By Prashirwin Naidu

Volkswagen has come out guns blazing with the new Transporter T7, and if you ask me, it’s a bold and daring move. Why daring? Well, remember the collaboration between VW and Ford that gave us the Amarok and Ranger twins? The same partnership has been extended to the Transporter, which now shares its underpinnings with the Ford Tourneo Custom. While the previous Transporter carried that distinct VW flair, this new model wears its Volkswagen badge proudly, even though, underneath, it’s very much a Ford at heart. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, far from it.

First impressions
Over our 800km journey from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit in Limpopo, the Transporter proved itself to be a refined and stable cruiser. It handled long stretches with ease and composure. The only real gripe was the rear seats — not the most comfortable for passengers on long hauls, and they made my attempts at a power nap rather unsuccessful. No beauty rest for me this time.

Now, onto the good stuff. The Transporter T7 has grown in size and boasts a longer wheelbase, which stretches it to be a tad more than the outgoing T6.1. The result is noticeably more space inside ideal for families or larger groups who’ll appreciate the full seven-seat layout.

Design
Design-wise, VW has taken a step up a notch. The new Transporter appears sleeker and more modern, boasting cleaner lines, smoother finishes, and a striking front end that features contemporary LED headlight clusters. There’s also a fresh palette of exterior colours to choose from.

Inside, the cabin impresses with its premium touches. Our test model, the Life trim, was well-equipped, featuring leather seats, a crisp 12-inch infotainment display, and an intuitive interface, even for those without a particular tech-savvy background. Naturally, it offers seamless connectivity via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other highlights include multi-zone air conditioning with physical buttons (a small but appreciated detail), keyless start, and rain-sensing wipers — which proved very handy during a downpour in Dullstroom. The multifunction steering wheel provides easy access to key controls, and both front seats feature dual armrests, adding a touch of van life comfort.

Practicality remains one of the Transporter’s strongest suits. With twin sliding doors and rear sunshades, it’s designed for convenience. The boot space is generous too, it swallowed luggage for four people (two bags each) without breaking a sweat.

Performance
As for performance, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is fitted across the range. It delivers a healthy dose of torque and handles everyday driving duties with confidence. It’s not particularly quick off the mark, but that’s not its mission — it’s built for smooth, efficient progress rather than raw performance. The range topping 2.0TDI Kombi SWB Style even comes with 4Motion all-wheel drive and sportier styling details for those who want extra capability.

Pricing kicks off with the panel Van, which starts at R770 000. The mid-spec Kombi Commerce Auto is R1 055 200, and my Life version, which I had, hovers around R1 116 845. If you opt for the higher-spec Edition, it’s R1 167 400.

In essence, the new Volkswagen Transporter T7 offers great versatility; it’s a practical and comfortable steed, refined, and now brings a fresh sense of style to the mix. It’s a testament to how collaboration, even with a rival, can yield something impressive, a van that’s versatile enough for work, play, and everything in between. The Transporter T7 has exceeded my expectations, well done Volkswagen.