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VW lauches T5 bakkie

Just over a week after introducing large passenger volume HCV buses to the South African market, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is making a new addition to its rapidly growing model range with the T5 Transporter.

It is yet another innovation of the T5 bus, but this time utilises its large carrying capacity in `pick-up` form.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says that the T5 Transporter has been engineered to be used in a wide variety of applications like on construction sites - moving light equipment or bulky goods - while courier companies can use it to transport large cargo.

Using a multitude of configurations, operators have a choice of either a Double Cab or a Single Cab, with an impressively dimensioned open cargo compartment. The lines of the Tranporter’s cabin give it an elegant impression as seen in the passenger version.

In total it is 5.074m long, with a 3.0m wheelbase, and 1.946m high. These are outer dimensions which, above all due to the steep body panels, promise enlarged dimensions in the interior - volumes that are unique in that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has created an entirely new niche in the market.

On request, the wheelbase can grow to 3.4m, thus increasing overall vehicle length to 5.474m. Just as versatile is the chassis which can be used, amongst others, as a flatbed for furniture and other household goods, refrigerator van, construction material cart or as a tow truck — especially with legislation possibly changing to require a distinct passenger compartment in all tow vehicles. The wide array of diesel engines and a powerful 3.2 V6 makes the Transporter an especially attractive proposition for this purpose.

There`s a choice of four engines, in both Single and Double Cab configuration. Three of them are high torque TDI engines. First up is the 1.9TDI producing a claimed 77 kW and 250 Nm of torque. This TDI has already proven its commercial application credentials in the T5 Panelvan and Crewbus launched in February this year.

Then there are two versions of the modern five-cylinder 2.5 TDI engine. The first version produces 96kW and 340Nm of torque, with the traditional frugal fuel consumption delivered by all TDI engines.

Then there is an even more powerful 128 kW/400 Nm version, whose versatility is demonstrated by its use in the luxury Volkswagen Touareg as well as the Paris Dakar Race Touareg and its support vehicles. That the torque on all the TDI engines is available at very low engine speeds gives the Transporter load-carrying and towing capabilities suited to South Africa`s varied terrain.

The most powerful engine in the range is the 3.2 V6 producing 173 kW and 320 Nm of torque - especially suited for longer distance travel.

Front axle drive is by means of five-speed or six-speed gearbox (depending on the engine), with McPherson suspension struts at the front and a semi-trailer arm axis with ‘miniblock’ springs and separate shock absorbers at the rear. This configuration gives the Transporter the handling characteristics of a car, rather than the small truck that it is. In addition, anti-roll bars reduce the roll angle.

The mechanically isolated chassis sub frame on the front axle is new, carrying the engine and holding the track control arms. It also serves as a second crash barrier and increased passenger protection in the event of a collision. This running gear and engine suspension ensures a significant reduction of the engine and tyre noise in the interior.

Not compromising on safety, all the Transporters have various electronic aids in the form of ABS, electronic differential lock (EDL), anti-slip regulation (ASR) and engine traction control (ETC) as standard. The 96 kW 2.5 TDI comes with optional 4Motion with a differential lock. With 4Motion permanent four-wheel drive, traction is even better, especially in wet weather. The 4Motion comes with an optional High Rise kit for more demanding rugged terrain. The system has proven its adaptability by being used on both passenger and off-road Volkswagen models like the new Passat and the Touareg respectively.

Driver and passenger air bags are an option across the range.

Helping hands are seldom offered in the world of heavy duty loading and transport, but they are willingly accepted. In the new Transporter, numerous storage options increase its functionality and enhance the ambience of the cabin. For instance, documents can be stored in the huge door pockets and the lockable glove box. The single-seat cockpit seating and joystick selector mechanism permits generous freedom of movement for the driver and front passengers. These are all small features that help make the cabin more hospitable in the daily grind of deliveries.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says the wide range of applications that can be fitted on to the new T5 Transporter makes it an especially good choice for small, medium and large operators. Its uses vary from a simple luggage carrier (suitable for the likes of cement bags, sand and lucerne bales) to specialised containers like mobile refrigerated units.

Perhaps nothing illustrates the versatility of the load area more than its design. For loading using a fork lift, all three sides can be dropped down completely to expose the entire flat loading area, and can be raised again when loading has been completed. The width that extends beyond the track allows for even wider loads to be carried without difficulty, which is impossible to achieve with a normal bakkie.

In order to give operators and owners peace of mind, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is offering a two-year unlimited mileage warranty on all Transporters. With a growing dealer network nationwide that can now service large Volkswagen buses, operators will be able to call upon its mobile service units that help reduce or eliminate downtime by offering roadside assistance whenever needed.