Volkswagen Transporter Kombi long-term test: report 3

The car Volkswagen Transporter T32 SWB Highline Kombi 2.0 TDI 150PS 7spd DSG Run by Will Williams, senior photographer

Why it’s here To show that just because you need a lot of space, you don't have to sacrifice luxury or driving enjoyment

Needs to Tackle family and work duties in tandem, make long drives a breeze and function as a mobile office when needed

List price £44,406 Price as tested £50,670 Miles 5200 Official Economy 36.7mpg Test Economy 37.2mpg

4 March 2022 – Space race

Having run my Volkswagen Transporter for a few months, it’s fair to say that I’m pretty happy with my choice. Even in urban situations or tight nursery parking spots, it’s a breeze to get around in, and the tight steering lock makes light work of spaces which, in some cases, are barely longer than the van itself.

Combine its impressive maneuverability with the optional rear camera and standard front and rear parking sensors, and the Transporter excels in places that I wouldn’t have thought could possibly feel like its natural environment.

The only small design flaw that we’ve discovered is the shortage of storage space for rear seat occupants. Don’t get me wrong, it’s vast back there, but with the sliding doors, there are no cup holders or seat pockets to stow my young son Callum’s drinks bottle, toys, or snacks on a long journey.

The Volkswagen Amarok pick-up truck I ran previously had door and seat back pockets. Okay, it didn’t have sliding doors, but I’ve since spent time in Transporter rivals that do and have overcome this paucity of stowage.

Don’t get me wrong, the Transporter is still slotting into my life as well as a pallet into a van, and this really is the only niggle we’ve yet unearthed. If we had three children, though, it might be more of an issue.

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