VW

VW Vans vs. Ford Vans: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Business?

What have been your thoughts when you think about the VW and Ford vans? Of course, you will stand in the middle of the road when contemplating which options to consider. Let’s get right to it; we’ve got a twin-test evaluation of two of the most well-liked and thrilling mid-size sport vans available today: the Ford Transit Van and the Volkswagen Van.

These sporty medium vans are built to appeal to both business and lifestyle buyers, with beefed-up construction on the exterior that makes your company stand out from the crowd and posher cabs that keep people more comfortable than typical inside. Additionally, they have updated suspension, which is meant to improve their handling and make them appear even more sharp.

The Ford and Volkswagen vans are two of the most well-liked automobiles in several car markets. Both manufacturers are known for their dependability, and both cars come in a variety of height, length, and engine configurations that make them suitable for various professions.

Which, though, is the best? Are both vans worth comparing against each other? What distinguishes the VW van from the Ford Van? Let’s find out more as we look at several features.

Brief on VW Vans and Ford Vans

The VW van is a cutting-edge, versatile van that can be totally customized to your company’s demands. Interestingly, the Transporter VW van can easily traverse uneven terrain thanks to its flexibility, which is demonstrated by having the option of two dimensions, three heights, four engines, and different transmissions.

The Ford van, on the other hand, presents your company in a professional light. A Ford Transit Custom can meet every business’s needs. It comes in two lengths, two heights, four diverse trim options, and three different engines.

VW Vans vs. Ford Vans

With both vans offering distinct features and capabilities, the best way to choose the right option for your business is to look at these features. In this aspect, we will explore their performance, safety, interiors, exteriors, and running operation costs. However, they do have similarities, which many van buyers neglect when shopping for a new van.

Performance

The Volkswagen Transporter offers four engine choices compared to the three Ford Transit vans offer. The Ford engines are adaptable; the base model, with 104 horsepower, is an excellent choice for cities. With 128 horsepower, the mind-range choice is excellent for highway driving, while the top model’s 168 bhp will let you accelerate swiftly.

The light steering and slick six-speed transmission enable simple manoeuvrability. The negative? While it is not a deal-breaker, there may be more engine sounds than you prefer. Regarding transmission, the VW Transporter outperforms the competition; the top models come equipped with a seven-speed gearbox that makes driving on highways and in cities a breeze. The base model has 102 horsepower, the mid-range option has an amazing 150 horsepower, and the top-of-the-line variant has 204 horsepower and accelerates the van from 0 to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds.

All-wheel-drive versions of the VW Transporter are also available, but front-wheel-drive models are more responsive and agile. This provides more traction if you’re likely to be driving in slick conditions. Due to this, the Volkswagen Transporter overtakes the competition, especially for customers seeking additional power and added protection in slippery or rainy weather.

Torque

Staying with engines, having powerful ones is useless if running them will cost you a fortune! The Volkswagen Transporter’s 102ps output has the best fuel economy at 47.9mpg between the two vans. The Ford van’s best mpg rating is 46.3. In terms of Torque, it’s clear that the VW van outperforms the Ford Van.

Interior Features

The Ford is wonderful since it features a lot of storage space, including a secured glove box and different trays, shelves, and bins. It implies that you can maintain the cabin neat while travelling and know where things are when you arrive home.

The standard specification includes two 12V charging ports, motorized windows, and a headlight delay. The Trend, the next vehicle, adds heated windows, cruise control, and automated headlights, while the top two features are cooling and DAB radio.

The Ford van has superior storage, which the Volkswagen could not match. When driving, papers may reflect in the windscreen because your belongings won’t be kept nearly as firmly, and slots that could be covered aren’t.

However, all three trim levels come standard with USB and Bluetooth capability and DAB radio. The Trendline, the mid-level choice, doesn’t really add much more noteworthy than cruise control. Still, the Highline, the top-of-the-line model, adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, air conditioning, automated lighting, and a heated windscreen.

Overall, it was a very narrow escape. The Ford’s mid-spec model gives more for your money, but the VW’s base model provides more. There isn’t much in it for the higher specifications.

Exteriors

Nothing has changed regarding the Ford van’s stylistic compatibility with Ford’s automobile lines. Ford’s LCV lineup changed along with the company’s switch to open grilles. The Custom has a medium van-like appearance and some flair but is mostly all business.

The trim levels have a minor impact on the exterior; as you move up, body-coloured panels replace the black plastic ones, alloy wheels are added, fog lights are added, grille trim is replaced with chrome, and door mirrors become fully electric (heating and moving). To make signwriting a little bit simpler, the sides of the Custom are likewise liberally free of panel lines.

The VW van is a cultural landmark, not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its long history and varied applications. Even in the panel van versions, the appearance of the Transporters still borrows certain design cues from the original camper vans.

Because the grilles on the VW LCV offering are a replica of those on the vehicle, the lines and curves on the Transporter’s front end smoothly integrate to give it an edge over SUVs. Like the Ford van, trim levels add more chrome trim and body-coloured panels to the vehicle, significantly changing its exterior appearance. Choose the option that best fits your budget and your sense of style.

Safety Features

Let’s explore the security aspect of both vans. The first van to receive a five-star safety certification from Euro NCAP was the Ford Transit Custom, which was a noteworthy accomplishment. The most recent line has the newest technology, including electronic stability programs (ESP) versions that help the craft maintain stability in the wind and adjust for cargo. Additionally, pre-collision aid is an option, as is stability control and emergency braking assistance.

The Volkswagen Transporter van provides many features to keep drivers secure in any situation. Along with the standard driver and passenger airbags, the vehicle has ESP and ABS braking technologies. Front fog lights with cornering lights built in are an option. The cars are once again neck and neck, with the Transit Custom’s ESP’s sophistication putting it in front of the Transporter in terms of safety.

Running Operation Cost

A three-year warranty is provided for each van. Although Ford has been having issues with early oil replacement requests with this engine, the Transit Custom’s servicing intervals are significantly longer at 36,000 miles or two years. Both vehicles offer information on when a service is necessary via the trip computer.

The VW has the advantage regarding fuel economy; in this configuration, the 204hp engine and seven-speed DSG transmission are stated to provide a claimed 42.8 mpg, which is better than the equivalent of the manual gearbox. Less efficient than the manual transmission Ford with 170 horsepower only achieves 39.8 mpg, and since it employs outdated technology, its real-world performance is to be even lower.

The VW will also likely retain its value better, allowing you to return more of your investment if you decide to trade it in.

Fuel economy and emissions

The Ford van competes with any vehicle in its class regarding fuel efficiency. It has EcoBlue technology in its entry-level and mid-range variants, providing 46 mpg and 157 g/km of CO2. The model in the range with the highest emissions produces 165g/km of CO2. All variants comply with Euro6 emissions requirements thanks to common-rail injector turbocharging technology.

Due to its BlueMotion Technology kit and compliance with Euro6 emissions requirements, the Volkswagen Transporter. The 102bhp variant can go up to 47.9 mpg and produces only 153g/km of CO2, narrowly beating out the base Transit. However, the more powerful Transporter is less eco-friendly than the Ford, emitting 174g/km of CO2.

VW Vans vs. Ford Vans – Overall Verdict

If money isn’t an issue, the VW van would be our clear choice because it is faster, nicer to drive, has a more thoughtfully built cab, and even promises to be less expensive to maintain. Additionally, the grade of the materials used upfront is higher, and more safety equipment is included as standard.

Nevertheless, it could be more flawless. Comparatively speaking, Ford’s back seat space appears unfinished, and since there isn’t even an option for a rear bulkhead, it will only be acceptable for some. VW really needs to take action to reduce traffic noise.

What have been your thoughts when you think about the VW and Ford vans? Of

VW Multivan: Caravelle, Evolved

What’s bigger than a Caddy, smaller than a Crafter, and cooler than a Caravelle?

Okay, the title sort of gives it away: It’s the new VW T7 Multivan Lease

The Multivan is VW’s successor to the Caravelle (a version of the Transporter that was sold in the UK from 2003-2021), and the first VW van to be available as a plug-in hybrid (the Caddy will follow suit; it’s set to go on sale by the end of 2022).

It is available in 3 engine types (petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid), in 2 lengths (4973 or 5173 mm) and 3 trim levels: Life (standard), Style, and the limited edition Energetic, which is exclusively a PHEV. All of the above have some pretty significant updates from the Caravelle. Dig in below.

Specs and Stats

Some of these of course vary depending on engine type, style/trim and/or seat configuration, and driving conditions. When applicable, ranges are given below.

Storage/Load Area: 469 (all seats intact) – 3672 (all seats removed but 2 front) litres

Payload: 453-704 kg

Towing Capacity: 2000 kg

Transmission: 6-speed DSG (PHEV), 7-speed DSG (all others)

Acceleration: 0-100 kmph in 9-12 seconds

Torque: 220-360 Nm

Battery: 13 kWh lithium-ion (PHEV)

Engine: 1.4TSI eHybrid 218PS (PHEV), 1.5TSI 136PS or 2.0TSI 204PS (petrol), 2.0TDI 150PS (diesel)

Range: 48 km

Standard (Wallbox) Charge Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes (at 3.6 kW)

KmpL/Mpg: , 63.2 – 66.7 kmpL/148.7 – 156.9 mpg (PHEV), 13.05 – 15.01 kmpL/30.7 – 35.3 mpg (petrol), 17.9 – 18.5 kmpL /42.2 – 43.5 mpg (diesel)

Fuel Consumption (L/100 km): 1.9-1.8 (PHEV), 8.2-8.0 (petrol), 6.7-6.5 (diesel)

Changes from the Caravelle

The Caravelle was a Transporter designed with passengers in mind. While its retro-futuristic exterior looks (intentionally) similar, the VW T7 Multivan is not based on the Transporter (or any VW van) but on the MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) architecture used in many of VW’s cars.

Features Galore

One benefit of having received the luxury car treatment is that the Multivan is equipped with (or has the option of) an array of safety and assistance features that are lacking in many vans. Some of these include: adaptive cruise control, adaptive suspension, pre-crash preventative occupant protection, lane assist, pedestrian monitoring, automatic emergency braking and emergency assist. Then there’s Car2X, a fancy communication system that can “talk” to other cars on the road to obtain all kinds of useful data.

The Caravelle’s centre table has been redesigned and has some nifty new features. The height-adjustable table slides up and down a central track all the way up to the very front, where it can be used as a centre console between the two front seats, and has built-in storage and cupholders. The 25% lighter seats are easier to remove and reposition, the middle seats can swivel 180°, and the back bench has been removed in favour of individual seats, allowing for more flexibility in arrangements.

Screens Continue to Take Over the Dashboard

Whether that’s a good thing or not is for you to decide. (Of course, it’s certainly not exclusive to the Multivan…) The “Digital Cockpit” display, situated behind the steering wheel, has been expanded to 10 inches. As in many newer model vehicles, touch controls have almost completely replaced buttons and levers, save for a few essentials on the front of the steering wheel; the “Ready 2 Discover” touchscreen infotainment system connects to your smartphone and can include navigation features, streaming and internet access. Even if you don’t opt for these from the get-go, you can upgrade at any time.

Physical/Dimensional Changes

The Multivan is a bit shorter than the Caravelle, fitting easily into multi-level car parks. (Caravelle drivers were dismayed that this was not always the case; VW listened, and managed to shave off 43 mm for the Multivan.) It’s also longer, a bit wider (but not so much as to make parking difficult), lighter, and more aerodynamic.

A gorgeous panoramic sunroof is optional in the Multivan; kids (or adults) in the backseats get a pretty sweet view and tons of light.

Of course, the hybrid option is one of the major innovations. In electric only mode, the range is pretty limited (just 48 km), maximum speed is 140 km/h and there’s no rapid charging. But it’s certainly an option for shorter, everyday trips around town.

What Drivers Have to Say

It drives like a dream. It has the light handling and tight turning you expect in a car, while having all the features you want from a van. Of course, it’s a little clunkier than a car, but overall it feels car-like. People who’ve driven both the Caravelle and the Multivan generally prefer the Multivan.

Some people aren’t crazy about the extent of the touchscreen takeover. Even climate control is fully integrated into the touchscreen, which some people have a hard time getting used to. But this isn’t exclusive to the Multivan, and it’s probably something that will be the norm from now on.

The ride is quiet and comfortable — again, as car-like as possible, while still being a ‘real’ van.

Campervan Potential

Like many of VW’s vans, campervan conversion potential for the Multivan is high, and it’s becoming a popular rental for that purpose. For some reason, the rumoured California camper version of the Multivan (which would have featured a pop-top roof) appears to be cancelled. But the Czech company ‘Visu’ already has a campervan conversion kit tailor-made for the existing VW T7 Multivan, featuring a bed, table/dining area, pull-out kitchen, and ample storage. Of course, enthusiasts and DIYers have done their own mods, and some of them are pretty impressive.

So…

You’re in (or going to be in) the UK, and you’re looking to rent a small – midsize people carrier ? The VW Multivan is one you definitely should consider. If you’re specifically interested in a T7 hybrid, even more so.
The new 2023 VW Amarok

The Multivan is VW’s successor to the Caravelle (a version of the Transporter that was

The New All Electric Volkswagen ID Buzz is Coming!

Electric vehicles are the new buzz and Volkswagen Vans is taking advantage of this wave like many other electric vehicle manufacturers. With the government support, the benefits to the environment, and the overall popularity of being socially responsible, there is no doubt that electric vehicles are here to stay. Volkswagen is taking its old campervan look and bringing it back to life in these new all electric vehicles.

At Swiss Vans we want you to know that there are over one thousand electric vehicle charging stations in Wales. These charging stations are critical to the success of the transformation to a better life that embraces social and environmental responsibility. You can travel around Wales and neighbouring areas with ease in your own electric vehicle or one that you rent from us for your adventures.

Volkswagen has upgraded their campervan with this new ID. Buzz model releasing later this year in Europe. It won’t get to America for another year or so, but in Europe there are two models. One for personal use and the other for commercial cargo use. You can consider this electric campervan as another possibility when thinking about your choices of electric campervans or motorhomes.

It is all electric and full of new accessories, taking daily camping trips and adventures to a new level. The iconic look is fun and stylish and will certainly catch your eye. With the two-toned paint, backseat sliding doors, and plenty of room on the inside, this is the perfect vehicle for a family adventure to the beach or the mountains. For longer trips, the interior room is great for couples as they explore. Really, you can take this vehicle just about anywhere in comfort and style.

It has two glass panels on the roof to let in all that sun or to look at the stars in the evenings. There is one over the front seats and one over the back. It does not have a pop-up roof for extra space yet, but the look of the glass ceiling is very appealing. Volkswagen plan to introduce the pop-up roof in a year when they bring this model to America.

Reviews say that this new ID Buzz is very spacious on the inside. It has 39.5 cubic feet of trunk space and if you need more space, you can fold down the back seats to store larger items or even turn it into a bed. If you are traveling with a lot of stuff or need to pick up large boxes, it is easy with this campervan. It is like a tiny house on wheels.

With a 150 kW (201 horsepower) and 229 pound-feet of torque it’s all electric motor makes for a great drive. With it you will get the speed you need to travel any country or city roads. This model come in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and manages the road with ease. This base model picks up speed quickly and drives smoothly.

The battery power is more than 77-kWh and has a range of approximately 250 miles. The charging time on a DC Fast charger is about 30 minutes (going from 5% to 80 %). You can travel a lot of ground with that range and low charging time. There are other charging options that may take more time if you have the time, but the DC Fast charger is an excellent choice when you want to keep moving. If you want to charge at home, that will take over seven hours.

With seating for seven and all kinds of great accessories, your trip will be smooth and comfortable. You can set the mood with adjustable ambient lighting. Configuring your front seats to suit your needs is easy with a removable centre console and adjustable armrests. There is also a massage setting for the front seats. The back seats offer fold out tables so the backseat passengers can comfortably eat or use a small laptop or tablet during the trip.

On the dashboard is a 10-inch touchscreen that allows you to manage control settings. There will also be a 12-inch option coming. This touchscreen also serves and your electric campervan’s entertainment centre. The dashboard itself is clean and uncluttered. VW Vans added the touchscreen and took out lots of the old buttons from the dashboard. While keeping many of the iconic trademarks of the 1970 to 1990 models, they did take away the white steering wheel replacing it with a solid dark colour steering wheel.

Because we all know we go nowhere without our smartphones, this vehicle comes with at least seven USB charging ports throughout the interior. The dashboard is also designed with a lip at the edge, so your phone won’t fall off. The convenience options for gadgets of all types are throughout the interior of this great new vehicle. For those long drives, these features are essential.

Because safety is important to all of us, this electric vehicle also comes equipped with many safety and driver assistance features. Forward collision warnings and automated emergency braking and lane departure warnings come with the standard package. For an added cost you can get adaptive cruise control. The standard package comes with a good base, but even more options are available if you want to pay for them.

If you are considering a family or a couple’s nature trip, this sounds like a great all electric vehicle to try out in the area. The comfort, iconic style, and fun features will make for a good ride. Chargers are available throughout the area, so there will be no problem getting and staying charged up. Bringing back this Volkswagen bus iconic style is going to be a lot of fun to watch.

Swiss Vans wants to keep you informed about all the great new electric campervans and motorhomes that we are learning about. We want to support your camping adventures in every way we can. If you have questions about our electric vehicle options, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Electric vehicles are the new buzz and Volkswagen Vans is taking advantage of this wave

Is this the new VW charging era?

The Volkswagen subsidiary Elli, which oversees all activities involving charging and energy in the Group, has become a partner in the sustainable bonus programme offered by &Charge. The goal is to consistently improve the charging experience with the help of customer feedback and to provide money savings at the charging station. Elli charging-tariff customers as well as users of SEAT and CUPRA Easy Charging, ŠKODA AUTO Powerpass and, in future, Volkswagen We Charge will benefit from the partnership as they will immediately be able to redeem the &Charge kilometres they have collected for Elli charging vouchers.

Users collect the needed &Charge kilometres by completing various activities using the &Charge app, a leading platform that combines smart user engagement with value-added services related to electric car charging. This works by, among other activities, shopping in one of the 1,500 partner shops across Europe &Charge (and-charge.com), evaluating charging stations and enriching charging station data. Drivers of electric cars who provide, for example, live information on the &Charge app about the charging infrastructure and the recently completed charging process itself will receive a reward of at least 10 &Charge kilometres for each contribution. Users can now exchange their collected &Charge kilometres for Elli charging credits worth €4 (50 &Charge kilometres) and €20 (250 &Charge kilometres). Credit can be redeemed in the Elli, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA AUTO and Volkswagen charging apps.

Actively participating in activities and using the &Charge app are also rewarded with points called “enthusiast points”. These points will enable users to obtain additional benefits on the &Charge platform on a step-by-step basis.

Simon Löffler, CCO of Elli, says: “Partnerships like the one with &Charge help to establish and successfully shape a customer-friendly overall ecosystem for electric cars. Active feedback from customers is extremely important, and we at Elli have always been convinced of this. We therefore appreciate &Charge’s innovative approach and look forwardthat in future customers will exchange &Charge kilometres for charging vouchers.”

Simon Vogt, the CSO and co-founder of &Charge, stressed one point: “Working with Elli represents a huge milestone to us. We are working together to make the charging of electric cars more affordable and are contributing to the success of e-mobility. &Charge and Elli are two companies that focus on creating a seamless and holistic charging experience for drivers of electric cars. This partnership represents an important step towards a real charging experience. It will set new standards in the e-mobility eco-system.”

The Volkswagen subsidiary Elli, which oversees all activities involving charging and energy in the Group,

VW Scout Electric

This year, the Volkswagen group turns its signature U.S brand Scout electric, still aiming to keep their manufacturing, engineering and design based within the country through a newly established company. Set to start production in 2026, the first prototypes are thought to be unveiled next year. Its new Scout brand, specialising in bringing new technical ideas far beyond the existing product range, will establish new pickup and RUV credibility within the electric vehicle space.

On the topic, the CEO of Volkswagen AG, Herbert Diess said, “We’re taking the chance to capitalise on this significant growth in the EV market, after a positive comeback in the U.S market. It’s a historic opportunity to step into this electric market as a group, underlining our dedication to become a part of the pick-up and R-SUV segment of the market.”

In order to leverage profitability in the US and achieve a market share of ten per cent, the Volkswagen Group is continuing to place their bets on the success of the R-SUV and pick-up segments as well as growing and expanding their brand presence globally.

“This year, we’re establishing a separate unit and brand within the Volkswagen Group, set to be managed independently to keep in line with our new Group model that will allow us to combine all of our tech platforms for maximum efficiency,” said Arno Antlitz, CFO Volkswagen AG.

This year, the Volkswagen group turns its signature U.S brand Scout electric, still aiming to

How was the I.D Buzz created?

Designing the ID family’s Microbus and panel van required intense crossover, work delegation and teamwork. To bring together all aspects of our ideas and merge the needs of the specification brief, designers and engineers used their seven years of industry experience to create the ID. Buzz. Tailor-made to be as inspiring for our older enthusiasts as it is to our new customers, our vehicle is a standout flagship, offering an experience unlike any other while also keeping the environment in mind. The Modular Electric Drive Kit is specially tailored to ensure low friction, increasing its efficiency.

VW Hoping To Sell 120,000 ID. Buzz Electric Vans Globally Each Year

The high-quality, unique design of the underbody and wheel aerodynamics result in just a drag coefficient of 0.285 of the ID. In this aspect, Buzz is better than any other VW Bulli. To test the electric Builli’s endurance, a marathon was held across the varied and unique landscape of Europe – from extreme heat to the dampness of the tropics and ice cold to rough and dry, even places without road surfaces. The state of the art track testing showed the extent of how the ‘Bulli’ was able to withstand the elements and test the strengths and weakness in the joints in the underbody and bodywork.

This vehicle truly meets Volkswagen’s top-class requirements. In the aspect of handling and control, it was the ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo which demonstrated the most potential in the cold snow and ice. Of course, their multi-link rear suspension is the reason for this – the design helps the vehicle overcome both transverse and longitudinal forces, allowing for smooth braking and acceleration even in the harshest of conditions.

Every aspect of the vehicle’s function in the cold weather was tested including elements of the design, quality of parts used and the performance of the electric system, all of which showed results of efficient handling of friction and thermal energy. “In terms of daily use, the Bulli has always shown excellent results,” Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicles’ model line manager, Stefan Lutz tells us. “It’s up to us to ensure that ID.

Buzz can handle the same amount of extreme conditions and situations in its design, quality of parts and system. If all of these aspects aren’t working together in perfect harmony, then that’s not the vehicle we want to create. Our vehicle must not have difficulty in driving in any part of the world.” One example of the intense vehicle testing is the cold chamber, where the temperature is set at minus 20 degrees. In order to pass this test, the back mirror’s heating system must clear the view of all ice within just 3 minutes.

Designing the ID family’s Microbus and panel van required intense crossover, work delegation and teamwork.

VW