Practical new van offers diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric power: 2025 Volkswagen Transporter arriving next year to battle Toyota HiAce, Hyundai Staria and related Ford Transit Custom

After myriad teasers Volkswagen has finally revealed its new Transporter, based on the current-generation Ford Transit Custom.

Volkswagen’s commercially biased Transporter van (distinct from the passenger-oriented MQB-based Multivan) will be available in Europe with diesel, plug-in hybrid and battery electric propulsion for the first time ever.

The new ‘T7’ Transporter remains on track for Australian arrival in the second quarter of 2025 with exact powertrain line-up yet to be confirmed.

The van has grown in every dimension, notably it is now nearly 150mm longer (5050mm) with its wheelbase stretched by nearly 100mm (to 3100mm) improving cargo storage to a maximum of 5.8 cubic metres. Long wheelbase models jump up to nine cubic metres.

Other key specifications, including payload and towing capacity, have also been improved for the new commercially oriented van.

Slightly confusingly, like the smaller car-based Multivan, the Transporter can be had in three body styles in Europe: ‘Kombi’ Caravelle with nine seats, a panel van and dropside.

Three basic trim levels cover the range, starting with ‘Transporter’ base model followed by Life and Style.

Every trim features keyless go, a 13.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with physical volume controls, a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, lane-keep assist, AEB and speed sign detection for a start.

Utility-wise, the new Transporter has USB-A, USB-C and 12-volt charging points with 230V household sockets mounted on the driver’s seat optional in Europe.

A flagship PanAmericana trim (sounding rather like the Amarok ute) can be optioned for panel van or Caravelle models with wheel arch and sill trims, grained bumpers and painted grille.

Inside, the PanAmericana has illuminated sill inlays, gloss black trim, high-end seat fabric with the name embossed, 19-inch ‘Indianapolis’ alloy wheels and optional all-wheel drive.

As for motivation, there are three powertrains from diesel to plug-in hybrid and full electric with the new Transporter – all of which are shared with the Transit Custom.

The flagship 2.0-litre turbo-diesel produces 125kW and 390Nm and powers the front, or all-four, wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic.

There’s a plug-in hybrid powertrain that increases outputs to 171kW though drives the front wheels only. Final details, including torque and electric-only driving range, remain unconfirmed.

It’s a similar story for the electric variants – available with one of three motor outputs ranging from 100kW to 210kW, all driving the rear wheels. They’re powered by a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed that the new van will arrive in the second quarter of 2025, however there is no word on engine choice yet for the Hyundai Staria Load and Toyota HiAce rival.