Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom twins offer turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid and pure EV powertrain options
- The new Volkswagen Transporter and Caravelle are based on the Ford Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom.
- The van is available in a variety of body styles, with turbodiesel, PHEV, and BEV powertrain options.
- The PanAmericana trim has a rugged look that’s better suited to the optional all-wheel drive.
After months of teasers and spy photos, Volkswagen has finally shown us the design of the all-new seventh-generation Transporter and Caravelle vans, joining the all-electric ID. Buzz and Multivan T7 lineup. The Volkswagen Transporter T7 is heavily based on the Ford Transit Custom, offering turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrain options.
The new generation will be available in both light commercial vehicle (van/van Plus/crew-cab panel van) and passenger car (Kombi/Caravelle) body styles, with a high roof and extended wheelbase options available for those who need more rear-seat space.
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Predictably, the Volkswagen Transporter/Caravelle shares proportions and many of its body panels with its Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom twins. Still, VW designers have tried to make it look distinct by injecting some styling cues of their own.
The highlight is the redesigned front end, which combines elements of the Multivan and the ID. Buzz. Other VW-specific features include a flat beltline on the side windows and Amarok-style LED taillights with body-color inserts. The interior is largely Ford-style, with the standard digital cockpit including a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment system, as well as numerous practical storage compartments.
Volkswagen Caravelle Style
Volkswagen Pan Am Transporter
The first photo shows a blue Caravelle nine-passenger sedan in flagship Style trim and a green-yellow Transporter van in adventurous PanAmericana exterior. The latter is distinguished by unpainted bumpers with matching fenders and side trim, as well as a set of 19-inch Indianapolis alloy wheels. Inside, we find illuminated stainless steel inlays on the side steps, high-gloss black trim and special seat fabric with PanAmericana lettering.
In terms of specifications, Volkswagen claims the T7 has “more space, more payload, more towing capacity and greater efficiency” than its predecessor. The T6.1 had to be discontinued earlier this year due to non-compliance with the latest EU cybersecurity regulations.
Multiple powertrain options
Depending on the model, the new Transporter has a length of between 5,050 and 5,450 mm (198.8 – 214.6 in) and a wheelbase of 3,100 mm (122 in) or 3,500 mm (137.8 in). Compared to the previous model, the new Transporter is longer and wider, with a maximum load capacity increased to 5.8-9.0 m3 (204.8-317.8 ft3). Depending on the model, the maximum payload is 1.33 t (2.932 lb), and the towing capacity is up to 2.8 t (6,173 lb).
The van is available with three turbocharged diesel engines, a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid, and three all-electric powertrain options. The least powerful diesel engine produces 108 hp (81 kW / 110 hp), while the most powerful electric model produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 hp). The combustion models are front-wheel drive, while the more powerful diesel engines can be equipped with all-wheel drive as an option. In contrast, the electric models are rear-wheel drive, with an all-wheel drive version to be offered in the future.
The Volkswagen Transporter T7 is available to order now in Germany, with the entry-level diesel van starting at €36,780 ($39,654) excluding VAT, or €43,768.20 ($47,188) including VAT. Pricing for the passenger-focused Caravelle has yet to be announced. The new generation model will be produced in Turkey, next to the Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom.
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