VW's 103kW Kombi turbo gets DSG

UITENHAGE, Eastern Cape - Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has added a seven-speed direct-shift gearbox to its 103kW Kombi range to join the already so-equipped long wheel-base Kombi Comfortline and Transporter Crew Bus.

VW SA says the Kombi is the best-selling T5 derivative with more than 21 380 sold in South Africa since its introduction here in 2004.

About 8 600 of those were Kombis.

LONG-WHEELBASE, TOO

It’s a marketing move intended to attract more buyers looking for an auto box taking its feed from a powerful engine. There’s also a choice of two spec levels - Trendline and Comfortline - and seating potential for eight adults.

Think large-family car, hotel shuttle, corporate taxi… it’s available in normal or long-wheelbase (plus 40cm) and various seating configurations that can include height adjustment for the driver’s seat (Trendline), arm rests, power windows, central locking and various external trim changes.

The two-litre turbodiesel engine is capable of 103kW and 340Nm at 2500rpm. Top speed is 172 km/h and VW claims an average fuel consumption of eight litres/100km.

GET MODIFIED

The DSG means cog changes take only a few hundredths of a second, without any interruption in traction. The seventh gear is an overdrive – maximum speed is already achieved in sixth gear.

The Kombi can be modified with a number of catalogue features: tilt/slide sunroof, detachable tow ball, 17” alloy rims, parking radar front and rear, cruise control, front fog lights, multifunction steering wheel, auto wipers and headlights, auto dimming rear-view mirror and electrically foldable external mirrors, communications package (leather multifunction steering-wheel, RCD 310 CD/radio with auxiliary socket and Bluetooth cellphone preparation).

Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)
Kombi 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG Trendline - R474 300
Kombi 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG Comfortline - R536 500
Kombi 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG long-wheelbase - R544 500

Prices include three-year or 120 000km warranty, five- year or 60 000km maintenance plan, and 12-year anti-rust-through warranty.

Service intervals: 15 000km.