BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - A new Transporter Sportline kombi model is on sale from 15 April 2008, the same day it makes its official debut at the CV Show.

Building on the success of the existing panel van and Sportline brand, the new kombi model features the same distinctive Sportline styling including lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome grilles and side rails, front and rear spoilers and body coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors. Sliding windows for the rear seat passengers, a three-seater folding and tipping rear bench seat, and closed rear panels makes it ideal for carrying both crew and a load.

Other features specific to the Transporter Sportline kombi include a tailgate with heated rear window and wash/wipe, leather trimmed interior rear side panels, a rubber floor covering for the loadspace, and a single passenger seat in the cab (instead of the double seat in the panel van), which gives it a capacity to carry five people plus a generous amount of luggage or equipment.

Like the Transporter Sportline panel van, the kombi is powered by a five-cylinder, 2.5-litre, 174 PS TDI PD engine with a generous 295 lbs ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm. This high performance vehicle can travel from 0-62 mph in 12.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 117 mph. It has been awarded a 7E-T2 insurance group.

‘The Transporter Sportline’s distinctive combination of style, performance and kerbside appeal has quickly proved a great success, and now the kombi version offers the added practicality of a leisure and work vehicle in one,’ said Ralf Schueler, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

‘We know the Sportline kombi will appeal to owner drivers or company car
drivers needing a versatile and distinctive vehicle’ he continued.

Volkswagen is also pleased to announce that the standard specification of the range-topping Sportline panel van and kombi now includes a new bespoke black leather upholstery with Sportline logo and white stitching.