Review of the Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle

The Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle has long been a staple for taxi fleets and business travellers, its boxy practicality trumping sleek aesthetics. But the latest iteration, the T6.1, aims to broaden its appeal with a refreshed design and improved comfort, all while retaining its trademark versatility and capability of carrying up to 9 people.

Rivals to the Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle include the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer and Peugeot Expert Crew.

Our Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle review covers:

• Sleek exterior appearance LED headlights and chrome accents
• Spacious and well-designed interior that is supportive and comfortable
• Seats up to 9 with a Luggage capacity between 5.8 - 6.7 m3
• Range of 2.0-litre TDI engines
• Two trim levels are available: Shuttle S and Shuttle SE

Pros:

• Comfort
• Versatility
• Practicality seats up to 9

Cons:

• Expensive 
• Rear Visibility
• Fuel Economy

The Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle sheds its utilitarian skin for a more car-like look. LED headlights and chrome accents inject a touch of sophistication, while the squared-off wheel arches hint at its hardworking nature. It's still recognisably a Transporter, but it's traded in its overalls for a smart-casual outfit.

The cabin is a world away from previous models. Gone is the bland plastic dashboard, replaced by a modern, uncluttered design with Volkswagen's intuitive touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage. The seats are surprisingly comfortable, even on long journeys, and offer plenty of support. But the real magic lies in the back.

Choose from a nine-seater minibus style for ferrying the whole crew to a luxurious six-seater with captain's chairs for VIP treatment. All seats are easily removable and reconfigurable, transforming the Shuttle from a family wagon to a cargo carrier in a flash. Need to haul bulky equipment? Fold down the seats and unleash the cavernous cargo space. The Shuttle adapts to your needs, not the other way around.

Whether you're packing for a camping adventure or transporting band equipment, the Shuttle can carry all your luggage with a capacity between 5.8 and 6.7 m3. The boxy design translates to acres of space, and the low floor makes loading a breeze. Sliding doors on both sides eliminate the door-swinging struggle, perfect for tight parking spaces.

Inside the all-new Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle, it is like stepping into a different vehicle altogether. Gone are the days of plasticky dashboards and bare-bones trim. The T6.1 boasts a sleek, contemporary design with clean lines and intuitive controls. Volkswagen's user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system takes centre stage, making technology readily accessible without cluttering the space.

Long journeys are a breeze in the T6.1, thanks to the focus on passenger comfort. Supportive seats throughout the cabin, even in the back, offer excellent lumbar support and ample space to stretch out. Climate control and individual air vents ensure everyone stays comfortable, regardless of the weather.

The Shuttle's interior isn't just stylish; it's adaptable. Whether you need a spacious family transport or a mobile office on wheels, the flexible seating configurations cater to your needs. From nine-seater minibuses to luxurious six-seater setups with captain's chairs, the choice is yours. Need to haul bulky gear? Fold down the seats and unleash the cavernous cargo space. The Shuttle transforms to fit your life, not the other way around. From ingenious overhead shelves to hidden cubbies in the doors, the T6.1 is a master of storage. Toys, snacks, laptops, paperwork – no matter your cargo, there's a place for it.

While the new interior is a major upgrade, it's not perfect. The piano black trim around the infotainment system can be a fingerprint magnet, and some might prefer physical buttons for climate control. But these are minor niggles in an otherwise impressive package.

Two trim levels are available: Shuttle S and Shuttle SE.

The Shuttle S is equipped with Climatic air-conditioning, a Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel (3-spoke), a Dimming breakaway interior rearview mirror, and a "Composition Colour" radio with a 6.5-inch touch screen and App-Connect functionality.

Stepping up to the Shuttle SE introduces additional features such as Alloy wheels measuring 7J x 17, Parking sensors at the front and rear, and Body-coloured bumpers for a more enhanced and stylish appearance.

The Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle has always been a workhorse, but the new T6.1 model offers a refined driving experience without sacrificing power and performance. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine comes in three power outputs: 90 hp, 110 hp, and 150 hp. All offer respectable torque for hauling passengers and cargo, with the 150 hp version providing the most grunt for motorway cruising. The 2.0-litre TSI petrol is ideal for those who prefer the smooth and responsive nature of petrol; Volkswagen offers the T6.1 Shuttle with a 148 hp or 204 hp TSI engine. These are ideal for shorter journeys and urban driving, where fuel efficiency might not be the top priority.

While the Transporter Shuttle isn't designed for speed demons, it handles itself well on the road. The diesel engines offer plenty of pulling power, even when fully loaded, making overtaking a breeze. The petrol engines deliver a more refined and responsive driving experience, particularly at lower speeds.

Manual gearboxes are available for the 90-hp and 110-hp diesel engines, offering maximum control and fuel efficiency. A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox is available for all other engine options, providing smooth and comfortable gear changes. As expected, the diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than the petrol options, with the 90-hp version returning the best MPG figures. However, petrol engines offer lower carbon emissions, making them a good choice for those concerned about the environment.

The T6.1 Shuttle handles surprisingly well for a large vehicle. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. The suspension is comfortable and absorbs bumps well, even on rough roads.

The new Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is a vast improvement on its predecessors. It's stylish, spacious, comfortable, and incredibly versatile. While it might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, it's a practical and dependable workhorse that can adapt to any task you throw at it. Whether you're a taxi driver ferrying passengers, a family on a camping adventure, or a business owner transporting equipment, the Shuttle is a great leasing option.

The Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £44,580.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £481.98.

If you're considering leasing a Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our Leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.