New Volkswagen Transporter Cargo: more space and up to nine seats

Ford and Volkswagen have been working "hand in hand" in recent times, particularly in the commercial-vehicle sector. Following the Ranger and Amarok pick-ups, as well as the Tourneo/Transit Connect and Caddy, their collaboration is now being expanded to another model.

The same development teams behind the Ford Transit Custom will also deliver a new-generation Volkswagen Transporter Cargo, which will share its platform and powertrains.

The new Transporter Cargo is set to replace today’s Transporter 6.1, with its market launch scheduled for the beginning of next year.

Volkswagen Transporter Cargo load space

The new van promises a larger load area, both wider and longer, with an extra 61 mm in length. The width between the wheel arches has also grown by almost 15 cm.

Despite their shared "genes", the Volkswagen will retain distinctive features including its high-mounted driver’s seat, spacious cabin and elevated gear selector position.

Digital cabin and standard equipment

Inside, there will be a fully digital instrument panel with a 12-inch display, alongside a new 13-inch touchscreen positioned more centrally on the dashboard. This screen will provide access to a smartphone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as the optional navigation system.

Standard equipment on the new Volkswagen Transporter Cargo will include a multifunction steering wheel. The electric parking-brake control has been moved to the dashboard, freeing up additional cabin space, as in the Multivan and ID.Buzz.

Seating for everyone

The new van will come as standard with three front seats: a driver’s seat and a dual passenger bench. The Transporter Cargo can also be fitted with three individual removable seats in a second row. Slightly later, passenger versions will be able to receive a third row, in the form of a bench seat, increasing maximum capacity to nine passengers.

Volkswagen will also offer a double-cab variant - the only model in its class available with this option - featuring three seats at the front, comprising the driver’s seat and a dual seat, plus seating for three passengers in the rear row.

More generous dimensions

In dimensional terms, the Volkswagen Transporter Cargo will be even larger than the T6.1. Its exterior width rises by 128 mm and its length by 146 mm, reaching 2032 mm and 5050 mm respectively.

The wheelbase has grown by 97 mm to 3.1 m, while a long-wheelbase version will also be available, adding a further 40 cm to this measurement.

The Transporter Cargo’s load compartment is now 2072 mm long in the shorter-wheelbase version. In the longer model, the cargo area extends to three metres in length.

Overall, the new-generation Transporter Cargo provides a load volume of at least 5.8 m³ with the standard wheelbase, rising to 9 m³ with the long wheelbase and high roof. Payload capacity reaches 1.33 tonnes, while towing capacity is now 2.8 tonnes.