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Volkswagen Transporter (T5) Panel Van 3.2 V6 (235 Hp) Tiptronic L1H2
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 315 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2030 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.6 s). The top speed reaches 199 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.2 V6 (235 Hp) Tiptronic L1H2 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Exceptional performance for a panel van, transforming it into a surprisingly quick hauler with smooth automatic shifts.
Fuel Economy
Significantly higher fuel consumption compared to diesel options, a trade-off for its power and petrol engine characteristics.
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): | 3.2 V6 (235 Hp) Tiptronic L1H2 |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 2-3 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 235 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 73.7 Hp/l [183mm more] |
| Torque: | 315 Nm @ 2950 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA390 / BKK More details about the engine EA390 / BKK |
| Engine displacement: | 3189 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | VR-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.1 l |
| Coolant: | 7.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.9 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.85:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 199 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 121.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1930-2130 |
| Max. weight: | 2800-3000 |
| Max load: | 870 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6700 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: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14° |
| Wading depth: | 300 mm |
| Length: | 4890 mm [183mm more] |
| Width: | 1904 mm [64mm more] |
| Height: | 2170 mm [230mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3000 mm [80mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2242 mm |
| Front track: | 1620 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1620 mm |
| Front overhang: | 894 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 165 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 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, 333x32.5 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 | 235/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Does the Volkswagen Transporter live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!