Volkswagen have extended the appeal of their ever practical and popular Transporter and Multivan range with the addition of the latest generation 4MOTION all-wheel drive as an option. Dont think of these as off road vehicles rather think of them along the lines that 4MOTION not only offers decisive traction benefits, but also permits higher cornering speeds, thereby enhancing both safety and driving enjoyment – no matter what the road conditions.

The latest generation of the multi-disc clutch with its optimised friction properties sets new standards in terms of traction, safety, comfort and efficiency. 4MOTION is now available in conjunction with the most powerful TDI engine (132 kW) and can also be combined with the 7-speed DSG gearbox for the first time.

In contrast to the mechanically controlled Haldex2 module which was previously fitted, the new 4MOTION comes equipped with an electronic control system. The Haldex2 system was great, the new 4MOTION system is even better.  In extreme cases, up to 100 percent of the torque can actually be distributed to the rear axle. The Haldex clutch is driven via the propeller shaft.

The clutch itself implements the control electronics' commands extremely quickly. This not only improves traction over difficult terrain and on slippery surfaces, but also generally enhances active safety. If the wheel sensors register slip at the front axle, for example, drive torque is forwarded to the rear axle even before understeering is able to occur. The control electronics take a total of almost 40 different signals into consideration, including the steering angle, yaw rates, accelerator pedal position and engine speed. The loss of traction at individual wheels is prevented by the electronic differential lock EDL by means of active brake intervention.

However, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also offers an optional, mechanical rear axle differential lock for the 4MOTION system; this additionally ensures maximum traction during off-road use. Now, when the rear interwheel differential lock is engaged, the further developed ESP system is no longer shut-down.

Volkswagen's four-wheel drive Transporter and people mover has been a firm part of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle product range for 25 years. Initially limited to one engine and type of gearbox, it is now possible to combine the four-wheel drive version with an increasing number of equipment features.

Pricing for the 4MOTION models looks as follows:

Transporter SWB 2.0TDI 132kW 6-speed manual 4MOTION                     $45,490
Transporter SWB 2.0TDI 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION                        $48,490
Transporter Crew Van SWB 2.0TDI 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION       $51,990
Transporter LWB 2.0TDI 132 6-speed manual 4MOTION                           $47,490
Transporter LWB 2.0TDI 132 7-speed DSG 4MOTION                             $50,490
Transporter Dual Cab 2.0TDI 132kW 6-speed manual 4MOTION              $48,490
Multivan Comfortline 2.0TDI 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION                   $60,990
Multivan Highline 2.0TDI 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION                         $77,990