Europe’s ‘Van Of The Year’ Includes Commercials and People Movers
Volkswagen Group Australia has launched the all-new T5 range of commercial
vans, cab chassis’ and people movers.
Already named Europe’s 2004 ‘Van Of The Year’, the new model lineup follows
in the hallowed footsteps of previous Volkswagen vans and people movers.
Under the generic name of ‘Kombi’, Volkswagen’s vans have a unique chapter in
the automotive world’s hall of fame.
Kombi history dates back to 1950 when the classic Type 1 van first broke
cover in Wolfsburg, Germany powered by the 1.3-litre air-cooled engine from the
Beetle. Load capacity for that box-shaped original was an impressive 750kg.
Fast-forward to 2004 and the all-new T5 range headlines a 3.2-litre V6
powerplant producing a prodigious 173 kW of power, 315 Nm of torque and
delivering a payload up to 1,334 kg (SWB Cab Chassis). Choice of transmissions is
manual and automatic – both six-speed (5-speed manual on 1.9-litre TDI models).
In total, Volkswagen’s T5 range numbers 30 different configurations including
long and short wheelbase, standard, high roof and mid-roof vans, cab chassis’
and people movers.
There are 4 engines – 2.0-litre petrol and a 3.2-litre petrol V6 plus 1.9 litre and
2.5 litre turbo-diesels.
Externally, the T5 range is conspicuously different from its predecessors and
– like the all-new Golf hatchback range to be launched later this year –
represents the new face of Volkswagen styling.
In silhouette the short, downward sloping bonnet and geometric precision
maintain some link to the inimitable character that is synonymous with
Volkswagen’s vans, but the new sweeping lines, large flush-fitting side window
glass, large clear glass headlights and the new, standard three-dimensional
radiator grille immediately position the T5 as a new-generation Volkswagen vehicle.
The new look also has a practical application – maximised interior dimensions.
T5 vans provide up to 9.3 cubic metres of load-carrying space (LWB model).
Body rigidity is extremely high and - combined with major changes in the
chassis – contributes to significantly enhanced driving dynamics.
Front suspension is McPherson strut but at the rear, Volkswagen has used a
sophisticated system comprising semi-trailing arms with Miniblok® coil springs
and separate shock absorbers. Matched to the load-specific shock absorbers and
anti-rollbars front and rear, this new system provides a delightful driving
experience no matter how heavy the load being carried.
Enhanced driving enjoyment also comes from the decoupled front suspension
subframe. Unlike most McPherson axles, the transverse links and the anti-roll
bar are not connected directly to the bodyshell but are instead attached to a
subframe which, in turn, is attached to the body via vibration-damping bearings.
The engine is also supported by this separate subframe resulting in a marked
reduction in NVH. Another important aspect of this subframe is to provide a
second supporting crash barrier that absorbs energy in the event of frontal impacts.
Other standard features right across the range include an anti-lock braking
system (ABS), electronic differential lock (EDL) and Anti spin regulation (ASR).
Driver airbag is of course standard (driver and passenger in LWB models) as are
three-point seat belts for all seats.
The Caravelle and Kombi people mover version features dual front airbags,
with the Caravelle also gaining front side airbags with curtain airbags front
and rear.
Inside, it’s a similar story, highlighted by the high quality materials and
meticulous design details that are the hallmark of all Volkswagen vehicles.
The dashboard presents a clear and geometrical picture, with the horizontal
positioning of the instruments helping to reinforce the spaciousness of the
cockpit. An arched cowling spans the instrument panel and the centrally
positioned function block. The horizontal elements combine to optically
harmonize with vertical design features delivering a clear structure and
symmetry. Overall T5’s serene dashboard architecture reflects the ideal of
superior functionality and quality – just what you would expect from Volkswagen.
Revealing the new T5 lineup, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director,
Mr Peter Nochar, said: “When it comes to vans, the automotive world has always
looked to Volkswagen with considerable envy and the arrival of the all-new T5
lineup in Australia will signal a real upshift in our efforts to secure both
private and commercial customers.”
“Volkswagen’s expertise in both commercial vans, cab chassis and people
movers is evident in the T5’s quality, attention to detail, low running costs
and reliability – Volkswagen’s hallmark. All of these factors are appreciated
both by tradespeople and families who enjoy our Caravelle and Kombi people
movers,” Mr Nochar added.
Also, read about the KOMBI
Also, read about the CARAVELLE
