Volkswagen Transporter (T5) Panel Van 1.9 TDI (105 Hp) L2H3


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 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1986 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 19.3 s). The top speed reaches 147 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.9 TDI (105 Hp) L2H3 Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A balanced option, offering decent acceleration for daily tasks and highway cruising, with maximum cargo volume.

Fuel Economy

Very good fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for regular use and lower running costs.

Best Use Case: Mixed city/highway driving, general utility, light to medium loads, requiring maximum cargo volume.

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):1.9 TDI (105 Hp) L2H3
Start of production:2003
End of production:2009
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Van
Seats:2-3
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:105 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.4 Hp/l [183mm more]
Torque:250 Nm @ 2000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EA188 / AXB More details about the engine EA188 / AXB
Engine displacement:1896
Number of cylinders:4
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:5.8 l
Coolant:7.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm
Compression ratio:18:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 3
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:19.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:19.3 sec
Maximum speed:147 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:17.9 kg/Hp, 55.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.5 kg/Nm, 133 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:18.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1880-2092
Max. weight:2800-3200
Max load:920-1108
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:9300 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):2200 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:
Wading depth:300 mm
Length:5290 mm [183mm more]
Width:1904 mm [64mm more]
Height:2460 mm [30mm more]
Wheelbase:3400 mm [80mm more]
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):13.2 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 gears5
Transmission typeManual
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 size205/65 R16; 215/65 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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