VW Debuts the ‘Transporter’ as a Modern Microbus

Volkswagen has just debuted the new Transporter– a sixth generation van and a direct descendant of the infamous hippie Microbus. As you can see, the new Transporter has some definite modifications, including bigger headlights with LED running lights, a taller three-slat radiator grille, and of course a more squared off design.

In their official press release, Volkswagen says, “The T series is a classic in design. It has therefore been modernised cautiously, but has become even sharper, more precise and thus enhanced still further in quality. The lines, beads and edges run continuously from front to back. The entire body now has the appearance of being all one piece, as if milled from a solid block. Like its predecessors, the new T generation, too, thus remains immediately recognisable. The extremely solid foundation on which all T series models are based: the commercial vehicle.”

Powering this modern behemoth of a van is a completely new generation of TDI engines, known as the EA288 Nutz. This engine is a 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel four-cylinder that comes as an 83, 100, 147, or 201 horsepower option. Buyers who prefer standard gas-powered can also opt for a 2.0-liter four cylinder that cranks out either 147 or 201 HP.

Volkswagen says of the motor, “This engine has been developed specifically for the tough requirements of a commercial vehicle. Longevity and ruggedness were thus the top priority.” Amazingly, while delivering this ruggedness, the engine also helps to reduce fuel consumption by an average of 15%.

Of course, the real bread and this butter doesn’t come from the engine or the styling… it’s the interior. In fact, this van has a number of different features that really enhances the total experience. Included in this package, the Transporter features a new adaptive chassis control, Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC), and three driving modes: comfort, normal, and sport.

Even better than that, though, is the fact that the back seating arrangement can be set in a number of different ways, creating a “veritable playground in terms of recognition.”

So, what do you think of the new Volkswagen bus?? Better than the iconic microbus? Or just a modernized scrap of trash??