Volkswagen Transporter 2018 review

It's hard to make a box on wheels look like something that isn't a box on wheels, but there are competitors out there who have arguably done a better job of it than VW.

Admittedly, the Transporter has been a boxier-than-most offering for, well, three decades or so, but if you want something a little more stylish, then a Mercedes-Benz Vito, Ford Transit Custom or Renault Trafic would be the models we'd suggest you consider.

Every Transporter has a more appealing interior than the plane-Jane exterior may suggest. (image: Matt Campbell)

This particular test model looked even more ungainly thanks to being fitted with the mid-roof option, which allows you extra stand-up/storage space in the cargo area, but looks very much like an afterthought - particularly when there aren't barn doors fitted at the back.

I personally like the look of the regular-roof T6 Transporter model, especially the short-wheelbase version. In that guise, it's easier on the eye. If you're curious about the exterior dimensions of our test vehicle, it is 5290mm long, 2177mm tall and 1904mm wide.

But thankfully, every Transporter has a more appealing interior than the plane-Jane exterior may suggest. Sure, it's still a work-focused space, but with nice bits including a leather steering wheel and an optional media screen with the latest smartphone tech, there's a bit to like in the cabin. And it has heaps of thoughtful storage.

There's a bit to like in the cabin. And it has heaps of thoughtful storage. (image: Matt Campbell)

Volkswagen Transporter buyers have plenty of choice available to them, because of the 'choose your own adventure' nature of the vehicle's range of options. The Transporter T6 range can be had as a van, a crewvan (with a second-row seat) and both single cab and dual cab cab-chassis models.

Plus there are two wheelbase lengths, three roof heights, and multiple door layouts to choose from.

It's hard to offer up a price list for each individual model you could potentially configure, because there are 38 different iterations to choose from. Go have a look at the configurator on VW's site to see what I mean.

Composition Media brings an upgraded 6.3-inch media screen and an obligatory upgrade to include App Connect smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (image: Matt Campbell)

The thing with the extensive option list, though, is that you can find yourself ticking a lot of boxes, and adding a lot of extra cost to your van. Like our test vehicle, for instance, which started life as a $50,490 (plus on-road costs) LWB TDI400 automatic model, but had a swathe of optional goodies added. Enough to push the price as tested to $60,850...

The work-focused optional extras fitted on the van you see here include right side sliding door ($1220); power sliding doors ($2440); fixed windows in both doors ($410 each side); medium/mid height roof ($1220); rubber flooring in cargo area ($510); and a power latching tailgate (note: the tailgate is still manual, but will latch electronically. It's $300). You can get barn doors if you want, but it's also at an optional cost (the tailgate door is standard across the range).

Convenience options include: Composition Media - an upgraded 6.3-inch media screen, the regular version has a 5.0-inch screen ($850), and when you upgrade to that, there's an obligatory upgrade to include App Connect smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ($420); then voice control adds $310; a reversing camera is $610; the Light and Sight pack (auto headlights with coming home function, and auto wipers) at $510; armrests for both from seats, at $410; lumbar adjustment for passenger seat $110; height adjustment for the passenger seat (standard for driver) at $110; and a comfort package (sunvisors with mirrors for both sides, A-pillar handles, sunglass compartment, extra sound deadening, a 12-volt plug and a door-mounted bin) for $510.

A full-size spare wheel comes as standard. (image: Matt Campbell)

So, what's standard? Every Transporter has a digital driver info display with digital speed readout, a leather-lined steering wheel with height and reach adjustment, driver's seat with height adjust and lumbar support, air-conditioning, a colour media screen with USB and Bluetooth phone connectivity,  cruise control, power windows, heated exterior mirrors, and a full-size spare wheel.

You also get rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, halogen daytime running lights, and an array of safety equipment. See below for more on that.

So, it's expensive if you tick a lot of boxes - there's no doubt about that. But the fact there are so many options to choose adds to the appeal for a new van buyer, particularly one who needs specific elements for a fleet of vehicles.

The mid-roof option allows you extra stand-up/storage space in the cargo area. (image: Matt Campbell)

If you sit in a van for hours on end, you need to be comfortable and feel like everything is ergonomically well thought-out. And in the VW Transporter, that's the exact feeling you get.

The storage and comfort elements aren't typically what you might consider hugely important when it comes to the way a vehicle drives, but for van drivers, it's crucial.

And thankfully, there aren't many points to complain about when it comes to the drive experience.

The steering is nicely weighted - ideal at city speeds and when parking, and well sorted at highway speeds, too. And the ride is very good; there's more impact in the cabin from the noise of the suspension dealing with the bumps, rather than actual harshness being felt by the occupants.

If you need a van, you will be able to find one that fits your needs in the Transporter family. (image: Matt Campbell)

The drivetrain has one or two quirks - as you may have read in the past, dual-clutch transmissions aren't the darling of some reviewers, including this one. The thing you need to know is that at low speeds, they can be a little bit fidgety, with some lagginess evident, which can make for some annoying moments, particularly when you're reversing uphill. Cold weather can call forth some low-speed shunting, too.

But once you're at speed - on the highway, or even dealing with arterial roads - the transmission comes into its own. The shifts are smooth and rapid, and you won't often find the gearbox in the wrong gear at the wrong time.

Plus the bi-turbo diesel engine makes for swift progress when you need to get around someone quickly, even if the peak torque band is pretty narrow (1500-2000rpm), with the transmission doing a great job of keeping it in the sweet spot.

Volkswagen covers its vehicles with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. That's not bad, particularly if you're going to do a lot of driving in your Transporter. But there are better plans out there for potential van customers, like the five-year/unlimited-kilometre plan that Ford recently introduced (good news for Transit Custom buyers) which matches the Hyundai warranty plan that iLoad buyers have taken advantage of for years.

The brand also has a capped-price servicing plan that spans five years/75,000km, with maintenance visits due every 12 months/15,000km. The costs are high compared with rival vans - the first visit will cost $485, the second $705, the third $686, the fourth $1210, and the fifth $485.

So, you may get a premium product, but you have to pay a big premium on maintenance costs.