2005 Volkswagen LT Reviews

Volkswagen has a long history of success in the commercial van market, but in recent years it has slipped well-behind the competition. A radically different new Transporter (built with the help of Ford) has now arrived to try and turn that around. We drive the new Volkswagen Transporter to find out if it has what it takes to beat the Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit Custom and the rest.

A computer chip company bust-up threatens to send global auto supply chains for cars back to the COVID-19-era with extensive manufacturer delays. According to Reuters, computer chip maker Nexperia NV, is embroiled in a standoff involving the Chinese and Dutch governments, which has seen exports of its finished products banned. Nexperia is an important supplier of basic chips used in cars, it manufactures them in large volumes in Germany, before being packaged and distributed from China to the wider car industry. China has now banned the export of finished chips.China’s ban was in response to the Dutch government’s decision to seize control of Nexperia in late September, which is a subsidiary of Chinese-owned Wingtech. The Dutch government took the decision after it got wind of Nexperia potentially transferring ownership of some of its technology to Chinese parent company Wingtech in response to US restrictions. Nexperia became at risk of being impacted by a new US rule extending export control restrictions for certain companies. Wingtech was added to this new US restriction list, and because the company owns 100 per cent of Nexperia, they also fall onto the restriction list. Nexperia reported a net profit of $331 million in 2024, highlighting its value to the car manufacturing supply chain. While there are alternatives available to Nexperia chips, car manufacturers' significant dependence on them means there will likely be a lag in transition. Earlier this month, US-based Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozzella, which represents General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen and Hyundai said Nexperia’s shutdown would quickly hamstring production. “If the shipment of automotive chips doesn’t resume quickly, it’s going to disrupt auto production in the US and many other countries and have a spillover effect in other industries," he said according to Reuters. The good news is that negotiations are ongoing and the dispute could be resolved within the next few days.The growing Chinese car industry is also reliant on Nexperia chips, giving incentive for all parties to end the standoff according to Netherlands’ Economy Minister Vincent Karremans. “We have a mutually dependent relationship,” he said in an interview on Dutch television show Buitenhof. Karremans will personally meet with the Chinese minister responsible soon to attempt to resolve the industry-threatening dispute.

Back in 1995, the most popular SUV in Australia was the then-new and pioneering Toyota RAV4, way down at number 43. How things have changed, with SUVs sat at seven of the top-10 spots, and then (mostly diesel-powered) ladder-frame-chassis utes making up the difference. Here are 10 reasons why Australia’s (and the world’s) SUV obsession have made motoring worse than in past decades for people who love cars.

Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz Pro all-electric people mover has had its price slashed by almost $15,000.

History’s most influential van ever turns 60. With a global impact that includes Australia, the Ford Transit changed the way vans were designed, engineered and marketed from the very moment it hit the streets – initially in the UK and Europe – in October, 1965. Today the Transit is to Europeans what the Holden and Ford utes meant to Australians and what the F-Series pick-up is to Americans.

Two European SUVs and a new Chinese ute have learned their safety fate from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Volkswagen will launch an all-new version of the Amarok that is completely unrelated to any previous ute wearing the famous badge. Due in 2027, it is expected to finally replace the ageing, 2H-series Amarok original launched in 2010, still in production in Argentina for the South American market and facelifted in 2024. But the really big news is that this will be a variation of the recently-released LDV (or Maxus) Terron 9 that’s also sold in Australia as the MG U9, courtesy of Chinese automotive conglomerate SAIC.

One of Europe’s cheapest small cars will live on in Australia – for now. While the Skoda Scala’s future hangs in the balance due to shifting buyer preferences, plunging sales and a new-model onslaught that includes value EVs like the coming Epiq, its Fabia kid brother is treading just enough water to justify continuing importation.

Volkswagen has revealed pricing for its 2026 Transporter mid-sized van, which is now available in both diesel and electric forms.

Volkswagen have added to the Polo range with the CityLife offering, an upgrade from the entry-level Life.The CityLife starts from $32,790, which is $2000 more than the Life.It is powered by the Polo’s familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque delivered to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. At 5.5L/100km, the CityLife is more fuel efficient than the 2.0-litre engine in models that drink at a rate of 6.7L/100km. The CityLife borrows some of the kit from the more expensive Style grade such as keyless access and 16-inch alloy wheels. It features a proactive occupant protection system and park assist. Sitting in the middle of the Polo range, the CityLife pitches to buyers looking for something to bridge the gap to more expensive options.The Polo CityLife will be available in dealerships from November. The Polo has kept its two engine options with the 1.0-litre and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol units.8.0-inch multimedia screen15-inch alloy wheelsDarkened rear tail lights clustersHeat insulating tinted glassCustomisable digital cockpitApple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB)Automatic dimming rear-view mirrorElectrically foldable, heated and adjustable exterior mirrorsLeather steering wheelMetallic gloss inlays on dashboard, front centre console and door trimsWireless device chargerSix-speaker stereo16-inch alloy wheelsKeyless accessWireless phone charger Carpet front and rear floor matsNavigation, audio and telephone connectivityComfort sport front seatsComfort sport cloth upholsteryInterior chrome elementsLower air intake with chrome trim18-inch alloy wheelsBush stainless steel finish accelerator and brake pedalsRed inlays on dashboard, front centre console and door trimsGTI sports cloth upholsterySports seats with additional side bolsteringExtended Electronic Differential LockRear roof spoilerDiffuserSeven airbagsDriver attention alertLane keep assistFront and rear parking sensorsRear view cameraAdaptive cruise controlPark assistSide assist with rear traffic alertProactive occupant protection systemVolkswagen covers its vehicles with a five year/unlimited km warranty. Volkswagen offer a pay as you go capped price servicing program (see table below) or you can prepay for a three or five-year service packs. Three years costs $1566 or $2870 for five years, which both deliver savings on the pay as you go.