Volkswagen Transporter Kombi review

Volkswagen’s half van, half people carrier. This seventh-generation Transporter debuted in 2024 and represents a sea change compared to the old T6.1, sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Transit Custom following a tie-up between the two brands.

Unsurprisingly it comes in all shapes and sizes. At one end is the traditional panel van, which… needs no explaining. And at the other there's the Shuttle, a fully fledged people carrier that seats as many as nine, with extra windows for anyone sat in the back row and more creature comforts to help it feel, well, less like a van.

And between them is this here Kombi – a van/people carrier mashup with seating for up to six and a second row of windows.

All versions come in standard or long wheelbase guise and are available with diesel, plug-in hybrid or full electric powertrains. Choices galore.

So, what do I need to know about this one?

Okay, so first thing to know is this new T7 has been hitting the gym, fuelled by protein shakes purchased on the dark web. It's now 5,050mm long – an increase of 146mm compared to its predecessor – or in long wheelbase guise up to 5,450mm. Basically, it makes an E-Class look like a tea tray. It’s grown sideways by 128mm too, measuring 2,032mm wide. Mind those mirrors, now.

All this means more space. As standard it’s a five-seater – two individual seats up top and three in the back, or you can spec a bench seat up top to make it a six-seater. Might be a bit of a squeeze though.

The Transporter's also now more car-like than ever before. You get a 12in driver’s display and 13in touchscreen, wireless smartphone pairing and charging, countless USB ports, reversing sensors and cameras, a full suite of driver assist gizmos including adaptive cruise control, keyless start… which all makes it feel far posher than previously.

Can I have some powertrain specifics, please?

Your options for the Kombi consist of a 2.0-litre diesel engine with either 108bhp, 148bhp or 168bhp. The base model gets a six-speed manual gearbox; the middle one either that or an eight-speed automatic (plus optionally available all-wheel drive), and the top-spec exclusively the eight-speed auto.

Above that there’s the plug-in hybrid, which mates a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 11.8kWh battery for a combined 230bhp and up to 35 miles of e-range. Useful if you live in town, less so anywhere else.

Alternatively, you’ve got the e-Transporter Kombi, which also comes in three flavours. All versions get a 70kWh (usable) battery, mated to either a 134bhp, 215bhp or 282bhp electric motor and a WLTP range between 205 and 220 miles. Nothing game-changing then, but if it’s your eco credentials you’re worried about…

That’s a whole load of options. How much does one of these cost anyway?

Privately (by which we mean as a citizen, we're not keeping it a secret) you can expect to pay at minimum £43k for the base diesel, rising to an eye-watering £63k for the range-topping Sportline. However, because the Transporter is registered as a commercial vehicle, you can knock the VAT off – or 20 per cent – if you’re buying for business.

And the electric ones offer even more savings. In entry form VW asks for nearly £54k – but thanks to the Plug-In Van Grant you deduct £5k from the purchase price, meaning closer to £49k. That rises to nearly £73k for the Sportline, so £68k with the PiVG. Still not cheap, but neither were Concorde or the Space Shuttle. Yes we're being facetious.

Presumably Ford has its own alternative?

Yup, but it’s not as straightforward as that. Ford does a Transit Custom Double Cab-in-Van, which gets second row windows and seating for up to six. So close enough to this.

But it also does a Transit Custom Kombi which gets additional third row windows and seats up to eight. Not confusing at all. Both cost a wee bit more than the VW, and while the name might suggest similarity, it’s actually more of a fully fledged people carrier. Head hurt? Ours too.

We love an MPV at Top Gear – and the VW Transporter Kombi is a good one. In addition to ramping up the desirability for this seventh generation, it’s now better to drive than ever, and offers TARDIS-like cabin space. If you're hunting for the perfect work/family life tool, it’s hard to beat.

But underneath all the gloss it is, fundamentally, still a van – and it shows in the driving dynamics, the ride, and the slightly low-rent interior. Of course, nothing wrong with a hard-wearing interior if you’re using this for work or subjecting it to children. But it misses the creature comforts of a truly dedicated MPV.

And if family life is your main concern, you might find yourself better off in a VW Multivan – or the ID.Buzz if electric is your thang. A Transporter Shuttle has a slightly kushier cabin too. Otherwise, crack on and fire up the configurator.