model, but if more flexibility is needed, the 114hp engine with the BlueMotion technology options can be specified with a range of short and long wheelbase models with more variety of payload and load space. These models will not be as fuel efficient as the SWB BlueMotion model, but they will use less fuel than standard Transporter models.

In common with most other medium panel vans, the Transporter uses a front wheel-drive layout. Like some other Volkswagen BlueMotion car models, the standard transmission has only five-speeds, but only the more powerful 140hp and 180hp engine variants are offered with the six-speed option. The impressive DSG automated transmission is not available with the BlueMotion model either.

The Transporter cab may appear slightly dated compared with the newer rivals, but there’s a fair bit of similarity where the basic layout is concerned. All have the gearshift mounted on the dashboard so cross-cab access is relatively easy. The high driving position gives good all-round visibility, and there’s reasonable storage space, if lacking some of the latest ideas from rivals.

On the road, the Transporter is still a pleasant vehicle to drive with relatively low noise levels, good ride and handling and good performance, despite the BlueMotion package. The standard cruise control will be appreciated by those covering long distances. The T6, when it arrives, will have to be good…

What we think:

The Transporter BlueMotion has a lot to offer, particularly with low fuel consumption and that reassuring Transporter driving experience.