It looks to be a busy year ahead for Volkswagen South Africa, with the local arm of the Wolfsburg-based automaker having announced the introduction of no less than seven new models to its product portfolio in the coming 12 months. Among the box-fresh Volkswagens penned in to launch in Mzansi in 2025 are the Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI (April 2025), a duo of new entry-level T-Cross derivatives (Q4 2025), the Tayron seven-seater SUV (Q3 2025), a special-edition Polo Vivo (Q3 2025) and the seventh-generation Transporter.
When will the new Volkswagen Transporter launch in South Africa?
The new Transporter is scheduled to make local landfall in the second half of 2025. The seventh-generation Transporter will initially be available in Kombi, Crew Bus and Panel Van guise. A Dropside Double Cab model will be introduced to the local model range in 2026.
At launch, the seventh iteration of Volkswagen’s popular people-mover will be available with the choice of three “newly developed” 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine options. The trio of oil-burners churns out 81 kW, 110 kW and 125 kW, respectively.
Whereas the 125 kW TDI unit is exclusively coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 81 kW and 110 kW four-pots can be had with either the latter cog swapper or a six-speed manual gearbox. Two-wheel-drive and 4Motion all-wheel-drive drivetrains will be available. In addition, depending on the model and drivetrain, the new Transporter boasts a braked towing capacity of 2 800 kg, an increase of 200 kg over the T6.1 generation, while the maximum payload is now 1.33 tonnes. The roof carrying capacity has also been improved for the new model, from 150 kg to 170 kg.
As standard, the new Transporter ships with a raft of convenience and safety features. Included in the seventh-generation package are a 12-inch digital instrument cluster; up to 13-inch touchscreen infotainment, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring; a multifunction steering wheel; keyless ignition; and rain-sensing wipers. LED headlamps are also present. Redesigned wheels, measuring from 16 inches to 19 inches in size, are also available. (The Kombi Style variant is equipped with 19-inch ‘Indianapolis’ diamond-cut alloy wheels as standard.)