Volkswagen Transporter long-term test
The VW Transporter has long been a staple of the medium van market, so now we're living with one to see if it can be the perfect photographer's apprentice...
The car Volkswagen Transporter panel van T32 Commerce Pro 2.0 TDI | Run by Max Edleston, photographer
Why we’re running it To see how well Volkswagen’s latest medium-sized van stacks up as a photographer’s apprentice
Needs to Offer more than enough space for all of our kit, long-distance comfort and connectivity to keep in touch with the office
Mileage 12,122 Price £48,720 (inc. VAT) Best Price £48,720 (inc. VAT) Price as tested £51,102 (inc. VAT) Official economy 36.7mpg Test economy 35.3mpg
6 December 2025 – Mile-munching
While I need my Volkswagen Transporter to be many things, high up on my list of priorities is to be comfortable for long motorway trips. And with shoots quite literally all over the country, it’s safe to say that I’ve done plenty of them over the past few weeks.
Most recently, I was up early to head to Newcastle. It’s a journey I did previously in my Volkswagen Passat, and while it would be ludicrous to suggest that my Transporter was every bit as comfortable as that car on the motorway, the difference wasn’t as large as you might imagine.
Not least, the way the two look and feel inside is very similar. There’s the same pleasing mix of materials, and the same software backing up the infotainment system. I said in my introductory report that I was finding the system easy to get along with, and that’s remained the case a couple of thousand miles in. The tiles to use the various functions are nice and large, so there’s no risk of a mis-placed finger prod. And I like that there are shortcuts always on the screen for commonly used functions, like changing the driving mode or activating the heated seats.
The Transporter has the same Smart Cruise function as the Passat, and it’s become a must-have piece of kit for me. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, which helps to keep me both centered in my lane, and a safe distance from the car in front. It’s not only useful for the motorway, but also for shuffling along in stop-start traffic on my morning commute, and really takes the stress out of journeys.
And while it’s only a small thing, the fold-down armrest for my driver’s seat has quickly become a favourite feature, such is the extra comfort it gives me.
On the way back from Newcastle I swung past some friends who live nearby and gave them a lift South. I’ve spoken before about using all three of the Transporter’s seats to help a couple of mates move house, but that was in urban traffic, whereas this was a lengthy trip on faster roads. But the comments from my passengers were very positive – both liked that they had room enough to stretch out, as well as dedicated storage spaces for their drinks and snacks, and the far passenger even benefits from their own heated seat.
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