The following-generation Volkswagen Transporter vary is because of arrive in Australia subsequent yr – and the native division is eager on the all-electric eTransporter variant already confirmed for abroad markets.
Nathan Johnson, head of selling and product for Volkswagen Business Automobiles Australia, informed CarExpert the brand new Transporter – which relies on a shared platform with the brand new Ford Transit Customized and Tourneo – will carry van and Caravelle folks mover variations within the new yr, in addition to a doable eTransporter EV choice.
“We’re assessing every little thing that [head office] will make obtainable to us throughout the vary,” Mr Johnson stated.
Additional particulars for the Australian market are but to be communicated, however the brand new Transporter household can be obtainable with a variety of diesel, plug-in hybrid, and electrical powertrains.
The diesels in abroad markets vary from 81kW to 125kW in outputs, whereas the eHybrid PHEV affords a complete of 171kW – electrical driving vary for the Transporter eHybrid hasn’t been detailed as but.
In the meantime, the eTransporter can be supplied with a variety of variants, starting from 85kW to 210kW, with a regular battery dimension of 83kWh (gross) for all however the base model, which will get a smaller 54kWh (gross) battery.
Electrical vary hasn’t been confirmed towards official WLTP specs, however Volkswagen has confirmed the eTransporter can be rear-drive as normal with dual-motor AWD deliberate “for a later date”. The 110kW TDI diesel affords non-compulsory 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen has additionally confirmed a payload of as much as 1.3 tonnes (TDI RWD), whereas towing capability for the overseas-spec diesel panel van has risen from 2.5t to 2.8t. Dynamic roof load has additionally risen from 150kg to 170kg.
The brand new Caravelle can be correctly distinguished mechanically from the Multivan for the primary time on this technology. The previous rides on the industrial Ford-VW platform, whereas the latter has moved to Volkswagen’s MQB evo passenger platform.
It’s seemingly the brand new Caravelle will provide eight or 9 seats, given the present mannequin affords seating for 9 in Australia. The associated Ford Tourneo is coming to Australia later this yr with as much as eight seats.
The Transporter/Transit Customized pairing is the newest collaboration between Volkswagen and Ford in industrial autos. Co-developed fashions launched to date embrace the Ford Ranger-based Volkswagen Amarok, and the Volkswagen Caddy-based Ford Transit Join.
The shut ties between the 2 companies have additionally seen Ford use the MEB all-electric structure as the idea for its Europe-only Ford Explorer crossover, in addition to the yet-to-be-revealed Capri coupe crossover.
Whereas each these fashions use the MEB platform, they are going to be constructed by Ford at its manufacturing unit in Cologne, Germany, which as soon as pumped out Fiestas by the bucketload.
MORE: Every little thing Volkswagen CaravelleMORE: Every little thing Volkswagen Transporter
