Volkswagen Transporter (T5) Panel Van 2.5 TDI (174 Hp) Tiptronic L1H2


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Transporter:

The Volkswagen Transporter, based on the Volkswagen Group's T platform, now in its seventh generation, refers to a series of vans produced for over 70 years and marketed worldwide.
The T series is now considered an official Volkswagen Group automotive platform. and generations are sequentially named T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7. Pre-dating the T platform designations, the first three generations were named Type 2, indicating their relative position to the Type 1, or Beetle. As part of the T platform, the first three generations are retroactively named T1, T2 and T3....(Read more on Wikipedia)

(T5) Panel Van Overview:

Volkswagen Transporter ((T5) Panel Van). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2005 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.4 s). The top speed reaches 177 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.5 TDI (174 Hp) Tiptronic L1H2 Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Outstanding power and torque, combined with the convenience of a smooth Tiptronic automatic transmission for effortless driving.

Fuel Economy

Impressive fuel economy for its power output, with the automatic gearbox providing relaxed cruising.

Best Use Case: High-performance utility, heavy towing, frequent stop-start driving, or drivers preferring automatic transmission.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Highly versatile engine lineup catering to diverse needs
  • • Excellent cargo capacity and multiple body configurations
  • • Optional 4MOTION provides superior traction for challenging conditions
  • • Generally comfortable for a commercial vehicle
  • • Strong resale value and robust build quality

Cons:

  • • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered, especially when loaded
  • • Some known reliability issues with specific 2.5 TDI components (e.g., oil pump)
  • • Petrol engines are significantly thirstier than diesel counterparts
  • • Older safety technology compared to modern vans
  • • Can be expensive to maintain if not properly serviced

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4, facelift 1996) Panel Van: 1998 - 2003).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Transporter
Generation:(T5) Panel Van
Modification (Engine):2.5 TDI (174 Hp) Tiptronic L1H2
Start of production:2003
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Van
Seats:2-3
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:174 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:70.7 Hp/l [217mm less]
Torque:400 Nm @ 2000-2300 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EA153 / AXE More details about the engine EA153 / AXE
Engine displacement:2460
Number of cylinders:5
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector)
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.4 l
Coolant:7.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm
Compression ratio:18.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.7 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 3
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.4 sec
Maximum speed:177 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.9 kg/Hp, 91.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.8 kg/Nm, 210 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1905-2105
Max. weight:2800-3000
Max load:895
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:6700 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):2500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:80 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Permitted towbar download:100 kg
Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%):2500 kg
Size:
Ramp-over (brakeover) angle:14°
Wading depth:300 mm
Length:4890 mm [217mm less]
Width:1904 mm [64mm more]
Height:2160 mm [270mm less]
Wheelbase:3000 mm [320mm less]
Width including mirrors:2242 mm
Front track:1628 mm
Rear (Back) track:1628 mm
Front overhang:894 mm
Rear overhang:996 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):165 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.9 m [above average]
Approach angle:22°
Departure angle:16°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeTiptronic
Front brakesVentilated discs, 308x29.5 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 294x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size215/65 R16
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

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