Volkswagen LT VAN Range
Volkswagen Are Past Masters At Creating Well-Built and Reliable Vehicles, Both Qualities That Van Owners Tend To Like. Their LT Panel Van Has Been Displaying These Attributes In The Field For Some Time Now, But Has It Got Enough Of The Good Stuff To Worry The Class Leaders? Steve Walker Reports
You could almost feel sorry for the poor unfortunate souls who are forced to navigate the large panel van sector in search of a suitable vehicle for their business needs. The problem isnt one of rogue products with shoddy mechanicals or a tendency to disintegrate under prolonged use, its more one of choosing between the various ranges of adept, functional and ostensibly similar vans on offer. Its easy to see why many buyers simply replace their existing van with the updated model from the same manufacturer and, for that matter, why so many purchase decisions hinge on a conveniently located dealership or a tempting special deal. Theres just not much to separate the main contenders.
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A modern large panel van needs something with which to differentiate itself from the masses, a selling point to catch the punters eye and lure him in for a closer look. Volkswagens LT has a respectable stab at meeting these criteria. For one thing, its a
Volkswagen and, as everybody knows, that Volkswagen badge stands for quality both in terms of design and construction. In addition, the LT has been around for quite some time in various forms, its got a proven track record and a good reputation with tradesmen and fleet operators.
The manufacturer can, therefore, reasonably expect to gain significant custom for the latest model from people looking to replace long-serving older versions. Finally, the LT has an ace under its bonnet. The 158bhp 2.8-litre common-rail diesel engine thats available in the larger bodied derivatives delivers huge amounts of torque and, at the time of its launch, this was the most powerful engine that you could specify in any panel van.
"Volkswagen have employed good quality plastics along with robust controls that are quick and easy to fathom"
So, the LT has a well-stocked armoury when it comes to tickling the interest of weary panel van users, but once theyve taken the bait, what else does the range have to offer? Volkswagens cars tend to go down the elegant, understated styling road, with elaborate spoilers and sweeping curves left for the more flamboyant amongst their competitors. The LT is similar in that its low-key visuals wont turn many heads but then, if thats a criticism, its one that can be levelled at most of the other large panel vans currently available. As distinguishing external features go, the oversize front light clusters are noticeable one. They seem to curve round the corners of the LTs nose, comprised of two lenses separated by the line of the bonnet opening.
Apart from them, a black air-vent below the windscreen and a Volkswagen adorned grille are about the size of it - should you ever have to pick the LT out of an ID parade. Jump aboard the LT and youll notice the simple, rather spartan feel of the cab. Volkswagen have employed good quality plastics along with robust controls that are quick and easy to fathom. But what did you expect from this famous German marque? The drivers
seat is definitely worthy of note, it incorporates an air-cushion which hisses, when you lower yourself into it, in a manner that might have you checking your tyre pressures before you realise what the sound is.
The actual surface of the chair is firm and supportive but the air underneath gives greater comfort than in conventional van seating arrangements. On top of this, the driving position is highly adjustable via the steering column control and the 3-way movable seat. Look down to your left and the long, thick gearstick curving prominently out of the floor probably wont lead you to expect a nimble, slick gearchange. Sure enough, the LT has to be firmly punched into gear and provides a slightly notchy feel our test model was new, however, and this effect should mellow over time.
The steering is nicely weighted and the van turns in accurately without too much body roll, while a tight turning circle and large side mirrors help-out during tricky parking manoeuvres. Engine noise in the cabin can reach quite high levels but its well-insulated against road roar, by panel van standards, and the pleasant growl from the smooth 2.5TDi motor in our LT wasnt overly intrusive. The LT range consists of three wheelbases and two roof-heights for the panel vans, along with window-van, chassis-cab and double-cab derivatives.
These can be ordered in a variety of combinations with a further choice of engine options. Two basic powerplants are available but these (a 2.5TDi and a 2.8TDi) can be selected with differing power outputs.
The 2.5-litre engine uses the direct injection configuration favoured in VW passenger cars while the 2.8-litre option features more advanced common-rail technology. Both powerplants provide impressive economy and useful performance.
If we take the 109bhp 2.5-litre HDI as an example, it will reach around 90mph (depending on which wheelbase/roof arrangement its hauling) and still churn out over 30mpg on the combined cycle. As is often the case with panel van line-ups, the individual LT models are named according to their gross vehicle weight. The LT28, 32, 35 and 46 badging on the vehicles corresponds to their potential for lugging heavy loads, so buyers can simply select a model based on what theyre likely to be putting in it.
Its always good to see ABS as standard but Volkswagen go a stage further on the safety-front with 3-point seatbelts for all three occupants. The various airbag packs cost extra, as do things like air-conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors and cruise control, but niceties like those shouldnt be too sorely missed in a commercial vehicle. Volkswagen position the LT at the high-end of the panel van market - a strategy which is justified by the extra cachet of the Volkswagen badge and the quality inherent in the vehicles construction but reflected by the price. Yes, if you want an LT you will pay more than for similar products from some other manufacturers but, at £17,706 for the short wheelbase LT28, the differences arent massive.
On balance, youd have to say that the pricing is competitive and that you get what you pay for. In the LTs case that means a cleverly thought-out and executed large panel van that should prove a superb buy for many different types of business usage.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Volkswagen LT panel van range ENGINES: 2.5 TDI [83/95/109bhp] / 2.8 TDI [158bhp] BASE VERSION OPTIONS: Panel Van / Window Van / Chassis Cab / Double Cab DIMENSIONS: (MWB High-Roof) Width: 1933mm / Height: 2570mm / Length: 3550mm
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (2.5TDi 95bhp) Extra Urban: 35.3mpg / Combined: 30.1mpg
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