VOLKSWAGEN has added a nine-seater Transporter to its people-carrier range.

Unlike the Caravelle, which has seven seats based on a unique rail system and competes in the luxury MPV market, the Transporter shuttle is available in two wheelbases and, with seating for up to nine people, is targeted at large families, in addition to businesses such as hotels, airport shuttle services and taxi operators.

In standard form the Transporter shuttle seats eight people - two in the front, with two rows of three behind. The ninth seat is available as an option, and is located in the front row as a dual passenger seat.

The difference between the existing Transporter window van, which has the same seating options, and Transporter shuttle is quite simple: the Transporter window van is Volkswagen's heavy duty answer to people carrying, useful for moving crews to and from building sites, for example. The Transporter shuttle offers more luxury, with standard features including roller blinds for side windows; electrically adjustable mirrors; electric windows; and SE versions provide body-coloured bumpers, air conditioning and carpeted floors.

Four TDI PD diesel engines are available to Transporter shuttle buyers: two 1.9-litre units with outputs of 85PS and 104PS, and two five-cylinder 2.5-litre powerplants with 130PS and 174PS.

The larger engines are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of six-speed tiptronic automatic on the TDI PD 130PS. For extra traction, for example when towing a boat from a riverbank, four-wheel drive is offered as an option on TDI PD 130PS versions. The latest Transporter provides a high level of standard equipment across all models, including ABS anti-lock braking; traction control system; remote central locking with deadlocking and immobiliser; plus a driver's airbag.

The Transporter shuttle range starts at £19,462.75 on the road (£15,970 ex-VAT) for the T30 S TDI PD 85PS with short wheelbase, and goes up to £24,926.50 on the road (£20,620 ex-VAT) for the T30 SE TDI PD 174PS long wheelbase.

Updated: 08:59 Friday, May 14, 2004