In September 2009 the worldwide T5 ‘facelift’ model launch began with the premiere of the Multivan and California models. Volkswagen says these new versions produce fewer emissions as well as being more economical, comfortable, and safer. The T5 series is made up of the Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California models. 

The current T5 series began production on March 3rd 2003. The T5 reached the milestone of selling one millionth units in June this year. For people like service providers, trades people, families, business people and globe trotters, these vehicles are an automotive way-of-life. 

Key Features
The ‘facelift’ T5 has new Turbo diesel engines (TDI) which are more efficient thanks to a Common Rail Injection system. Fuel consumption levels have decreased by up to 1.9 litres and CO2 emissions have dropped by 52 g/km, so that all engines now fulfil the EU5 emission standards. The new versions have an optional 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). 

Volkswagen New Zealand is the only manufacturer in the Transporter van segment to offer all-wheel drive technology, and their ‘4Motion’ line-up will continue within the ‘facelift’ T5 family not just in the conventional manual transmission, but also as an option for the new DSG gearbox. 

Safety features have been further improved thanks to the standard hill-start assistant, refined ESP, a new hazard warning light for the brake lights (emergency brake lights) and new optional driver assist systems. In addition, the interior is fitted with new instruments, steering wheels, and radio/navigation systems.

Four new Common Rail TDI engines
The 2.0l TDI (1,968 cm³) comes with four power output options; either 62kW / 220Nm, 75kW / 250Nm, 103kW / 340Nm or 132kW / 400Nm. The 340Nm engine is boosted by a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, while the top of the range 400Nm engine is fitted with a two-stage charger with bi-turbocharger.

The greatest feature is the fuel-saving capacity. It is the first time in the world that a transporter, van or touring vehicle has been equipped with a 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which allows fuel consumption in the 400Nm version to drop by up to 1.9 litres when compared with the previous six-speed automatic. Compared to previous generations, Volkswagen were able to decrease CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels by an average of 10% across the whole range.

The smallest TDI engine with 65kW has a maximum torque of 220Nm from just 1,250 rpm. The 75kW version goes to 250Nm from 1,500 rpm, the 103kW hits a high of 340Nm from 1,750 rpm while the 132kW TDI propels into the crankshaft with an impressive 400Nm from 1,500 rpm. All versions are fitted with a particle filter.

New driver assist systems and additional standard equipment
Depending on the vehicle’s equipment level, new 17" and 18" alloy wheels are available as well as new exterior mirrors, refined for improved aerodynamics.   For the first time, the exterior mirrors house the entire antenna system. As another new feature in this class, is the Side Assist lane change assistant. This system uses LEDs in the exterior mirrors to warn the driver of any vehicles in the blind spot. There is also a tyre monitor display (TMD) available, which constantly analyses how quickly the tyres are rotating. By comparing the different speeds, the system detects when the tyre pressure has dropped.

Interior Design
The models’ interiors have been completely re-worked. Each of the new generation’s models will come with a gear shift recommendation display. The entire collection of radio and navigation systems has also been updated. The new top of the range device is the RNS 510 with touch screen and hard-drive navigation.  The optional Dynaudio sound system delivers magnificent concert-hall acoustics. The USB interface, Media-IN, allows you to connect any devices, such as MP3 players, quickly and easily.

Further new features on board are the controls for the semi- and fully-automatic air conditioning systems and the three-spoke steering wheels. The Transporter can also be ordered with a new double front passenger seat bench which includes an integrated folding stowage compartment.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles NZ says it is looking forward to launching the ‘facelift’ T5 here in early 2010.