Seventh generation VW Transporter teased

SHARING its platform (and presumably other components) with the new Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen has issued images and minor details of its new seventh generation medium size Transporter van due to start European deliveries early next year.

Volkswagen’s Transporter 7 teaser statement suggests it will be available with diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric drivetrains.

No pricing details are available, though potential buyers can expect an increase on the current model which starts at $45,590 excluding on-road costs for the SWB TDI 250 rising to $68,090 for the 4motion dual-cab chassis.

Local competitors include the LDV V80 SWB low roof diesel from $36,831 drive-away, Hyundai Staria Load from $46,240 + ORC and the Ford Transit Custom 340S SWB from $50,390 + ORC. The Toyota HiAce starts at $48,886 + ORC.

The German manufacturer is already taking orders for the new Transporter in Europe with prices starting at €36,780 ($A60,070) for Q1 2025 hand over.

It will be sold alongside the fully electric ID.Buzz in numerous formats expected to reflect the current model line up with differing wheelbases, roof heights and body configurations.

Images of the new Transporter show a re-interpretation of the current styling that has been around for at least two decades… with minor alterations.

The new model is immediately identifiable as a VW Transporter from all angles (see pic) VW pitching it as “completely” new.

“It has been redesigned from the first to last millimetre as the successor to the T6.1 and as a member of the Bulli (VW van) family with the design consistently following the model’s ‘iconic’ DNA evident in the main body, which has a characteristic contour for the product line below the side windows called the ‘Bulli’ line,” said VW in a statement.

Reiterating that statement, Albert Kirzinger, chief designer of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand explains, “We are transferring the DNA of our icon into modern times with the completely new Transporter”.

“The details of the seventh Bulli generation pick up the characteristic design features of its six predecessors and give them a new interpretation,” he added.

“This has a tradition as every new Volkswagen Transporter has always represented a new visual beginning, a stylistic bridge between a long history, the present and the future.

“This is precisely what has kept this product line updated for over eight decades, making it the most successful van series in its class in the world.”

From the supplied images, elements of previous Transporters can be seen with the front bearing a resemblance to the T5 model in the shape of the radiator grille, the T6.1 in the headlights and the T1 in minor exterior details all of which are melded into the new model’s appearance.

“The front design of our seventh Transporter immediately makes it clear that it is a member of the Bulli family and complements the Multivan and ID. Buzz duo,” added Mr Kirzinger.

From the side view, the new Transporter displays a silhouette ranging between 5050mm and 5450mm long with the upper contour of the headlights extended into the sides. This continues all the way to the rear and creates a pronounced linear curvature above it.

VW calls this line the Bulli line that is designed to separate the upper and lower areas of the body.

The model rolls on 16-, 17- or 19-inch Transporter specific wheels that have been redesigned this time around with the striking 19-inch Indianapolis alloy wheel featuring a diamond-cut rim flange making its debut.

Simple measures have been taken to bolstering useability such as the fuel filler flap integrated in the B-pillar on diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, as on the current T6.1 and large Crafter.

The charging socket flap of the models with plug-in hybrid and all-electric drive is located under the right-hand headlight.

At the rear, the van design is conventional with new C-shaped LED taillights and available tailgate and rear wing (barn) doors.

The tailgate or barn doors’ recess extends into the bumper resulting in a low load sill height of 575mm to 638mm (depending on version).

More details will be forthcoming closer to local launch.