If you love a smart leather and LED interior van this inside van upgrade may interest you. Maybe you love the look of van leather/LED interiors but need an idea on cost before taking the plunge. 

Guaranteed, 9 times out of 10 you will be surprised at the bang for your buck you get and how easy it is. The result is stunning and the monthly fee low.

The below example is a base van VW Transporter Highline Kombi with WASP pack. This one comprises full leather interior and matching Alcantara loading area, honeycomb door inserts and LED interior lighting. It was a bit more unusual for its leather door panelling, most don’t have this.

This kind of project project costs £100 extra a month (plus VAT) on the client’s package and will last them the lifetime of the van and puts value on it. 

Most vans are available with leather upgrade options, and all upgrades come with 1-year guarantees (you can upgrade to 3). Usually, an interior upgrade is easy to achieve and gets you your perfect van interior. Many VW Transporter Kombis get converted to WASP, HORNET or ABT vans.

Let’s Talk

Our team of sales experts is here to talk you through your options on your leather seating and LED light interior upgrades. A typical upgrade costs £100 per month plus VAT on top of your current package. 

Swiss Vans only sell high-quality vans and with 20+ years’ experience in van sales and lease hires, you’re in safe hands. With a workshop, free delivery, and affordable monthly payments, we can help you customise your van to the style you love, that is unique to you.

The VW Transporter T6.1 Startline is a great, basic trim, but if you want your Transporter panel van or Transporter kombi with more features and extra comfort, consider the Transporter Highline trim. It’s got plenty of extras over the Startline, but it isn’t quite as expensive, sporty, or packed as the Sportline. For a lot of our customers, it’s the perfect set-up. (And if it’s almost-but-not-quite there, you could consider one of our amazing Transporter WASPs and Hornets, as they almost all start out as Highline kombi or panel vans!)

Whether you’re a business owner looking for a company vehicle, something for the company fleet, something for the week-end, or you’re looking to convert a privately owned van, look no further. Deciding between the Startline and Highline trim is one of the first considerations you’ll need to make for your Transporter purchase, and while VW Transporters are solid, versatile, and dependable, there are a lot of possible variations, so you need to know what’s what. To give you a hand, we’ll go through the main features of the VW Transporter Startline vs. Highline for both panel vans and kombis. 

And just to refresh your memory, a panel van is a great option if you’ll mainly be carrying cargo; Transporter panel vans seat three (driver and two passengers) with a big load area behind. A kombi, however, is the perfect option if you need to carry people and stuff. It has five or six seats — there’s an extra 3-seater bench behind the first row or two or three seats — and a slightly smaller (but still decently sized) load area at the back. If you’re not sure what would be best for you, give us a call! We’re always happy to help.

Basic VW Transporter Startline

Startline features:

• Composition Colour DAB+ radio with 6.5” touchscreen, Bluetooth, SD-card slot, 2x USB-C ports
• Electric and heated door mirrors
• Twin halogen headlights (H7)
• Heat-insulating windows in the cab
• 4-way-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat
• Driver’s seat armrest and height adjustment
• 12v socket
• Electric windows in the cab
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Multi-function steering wheel (leather trimmed) with adjustments for height and longitude
• Rubber flooring in the cab
• Multiple storage options including drink holders
• VW App Connect
• Load-lashing rings (foldable) in the cargo area
• Left-side sliding door
• Full-height steel bulkhead

The Startline kombi also includes: 

• Dimmable rear-view mirror
• Illuminated steps in the cargo / passenger compartment
• Heated rear window in the tailgate with wiper / washer system
• Rubber flooring in the passenger compartment
• Side sliding windows for the second row of seats
• Tyre-pressure-loss indicator
• ISOFIX and top-tether anchors for the outer bench seats
• The possibility to open the tailgate from the inside
• Side trim panels in the load compartment (full height)

Startline Business Pack

If you just want a basic Transporter panel van, you can absolutely get that with the Startline trim. You can also upgrade to VW’s Business Pack, which adds climatic air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, and an anti-theft alarm with cab-interior monitoring, backup horn and towing protection to the Transporter for a small extra fee.

Startline Comfort Pack

There’s also the Comfort Pack upgrade. The Comfort Pack is standard on Highline and which offers an additional 12v socket, a waste bin, features to deaden and suppress sound, sun visors with mirrors, and grab handles on the A and B pillars. However! While this does (maybe?) offer a little more comfort, by just going with the Startline and the Business and/or Comfort Packs, you’ll miss out on the Highline’s great extras like alloys, body-colour bumpers and mirror housings, adaptive cruise control, and some additional interior features. So read on to find out the extra (and worthwhile) benefits of choosing the Highline trim for your new Transporter.

VW Transporter Highline Features

The VW Transporter Highline gives you a fantastic range of features for extra comfort, practicality, and style. Given that you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in your van, it’s worth being absolutely sure you’ve got everything you need, and while we would never counsel anyone to buy over and above their requirements, we do think the Highline offers the best value for money. If you’re buying something as big and expensive as a van, best get what you want!

The superb Highline trim includes (in addition to Startline):

• Climatic air-conditioning
• Heated and laminated windscreen
• 16” alloy wheels (17” on the T32 204hp)
• Lockable wheel bolts
• Automatic headlights with separate daytime running lights plus “leaving home” and “coming home” (manual) functions
• Bumpers, door-mirror housings, and door handles in the body colour
• Electric and heated door mirrors with electric folding function
• Front fog lights with cornering function
• Intermittent windscreen-wiper function with rain sensor
• Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter
• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System
• Extra 12v socket
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Sun visors with mirror
• Illuminated glovebox plus waste bin in door storage
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Anti-theft alarm with cab-interior monitoring, backup horn, towing protection, and SAFELOCK

The Highline kombi also includes:

• Armrests for both front seats
• Manual height adjustment for both front seats
• Manual lumbar adjustment for both front seats
• Heat-insulating (green) glass in the front, privacy glass from the B-pillar

And both the Startline and Highline include the following safety features:

• Brake Assist System
• Crosswind Assist
• eCall emergency system
• Driver and front passenger airbags
• Start/Stop with regenerative braking
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
• Electromechanical steering

Transporter Highline Panel Van versus Highline Kombi: Differences

The feature differences between the VW Transporter Highline 6.1 panel van and the Highline kombi van reflect the different van purposes: Highline panel van features are more suited to cargo carrying, and Highline kombi features are geared toward a mix of cargo and people carrying. The main listed differences are as follows (with further spec details at VW).

Whereas the panel van has a 2-seater passenger bench in the first row and no second row, the kombi has two individual seats in the first row — one for the driver and one for the passenger — and a folding 3-seater bench in the second row. (Bear in mind that it is possible to get a 2-seater bench in the first row of a kombi as a special order if you need to seat six.) And while the panel van comes with a full-height steel bulkhead behind the driver’s and passengers’ seats, the kombi doesn’t. However, it is possible to have one installed, so don’t worry if you still want to make sure that your cargo stays put.

Plus:

• Dimmable rear-view mirror
• Illuminated steps in the cargo / passenger compartment
• Heated rear window in the tailgate with wiper / washer system
• Rubber flooring in the passenger compartment
• Side sliding windows for the second row of seats
• Tyre-pressure-loss indicator
• ISOFIX and top-tether anchors for the outer bench seats
• The possibility to open the tailgate from the inside
• Armrests for both front seats
• Manual height adjustment for both front seats
• Manual lumbar adjustment for both front seats
• Side trim panels in the load compartment (full height)
• Heat-insulating (green) glass in the front, privacy glass from the B-pillar

Why buy the Highline version?

If you love comfort and extra features that make every drive a breeze, then we would definitely suggest that you go for the VW Transporter Highline over the Startline. And if your work van doubles as a family adventure vehicle or your week-end getaway van, it absolutely makes sense to get the most comfortable, luxurious, and enjoyable-to-drive model you can find.

You can even go the extra mile in terms of style by upgrading to one of our WASP, Hornet, or ABT custom mod packs for great looks as well as great comfort. Then everyone else will love your van as much as you do!

Get Your Transporter Highline

Whether you want the VW Transporter Highline for its amazing features or you’re considering an upgrade to WASP or Hornet and need the Highline to get you started, our team of sales experts is always on hand to talk you through your options on trim and accessories. Call us today to find out more and get the ball (or van!) rolling. And if you’ve decided that you don’t need the Highline, and the Startline is perfectly good enough, then we can help there too, with great deals on finance and lease agreements.

Swiss Vans only sells high-quality vans, and with our 20+ years’ experience in VW Transporter Sales, you’re in safe hands. We have a showroom in Bridgend so you can see the vans in real life, we offer free UK delivery, and we can arrange easy, affordable monthly payments. Come to Swiss for your perfect van!

The all-new VW Multivan (T7 internally) replaces the VW Transporter Caravelle and should hit uk showrooms in 2022. An impressive model for its debut plug-in hybrid option, flexible interior, new exterior design, and suite of digital and connected services (including 34+ driver-assist systems), it’s hard not to get excited about its car-like feel and flexible features. 

The new 7-seater VW Multivan packs practicality, comfort and safety and is a great people-carrying, moving house, outdoor adventures and all in-between, well, multivan. Doing what is says on the tin, VW Multivan earns its new name, one that perfectly matches the complete overhaul.

VW Caravelle enthusiasts will not be disappointed. The all-new VW Multivan based on VW group’s MQB platform, makes for a car-like ride and is equally as versatile as the Caravelle with features you will love. Unlike the previous Multivan, you’re more likely to see this model at a campsite than building site.

On the outside of the VW Multivan

Volkswagen says the exterior design is inspired by Multivan’s predecessor the VW Transporter T3 (1985). Exterior horizontal design lines and full-width grille and headlights, give it a modern look. Remodelled A-pillars improve driver visibility and new front/back light designs give a fresh look. 

The Multivan has a longer wheelbase and wider lower profile than previous VW commercials. This is to help with aerodynamics, fuel economy and range (1,941mm width, 9,973mm length, up to 1,903mm high, 3,124mm wheelbase with a longer 5,173mm available). Take your pick from one of the three (up to 19-inch) wheel specifications, ‘multivan’, ‘life’ and ‘style’. 

The stunning optional panoramic glass roof is made from safety glass that reduces thermal radiation by 44% and is electrically operated, along with the rear hatch. A nice touch is the sliding doors, they work via ‘gesture control’. LED headlights come as standard with an optional interactive IQ.LIGHT, giving your LEDs permanent non-blinding full beam and dynamic cornering for precise lighting on bends, (also a lit LED lateral bar in the radiator grille).

A look inside the VW Multivan

Inside is where VW has especially upped its game. The interior is more flexible than the Caravelle. Roomier, with modular lightweight seating and a table that moves from front to back. The driver has a 3-spoke steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, giving it that more car-like feel.

With space for up to 7 seats, the rear 5 seats are 25% lighter and easily moved/removed. Second-row seats swivel 180 degrees to create a conference arrangement layout – perfect for an evening game of Scrabble with your crew, or a cheese and wine chill. The full width bench seat in the third row has been ditched in preference of individual seats, to allow for single seat removal for more flexibility.

The first ever of its kind ‘multi-function table’ moves along a central track between all seating rows, even acting as a centre console between the front seats. The table is removable, has adjustable height, 3 cup holders and a storage bin. This flexibility was made possible by a flat floor and removal of the traditional handbrake.

To replace the space hungry handbrake, a new parking brake button (automatic/manual) and automatic DSG gearbox with ‘shift-by-wire’ technology (button) is integrated into the instrument panel. On luggage space, the VW Multivan base version gives 469 litres behind third row seats, and up to 1,844 litres behind the second row (1,850 with panoramic glass roof version). Full cargo capacity up to the front seats is 3,672 litres (4,053 in the longer version fitted with glass roof). 

Slicker, smarter technology

The redesigned cockpit and new multi-use steering wheel, has key features on ‘1 line of sight’ making it highly driver intuitive (with secondary line ‘other functions’). Various touch controls give access to air-conditioning, seat heating, and sound. The central line 10.25 inch ‘digital cockpit’ display and 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen sit next to (central) high black gloss minimalist gear-changing (shift-by-wire DSG) controls near USB-C sockets and optional smartphone charging tray. 

A debut feature for VW Commercial vans is the head-up display option. The infotainment system ‘Ready 2 Discover’ comes as standard and includes integrated eSIM. ‘We Connect’ can be used (for free), for breakdown assistance, vehicle status and parked position information.

‘We Connect Plus’ is free for 3 years and gives lock/unlock van control and (optional) auxiliary heater remote control smartphone options. Optional ‘Discover Media’ and ‘Discover Pro’ navigation systems on the We Connect Plus features online map updates, traffic information, eHybrid inside temperature pre-set options and a charge your vehicle via smartphone control. 

VW Multivan is a bit of a party on wheels. The infotainment system can be combined with a Harmon Kardon sound system developed especially for the Multivan. Blowing your mind with 14 high-end loudspeakers (behind precision laser-cut panels), a 16-channel Ethernet amplifier (with 840-watt output) and 4 audio settings – the ‘Fraunhofer Sonamic Panorama Algorithm’ takes separate sources of stereo and spreads them equally across the U-shape acoustic stage. 

Advanced safety features, an easier ride

With over 34 driver-assist safety comfort and convenience settings, the all-new VW Multivan T7 leaves no element of driver safety or comfort to chance. The ‘Front Assist’ area monitoring system includes city emergency braking, dynamic road sign display and lane assist systems as standard. 

Other new systems include Car2x ( local communication with other vehicles and highways to provide danger warnings), side protection, cross wind assist, turn-off assist (oncoming traffic warning when turning across carriageways) and an exit warning system (the van warns you when opening a door to vehicles approaching from the rear).

A first for the Multivan is the ‘IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist’ feature, which enables semi-autonomous driving. This integration of predictive adaptive cruise control and lane assist, makes long-distance drives safer and easier. Also available is ‘Area View’, allowing you a 360-screen display view of the van on your 10-inch infotainment screen. Using four camaras, this makes parking super safe and easy.

What about the Multivan powertrains?

Based on VW Group’s MQB platform the all-new Multivan has 2,000kg top towing capacity, comes in 3 powertrain options and includes (a first in VW Commercials) a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. The 1.4 TSI 150 PS engine has an 85kW electric motor to produce combined power output of 160kW / 218 PS. 

The silent zero emission drive in e-mode is suited to short city outings with flexibility on longer trips. The eHybrid has a 6-speed DSG gearbox and 14kw lithium-ion battery under-floor for better road handling and storage. If this is not enough, you can opt for one of two 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines (1.5 TSI 136 PS / 2.0 TSI 204 PS) or a 4-cylinder diesel (from 2022). Both turbo models coming with 7-speed DSG gearboxes as standard. 

VWCV vehicles transport vital goods, serve as mobile workshops, and transport doctors and police officers to locations where they are required. Vehicles and utilities have proven to be an integral aspect of the societal structure in the last year.

The new division brings together self-driving cars and new transportation systems.

In the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is taking the lead in the field of autonomous driving. This is done in collaboration with Argo AI.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is combining these operations into a separate division under the VWCV umbrella due to the importance of transportation networks and the future of autonomous driving. Apart from MOIA and Cito, the ‘MaaS/TaaS/AD’ division includes all Argo AI contributions and all operations related to the advancement of autonomous driving. The corporation will report on this new division in its own financial KPIs, much as it did with the previous “Car Business” division.

The environmental priorities have now been strongly rooted in the plan by the business management. In this regard, VWCV is concentrating on electrifying its fleet, including the upcoming Multivan as a plug-in hybrid this year and the fully-electric ID. BUZZ next year. On the other hand, the team of professionals are working tirelessly to reduce the manufacturing process’s environmental effects. Reduced electricity, water, and solvent consumption, as well as waste and CO2 pollution, are also included. VWCV plans to reduce this by 50% by 2025 as compared to 2010. A drop of 39% has already been reached in Hannover.

Financial outcomes for 2020

According to finance director Holger Kintscher, the financial risks needed for the restructuring of VWCV can already be seen based on construction costs and balance sheet commitments in 2020. The costs of growth, especially for the ID. BUZZ and autonomous driving increased by about 100 million euros in 2020, bringing the total to around 1 billion euros. Balance sheet contributions increased by 31% to a total of 966 million euros over the same time.

According to Kintscher, these acquisitions are protecting the future and returning the company to a development path beginning in 2022. Due to a 24.4 % reduction in units delivered year over year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, turnover dropped by 18 % to 9.4 billion euros (prior year 11.5 billion euros). Since Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles did not meet the CO2 goals in 2020, incentive taxes of 340 million euros were levied for the first time. In total, these debit products resulted in a -454 million euro operating result (prior year 510 million euros).

Holger Kintscher emphasised the effectiveness of the ‘GRIP Performance’ internal profit management initiative. This software is deeply rooted in the company’s philosophy and combines strict cost control with sales management—benefit increases of about 600 million euros possible in 2020 alone. The curriculum is being followed to the letter. The program’s emphasis on sustainability is a huge plus. The corporation will continue to profit from the interventions in this manner in the future.

The product range has been revised and extended, and use has been assured.

VWCV launched the all-new Caddy in 2020, and it will be available in dealerships by the end of the year. The Caddy, which is based on the Group MQB architecture, now provides segment-first levels of driving convenience, driver assistance systems, and infotainment. It expands the camping vehicle range as the Caddy California, joining the Crafter-based Grand California and the famous T model. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will also build a Caddy-based ‘City Van’ for Ford, with production expected to begin in 2022 at the Pozna factory.

VWCV will unveil the latest Multivan in a few weeks, with a plug-in hybrid version available from the start. It expands the van segment’s offerings, while the new T6.1 remains available as a tough commercial and all-wheel-drive vehicle. The fully electric ID will be released the next year. BUZZ is the upcoming symbol from Hannover, both as a people mover and as a freight vehicle. Intra announced the model’s launch for the US American market at the same time.

The next Amarok will be released next year, following the collaboration with Ford. The Chairman of the Management Board, when displaying a recent concept sketch, emphasised VWCV’s strong goal of being not only a great pick-up but also a true Volkswagen with clear DNA in both technology and design.

Conclusion

The GRIP strategy is a development strategy. It will be sustainable again in the medium term, with a significant increase in units delivered, turnover, and bottom-line performance. The aim is for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to play a key role in defining the next decade’s mobility.

In the Great British Fleet Awards, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles all-new Caddy was named Compact High Cube Van of the Year, while the Transporter was praised in the Medium Van of the Year category.

The fifth-generation Caddy has won the award for Small High-Cube Van of the Year, facing tough competition. The small van, which debuted in 2020, was hailed for its cutting-edge technology, convenience, and dependability.

The Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 was also highly commended in the Medium Van of the Year category at the awards. The model was chosen by the judges because of its updated architecture and cutting-edge networking.

The annual Van Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards, which were given virtually this year to an audience of industry and company executives, honour the best fleet owners, retailers, and manufacturers in the UK.

The expert judging panel is composed of Fleet World editors, all of whom have decades of useful experience and business expertise to build upon when deciding the winners in each category.

The Caddy has helped set the benchmark in the Compact High Cube van market, according to John Kendall, Editor of Van Fleet World, and the new fifth-generation model looks set to continue the trend. It’s more spacious and easier to load.

Buyers will be able to choose between analogue and digital instruments, and the tablet-like touchscreen is simple to use. It’s just as smooth and convenient to drive on the lane. In short, the Caddy is a capable all-rounder that is projected to draw new fleet customers in its first year on the market.

The fifth-generation Caddy, which has been fully redesigned, has more room, more fuel-efficient engine options, more driver assistance systems for better protection, and a new connected Digital Cockpit and infotainment system. The updated Caddy is now available for order.

The launch and distinguished award, according to Claire English, Head of Fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, is a great achievement.

The fact that the Transporter 6.1 has been recognized in its category is an early endorsement for the new platform, giving fleet customers trust in its capabilities.

CEO Carsten Intra: “Important contribution to future mobility and road safety in cities.”

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is making great progress in the production and implementation of autonomous driving. “We are setting a new course for the future of mobility with the confirmation of the group’s supervisory board for our exclusive Autonomous Driving R&D program”. Autonomous electric driving will make a great contribution to city mobility and road safety. 

After the Volkswagen Group’s Supervisory board meeting Carsten Intra the CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, discuss “why our vehicles are the logical first choice to apply to such system”. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is also currently preparing the introduction of autonomous systems for traffic use in 2025.

According to Christian Senger, Head of Autonomous Driving, this year, for the very first time, field trials are being conducting in Germany by using Agro Al’s self-driving system in a special version of the future ID. Buzz by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The main aim is to create a ride-hailing and pooling concept quite similar to MOIA’s current offering. By the middle of this decade, VW customers will be able to drive to their destination in automated vehicles in some selected cities. 

As a part of their collaboration, both Ford motor company and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have invested equally in Argo Al, a company that specialises in software platforms for autonomous driving.  The main aim is to build and use an autonomous system in a timely manner. Volkswagen has also brought its subsidiary AID (Autonomous Intelligent Driving) into Argo AL.In addition to an initial investment of one billion US dollars. With the supervisory Board’s approval of the budget for autonomous driving, VWCV is now taking another major step forward towards the future of automation mobility. 

The commercial vehicle brand is also responsible for developing a fully autonomous system and commercialising them in cities. Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) such as Robo-cabs and vans will be built and manufactured by VWCV.