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Volkswagen Transporter (T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van 2.5 TDI (102 Hp) L2H1
Overall Rating
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) Panel Van Overview:
Volkswagen Transporter ((T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1735 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 157 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.5 TDI (102 Hp) L2H1 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 102 Hp 2.5 TDI is an outstanding engine for the L2H1 body, delivering strong performance and ample torque for both city and highway driving, even with heavy loads.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 10.1 l/100 km, it offers excellent fuel efficiency for its power and the vehicle's capabilities, making it a top choice for running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and durability, especially the diesel engines
- • Versatile cargo space and multiple body configurations
- • Car-like driving dynamics for a commercial van
- • Strong resale value due to cult following and practicality
- • Wide range of robust diesel engine options (TDI models are excellent)
Cons:
- • Petrol engines are very thirsty and less suited for commercial use
- • Basic safety features compared to modern vans (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Potential for rust, especially on older, unmaintained examples
- • Naturally aspirated diesel engines (2.4 D, 1.9 TD) can feel underpowered
- • Some parts may become harder to source as the vehicle ages
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Panel Van: 1992 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Transporter |
| Generation: | (T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 TDI (102 Hp) L2H1 |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 102 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 41.4 Hp/l [457mm more] |
| Torque: | 250 Nm @ 1900-2300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ACV More details about the engine ACV |
| Engine displacement: | 2461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 157 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 17 kg/Hp, 58.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1735 |
| Max. weight: | 2730 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 995 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6300 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 mm [457mm more] |
| Width: | 1840 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1940 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3320 mm 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R15; 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Transporter. How does it handle on the road?