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Volkswagen Transporter (T4, facelift 1996) Kombi 1.9 TD (68 Hp) L2H1
Overall Rating
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)
(T4, facelift 1996) Kombi Overview:
Volkswagen Transporter ((T4, facelift 1996) Kombi). With 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9 l/100km). With a weight of 1630 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 132 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.9 TD (68 Hp) L2H1 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A modest performer, the 68 Hp 1.9 TD is adequate for light loads and city driving, but struggles with highway speeds or heavy cargo. Acceleration is leisurely.
Fuel Economy
Offers reasonable fuel economy for its era, especially on extra-urban routes, making it a cost-effective choice for daily utility.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and durability, known for high mileage.
- • Highly versatile interior, easily configurable for cargo or passengers.
- • Strong aftermarket support and community.
- • Timeless, practical design.
- • Good fuel tank capacity for long journeys.
Cons:
- • Engines, especially the diesels, can feel underpowered by modern standards.
- • Basic safety features compared to contemporary vehicles.
- • Fuel economy, particularly for petrol variants, can be high.
- • Road noise and refinement are typical of a commercial vehicle.
- • Rust can be an issue on older, neglected examples.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Panel Van: 1992 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Transporter |
| Generation: | (T4, facelift 1996) Kombi |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.9 TD (68 Hp) L2H1 |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 2-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 68 Hp @ 3700 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 35.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 140 Nm @ 2000-3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ABL [Same engine] More details about the engine ABL |
| Engine displacement: | 1896 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 132 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 24 kg/Hp, 41.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.6 kg/Nm, 85.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1630 |
| Max. weight: | 2625-2800 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 995-1170 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6300 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Wading depth: | 350 mm |
| Length: | 5107 mm [52mm more] |
| Width: | 1840 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1940 mm [460mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3320 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2175 mm |
| Front track: | 1589 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Front overhang: | 886 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 901 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 180 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R15; 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
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