New generation T5 announced

• New Common Rail TDI engines drop fuel consumption by up to 1.9 litres
• New front design
• New 7-speed DSG gearbox
• New generation of ESP including the standard hill-start assistant in all vehicles

The T5 model will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September - the series is made up of the Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California models.

Volkswagon says the new versions give out fewer emissions as well as being more efficient, economical, comfortable, elegant, intelligent and safer than ever before.

Since the start of production on March 3rd 2003, the T5 has become an internationally best-selling vehicle for Volkswagen Commercial vehicles, reaching the milestone of selling its one millionth in June this year.

The ‘facelift’ T5 has been given a technical boost. The new turbo diesel engines (TDI) are more efficient, quiet and fitted with a Common Rail Injection system.

The 2.0l TDI 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 biturbocharger.

Volkswagon says that with the new TDI 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 come with 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.

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.

As another ground-breaking feature in this class, the best-selling vehicles are now available with the Side Assist lane change assistant. As seen in the Touareg, this system uses LEDs in the exterior mirrors to warn the driver of any vehicles in the blind spot.

There is a 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.

Inside, the entire collection of radio and navigation systems has been updated. The new top of the range device is the RNS 510 with touch screen and hard-drive navigation. The USB interface, Media-IN, allows you to connect devices such as MP3 players.