SPACE SHUTTLE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Volkswagen has re-imagined what a super-large People Carrier can be. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the Multivan.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 38

Commercial users looking for a big eight-to-nine-seat People Carrier can hardly make a more practical or sensible choice than this new-era Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle. Its development owes much to Ford, but that means it's potentially much more electrified.

Backgroundword count: 101

There's no substitute for space. Which is why large MPVs these days are all based on medium-sized vans - including this one, Volkswagen's Transporter Shuttle. Under the skin, this is the Wolfsburg maker's version of Ford's Tourneo Custom - the two models share all the same engineering. And it's the big Volkswagen People Carrier you'd turn to if you needed something even larger than the brand's big Multivan MPV. And something with even more seats than a Transporter Kombi (which can take up to six). The Transporter Shuttle can take up to nine. And here, we'll tell you more about it.

Driving Experienceword count: 223

There's no shortage of drivetrain choice here; front, rear or (potentially) four-wheel drive, with manual or automatic transmission. And as well as the diesel options Shuttle customers will be used to, this People Carrier can now also be had in both PHEV petrol and full-EV forms. Initially, most sales will continue to be diesel-based, with the 2.0 TDI four cylinder unit available in 110PS (manual), 150PS (manual or auto) and 170PS (auto) forms. The PHEV version uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an 85kW electric motor and an 11.8kWh battery, the combination offering 232PS and up to 34 miles of EV range. The full-EV e-Shuttle will mainly be chosen in either 136PS or 218PS forms and has a 64kWh battery offering a range just over 200 miles. There's also a more potent version with a 286PS motor that makes 62mph in just 7.4s. With full 'B' brake regen engaged, 'one-pedal' driving in an e-Shuttle is almost possible, where you'll hardly ever need to touch the brake pedal to slow down. You'll probably be surprised how by how manoeuvrable this Volkswagen is; the short wheelbase version's turning circle (11.9m) is just a metre longer than a Golf's. Around twisting roads, it won't feel much different to the brand's supposedly more car-like Multivan MPV, though you'll get more wind noise from the big mirrors.

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