Volkswagen Transporter (T4, facelift 1996) Kombi 1.9 TD (68 Hp) L2H2


Overall Rating

7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Transporter:

The Volkswagen Transporter, based on the Volkswagen Group's T platform, now in its seventh generation, refers to a series of vans produced for over 70 years and marketed worldwide.
The T series is now considered an official Volkswagen Group automotive platform. and generations are sequentially named T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7. Pre-dating the T platform designations, the first three generations were named Type 2, indicating their relative position to the Type 1, or Beetle. As part of the T platform, the first three generations are retroactively named T1, T2 and T3....(Read more on Wikipedia)

(T4, facelift 1996) Kombi Overview:

Volkswagen Transporter ((T4, facelift 1996) Kombi). With 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1680 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 126 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.9 TD (68 Hp) L2H2 Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

With the larger L2H2 body, the 68 Hp 1.9 TD feels even more strained, best suited for unhurried journeys and lighter loads. Expect slow progress.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy will be slightly impacted by the increased drag and weight of the L2H2 body, but still remains a relatively economical diesel option.

Best Use Case: Light Utility / Local Deliveries

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional reliability and durability, known for high mileage.
  • • Highly versatile interior, easily configurable for cargo or passengers.
  • • Strong aftermarket support and community.
  • • Timeless, practical design.
  • • Good fuel tank capacity for long journeys.

Cons:

  • • Engines, especially the diesels, can feel underpowered by modern standards.
  • • Basic safety features compared to contemporary vehicles.
  • • Fuel economy, particularly for petrol variants, can be high.
  • • Road noise and refinement are typical of a commercial vehicle.
  • • Rust can be an issue on older, neglected examples.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Panel Van: 1992 - 1995).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Transporter
Generation:(T4, facelift 1996) Kombi
Modification (Engine):1.9 TD (68 Hp) L2H2
Start of production:1996
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Van
Seats:2-9
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:68 Hp @ 3700 rpm.
Power per litre:35.9 Hp/l
Torque:140 Nm @ 2000-3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:ABL [Same engine] More details about the engine ABL
Engine displacement:1896
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:5 l
Coolant:9 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm
Compression ratio:22.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.5 l/100 km
Maximum speed:126 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:24.7 kg/Hp, 40.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:12 kg/Nm, 83.3 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1680
Max. weight:2625-2800
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:945-1120
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:7800 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):2000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:80 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:700 kg
Permitted towbar download:100 kg
Size:
Wading depth:350 mm
Length:5107 mm [457mm more]
Width:1840 mm [Same width.]
Height:2430 mm [490mm more]
Wheelbase:3320 mm [400mm more]
Width including mirrors:2175 mm
Front track:1589 mm
Rear (Back) track:1554 mm
Front overhang:886 mm
Rear overhang:901 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):180 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/70 R15; 205/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Trailing arm

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