Johannesburg, 8 October 2025 – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has officially introduced the all-new Transporter to the South African market — a van that redefines what professionals and families alike can expect from one of the world’s most iconic nameplates. With more space, greater payload and towing capacities, new digital technologies, and a cleaner, more contemporary design, the seventh-generation Transporter represents a leap forward in functionality, comfort, and performance.
A New Standard of Capability
Every detail of the new Transporter has been engineered for improved practicality and performance. The model lineup offers significantly larger load areas, improved payloads of up to 1.33 tonnes, and a braked towing capacity of up to 2.8 tonnes, surpassing its predecessor’s 2.5-tonne limit. The Transporter is available in Panel Van, Kombi, and Crew Bus configurations, ensuring a solution for every kind of business and personal mobility need.
With a long wheelbase of 3,100 mm (an increase of 97 mm) and an overall length of up to 5,450 mm, the Transporter delivers class-leading load versatility. The long wheelbase model now accommodates up to three Euro pallets, while the maximum roof load has been increased from 150 kg to 170 kg. Inside, the width between the wheel housings has grown to 1,392 mm, allowing for easier loading of bulky items.
Power Meets Efficiency
Under the bonnet, three newly developed 2.0-litre TDI engines form the heart of the range — delivering outputs of 81 kW, 110 kW, and 125 kW. These are paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The top-tier 125 kW model is offered with the option of 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, ensuring assured traction across all terrains and work environments.
This powertrain lineup provides a versatile balance of economy and performance, giving businesses and drivers the confidence to cover long distances or heavy loads with ease.
Designed for the Modern Workplace
Inside, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has transformed the cabin into an ergonomic, digital workspace. The new 12-inch Digital Cockpit and 13-inch infotainment touchscreen (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) redefine usability and connectivity on the road. The addition of a multifunction steering wheel, Keyless Start, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, and rain sensor as standard ensures an intuitive driving experience.
Driver comfort has also been enhanced with ergonomically designed seats, offering from four-way manual to eight-way electric adjustment with four-way lumbar support. The cockpit’s layout — clean, intuitive, and driver-oriented — reflects Volkswagen’s commitment to blending practicality with modern sophistication.
Elevated Safety and Standard Equipment
Volkswagen has expanded the Transporter’s standard equipment to levels unheard of in its segment. Every model now features LED headlights with Light Assist, Lane Assist, and Front Assist with automatic emergency braking for improved safety. An electronic parking brake, dynamic road sign display, and a partition wall (in panel van versions) also come standard.
The redesigned dashboard integrates a steering column-mounted gear selector in automatic versions, freeing up valuable space between the seats and enabling walk-through access to the rear — a subtle but significant ergonomic improvement.
Heritage Meets Modernity
Visually, the new Transporter carries the DNA of its legendary predecessors. Its front fascia subtly echoes the T5, T6.1, and even the original T1, yet brings these historic cues into a clean, modern form. The LED headlights and taillights add a striking visual signature, while the iconic Bulli line — a subtle curve dividing the upper and lower body — pays tribute to the van that started it all.
The result is a silhouette that is unmistakably Volkswagen: timeless, practical, and unmistakably premium.
Pricing and Availability
The Transporter range is available now in South Africa, with the Crew Bus and Kombi Style derivatives set to follow in October 2026.
| Model | Engine | Drive | Transmission | Price (incl. VAT & emissions tax) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Van 2.0 TDI 81kW LWB | 4×2 | Manual | R 770,000 | |
| Kombi 2.0 TDI 125kW Basic SWB (8-seater) | 4×2 | Auto | R 1,081,700 | |
| Kombi 2.0 TDI 125kW Commerce SWB (8-seater) | 4×2 | Auto | R 1,055,200 | |
| Kombi 2.0 TDI 125kW Life SWB (8-seater) | 4×2 | Auto | R 1,116,845 | |
| Kombi 2.0 TDI 125kW EDITION SWB (8-seater) | 4×2 | Auto | R 1,167,400 |
Warranty and Service Plans
- Panel Van: 2-year/unlimited km warranty; 3-year/60,000 km EasyDrive Service Plan; 15,000 km service intervals; 12-year anti-corrosion warranty
- Crew Bus: 2-year/unlimited km warranty; 3-year/60,000 km EasyDrive Service Plan; 15,000 km service intervals; 12-year anti-corrosion warranty
- Kombi: 3-year/120,000 km warranty; 5-year/60,000 km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan; 15,000 km service intervals; 12-year anti-corrosion warranty
A Legend, Reinvented
The new Volkswagen Transporter combines over seven decades of proven utility with the innovation, efficiency, and technology demanded by today’s professionals. Whether for business or lifestyle, it stands as the most capable and advanced Transporter ever built — a true evolution of an icon that continues to drive industries, communities, and adventures forward.
Anything is possible — with the all-new Volkswagen Transporter.
