Handling is certainly assured, with the van happily turning into sharp bends keenly and without too much body lean. It’s impressively resistant to understeer, but if you do get over-excited, the van’s electronic systems will gently intervene to keep things on track.
We also tried the 282bhp electric motor in the Transporter e-Shuttle, and found it both impressively smooth and refined, providing an even more car-like driving experience. While it’s a lot of power for a van, the throttle is tuned to introduce it gradually, so speed builds rather than arriving all at once.
Town driving, visibility and parking
While it might be a fairly big van in terms of its cargo space, the Transporter feels pretty wieldy from behind the wheel. It’s no wider than a large SUV, you have a great view out, and it boasts a sharp turning circle. Short overhangs also make it easy to place when parking.
The suspension doesn’t get too bouncy when faced with potholes either. The e-Shuttle is especially well-suited to short hops thanks to its lack of gears, smooth acceleration and regenerative braking.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
With a long wheelbase and precise steering, the Transporter feels easy to pilot at the national speed limit. It’s not badly affected by cambers as you drive along, and if you do need to make a sudden lane change, it feels reassuringly well tied down.
The Transporter’s cabin feels modern, but the lack of physical buttons can be frustrating
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Climb inside and there’s a lower roof than the old Transporter, so the cab has a more cosy feel. You’ll still find plenty of headroom, and it’s easy to get comfortable. There’s a excellent visibility with Volkswagen retaining large twin door mirrors with normal and blind-spot mirrors on both sides.
