2010 Volkswagen T5 SWB Drive Test

The new 2010 Volkswagen T5 van range has arrived in New Zealand, with a three tier range of engines. The entry level is a 240Nm 2.0 litre common rail diesel; while a higher tuned version produces 340Nm. At the top end is a twin turbo version of the engine, putting out 400Nm.

However, we start with the entry level SWB, available from NZ$46,950. This puts the SWB in the price bracket just above the slightly smaller Fiat Scudo and Mercedes Benz Vito 111CDI/E.

VW claims 7.2 L/100km on the Combined cycle, with Euro Five emissions ratings.

The SWB has a five speed manual gearbox, with the lever mounted high up on the dashboard, very near the steering wheel. As well as allowing space on the floor of the cab, it also means the gearlever is always close to hand. There's also a handy readout on the dashboard recommending the most economical gear for any situation.

The entry level SWB has a reasonable spec level, including air condition, dual rear sliding doors with glazing and a decent sounding stereo. There's also an airbag for the driver (passenger optional). The optional soft rubber load floor is highly recommended as loads strapped down sink slightly into the surface, for a no slip grip. This also eliminates the inevitable scratching of the painted surface the first time anything is loaded aboard the van, while decreasing the amount of road noise that comes through a 'naked' van floor.

The driver's seating position is comfortable, and the seat can be adjusted in height over a huge range, although when in its uppermost position it can be hard to reached the handbrake, which remains fixed on the seats base. In the base model at least, there is no arm rest, and the inner door surface doesn't offer anywhere to rest your arm either.

The large door bins do pass the 1.5 litre bottle test though, easily accommodating a full size bottle in an upright position. In comparison to some vans on the market though, there isn't all that much storage space in the cab, just a hook you can flip a bag handle over and the glove box. There isn't any overhead storage, but in this low roof version there probably isn't enough room for one.

The short wheelbase helps with low speed manoeuvrability, and the T5 is easy to park and load, thanks to both the standard glazed two sliding rear doors which certainly increases visibility.

The load floor measures 1410mm high, 3535mm long, and 1692mm wide at its widest point, while the payload is 904kg. All the doors open wide enough for large objects although the big upward hinged rear door needs a hefty pull to close it.

In the small to mid size van market the T5 SWB is a handy size with an attractive price. The only thing really holding it back is lack of storage space, which of course can be easily rectified by either accessorising the van or an after sales modification.