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Volkswagen Transporter (T5) Panel Van 2.5 TDI (174 Hp) Tiptronic L2H3
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)
(T5) Panel Van Overview:
Volkswagen Transporter ((T5) Panel Van). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2071 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.7 s). The top speed reaches 169 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 (174 Hp) Tiptronic L2H3 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Outstanding power and torque, combined with the convenience of a smooth Tiptronic automatic transmission for effortless driving, even with the largest body.
Fuel Economy
Impressive fuel economy for its power output, with the automatic gearbox providing relaxed cruising.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Highly versatile engine lineup catering to diverse needs
- • Excellent cargo capacity and multiple body configurations
- • Optional 4MOTION provides superior traction for challenging conditions
- • Generally comfortable for a commercial vehicle
- • Strong resale value and robust build quality
Cons:
- • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered, especially when loaded
- • Some known reliability issues with specific 2.5 TDI components (e.g., oil pump)
- • Petrol engines are significantly thirstier than diesel counterparts
- • Older safety technology compared to modern vans
- • Can be expensive to maintain if not properly serviced
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van: 1998 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Transporter |
| Generation: | (T5) Panel Van |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 TDI (174 Hp) Tiptronic L2H3 |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 2-3 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 174 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 70.7 Hp/l [183mm more] |
| Torque: | 400 Nm @ 2000-2300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA153 / AXE More details about the engine EA153 / AXE |
| Engine displacement: | 2460 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 169 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.2 kg/Hp, 89 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 204.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1955-2187 |
| Max. weight: | 2800-3200 |
| Max load: | 845-1013 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 9300 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%): | 2500 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Wading depth: | 300 mm |
| Length: | 5290 mm [183mm more] |
| Width: | 1904 mm [64mm more] |
| Height: | 2460 mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3400 mm [80mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2242 mm |
| Front track: | 1628 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1628 mm |
| Front overhang: | 894 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 165 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 22° |
| Departure angle: | 16° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Tiptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 308x29.5 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 294x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
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