New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is the biggest VW bus you can buy

• Largest MPV in Volkswagen’s lineup
• Nine seats as standard
• Offered with diesel, PHEV or electric powertrains

People carriers may be few and far between these days, but that hasn’t stopped Volkswagen from adding one more to its lineup – meet the new Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle. It takes the German brand’s MPV tally up to four, with the Caddy, Multivan and electric ID. Buzz completing the set. The Transporter Shuttle is the largest of the lot and is aimed primarily at taxi and private hire operators.

The Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle was revealed alongside its commercial twin, the new, regular Transporter van. In place of a  panel van body, the Shuttle gets a full complement of windows, an extra two rows of seating and a host of creature comforts. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but we wouldn’t be surprised if entry-level versions cost from around £40,000.

What do I need to know about the Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle?

Known as the Volkswagen Caravelle in other markets, the 'Shuttle' name represents the more comfortable, passenger-oriented version of the Transporter van. The latest version is based on the newly-unveiled Transporter T7 and replaces the Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 Shuttle, which can trace its origins back to 2003.

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The new Shuttle will be sold alongside the Volkswagen Multivan, another large MPV, but the two share little in common under the skin. While the new Shuttle is based on a commercial vehicle, the Multivan has been exclusively designed for passengers, and sits on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf. 

The new Transporter, and by extension the new Shuttle, are instead based on the latest Ford Transit Custom, continuing Volkswagen’s tie-up with the ‘Blue Oval’. You’ll spot that they share the same body, windows and parts of the interior, although the Volkswagen gets a unique front end design and a different set of headlights and tail-lights.

While the new exterior design is sharper than before, Shuttle buyers will be most interested in the interior. As standard, it gets three rows of three seats for a maximum capacity of nine passengers, although the rearmost row can be removed entirely to maximise cargo space. Three trim levels are available for the Shuttle, with the mid-level Life version adding air conditioning, front arm rests and painted exterior trim. The top-spec Style model gets keyless-entry, faux leather upholstery and three-zone climate control, among other niceties.

What engines are available with the Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle?

Like the bodywork, the Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle's engine range is also carried over from the Ford Transit Custom. Buyers have a choice of traditional diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid model and a full EV.

The three diesel engines range from 108bhp up to 168bhp, with all but the least powerful version available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid model is front-wheel drive and delivers a combined output of 229bhp. The same engine in the Ford Transit Custom can provide up to 33 miles electric-only range, so we expect the Volkswagen to be capable of a similar distance.

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The electric version will use a 64kWh battery connected to either a 134bhp, 215bhp or 282bhp rear-mounted electric motor. There’s no official word on range yet, but the Ford Transit Custom tops out at 209 miles, so the Shuttle should manage a figure in this ballpark.

How much does the new Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle cost and when can I buy one?

There’s no word on UK pricing for the new Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle yet, nor do we have an expected delivery date. We expect the entry-level model to cost from around £40,000, with the top-spec Style trim to command closer to £50,000.

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