The Volkswagen Transporter (T5, facelift 2009) Panel Van 2.0 TSI (204 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H3: A Powerful Workhorse
The Volkswagen Transporter, an iconic nameplate synonymous with reliability and versatility in the commercial vehicle sector, saw its fifth generation (T5) introduced in 2003. A significant refresh arrived in 2009, bringing updated styling, enhanced powertrains, and improved technology. Among the diverse range of configurations, the Volkswagen Transporter (T5, facelift 2009) Panel Van 2.0 TSI (204 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H3 stands out as a high-performance, all-wheel-drive variant designed for demanding commercial applications. Produced between 2011 and 2015, this particular model combined a potent gasoline engine, an advanced all-wheel-drive system, and a spacious, high-roof, long-wheelbase body, carving a niche for businesses requiring robust capability, speed, and all-weather traction in its primary European and international markets.
While the Transporter series has a storied history and is a common sight across Europe, Asia, and other global markets, this specific Panel Van variant was not officially offered for sale in the United States. Its role was to serve as a premium, high-capacity commercial vehicle, offering a blend of passenger-car like comfort and performance with the utility of a large cargo van. The L2H3 designation signifies its long wheelbase (L2) and high roof (H3), maximizing cargo volume for businesses transporting bulkier items or requiring ample headroom for interior fit-outs.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of this formidable commercial vehicle is Volkswagen’s acclaimed 2.0-liter TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) inline-four engine. This powerplant, designated with the EA888 / CJKA code, is a testament to modern engineering, delivering a robust 204 horsepower at a broad range of 4200 to 6000 revolutions per minute. Torque output is equally impressive, peaking at 258.15 lb-ft (350 Nm) available from a low 1500 rpm all the way up to 4000 rpm. This wide torque band is crucial for a commercial vehicle, ensuring excellent pulling power from a standstill and strong acceleration even with a heavy load.
The 2.0 TSI engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler, contributing to its high power density of 102.8 horsepower per liter. Despite its commercial vehicle application, the engine’s performance figures are noteworthy: the Transporter Panel Van can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 8.7 seconds, with a top speed of 113.09 mph (182 km/h). These numbers are exceptional for a van of its size and capacity, allowing for confident highway merging and efficient long-distance travel.
Power is managed by a sophisticated 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. This dual-clutch unit is renowned for its rapid, seamless gear changes, which not only enhance driving dynamics but also contribute to fuel efficiency. The powertrain architecture features Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, a critical component for this variant. It primarily drives the front wheels but can instantaneously engage the rear wheels via an electrically or mechanically operated clutch when slippage is detected, providing superior traction and stability in adverse weather conditions, on uneven terrain, or when towing heavy loads. This makes the Volkswagen Transporter (T5, facelift 2009) Panel Van 2.0 TSI (204 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H3 an ideal choice for businesses operating in diverse environments.
Design and Features
The T5 facelift brought a more contemporary look to the Transporter, aligning it with Volkswagen’s passenger car design language of the era. The Panel Van configuration emphasizes functionality and cargo capacity. The L2H3 designation indicates a long wheelbase of 133.86 inches (3400 mm) and a high roof with an overall height of 97.48 inches (2476 mm). This combination translates to an enormous cargo volume of 328.43 cubic feet (9300 liters), making it one of the most capacious vans in its segment.
Designed as a dedicated work vehicle, the Transporter Panel Van typically features two or three front seats, prioritizing cargo space over passenger accommodation. Access to the cargo area is facilitated by 4 to 5 doors, usually including a sliding side door and rear barn doors or a tailgate. The robust construction is evident in its kerb weight, ranging from 4263.74 to 5183.07 lbs (1934-2351 kg), and a maximum permissible gross weight of up to 7054.79 lbs (3200 kg). This allows for a substantial maximum payload capacity of 1871.72 to 2350.13 lbs (849-1066 kg).
Underneath, the Transporter (T5) features an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, paired with an independent coil spring rear suspension with a transverse stabilizer and trailing arms. This setup provides a comfortable ride and stable handling, even when fully loaded. Braking is handled by ventilated discs both front (340×32.5 mm) and rear (294×22 mm), complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. Hydraulic power steering ensures precise control, while various tire options (215/60 R17; 235/55 R17; 255/45 R18) provide grip and stability. The ground clearance of 7.91 inches (201 mm) and respectable approach/departure angles further underscore its capability for light off-road or construction site access.
Technical Specifications: Volkswagen Transporter (T5, facelift 2009) Panel Van 2.0 TSI (204 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H3
| Category | Specification | US Equivalent (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Volkswagen | |
| Model | Transporter | |
| Generation | Transporter (T5, facelift 2009) Panel Van | |
| Engine Type | 2.0 TSI (204 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H3 | |
| Production Start | 2011 | |
| Production End | 2015 | |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine | |
| Body Type | Van | |
| Seats | 2-3 | |
| Doors | 4-5 | |
| Performance Specifications | ||
| Fuel Consumption (Urban, NEDC) | 14-14.2 l/100 km | 16.6 – 16.8 US mpg |
| Fuel Consumption (Extra Urban, NEDC) | 8.8-9 l/100 km | 26.1 – 26.7 US mpg |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined, NEDC) | 10.7-10.9 l/100 km | 21.6 – 22 US mpg |
| CO2 Emissions (NEDC) | 249-254 g/km | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec | |
| Maximum Speed | 182 km/h | 113.09 mph |
| Emission Standard | Euro 5 | |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp | |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm | |
| Engine Specifications | ||
| Power | 204 Hp @ 4200-6000 rpm | |
| Power per liter | 102.8 Hp/l | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm | 258.15 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm |
| Engine Layout | Front, Transverse | |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CJKA | |
| Engine Displacement | 1984 cm3 | 2.0 liters (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 | |
| Engine Configuration | Inline | |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm | 3.25 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm | 3.65 in. |
| Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | |
| Fuel Injection System | Direct Injection | |
| Engine Aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler | |
| Valvetrain | DOHC | |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.7 l | 6.02 US qt |
| Coolant Capacity | 11 l | 11.62 US qt |
| Space, Volume, and Weights | ||
| Kerb Weight | 1934-2351 kg | 4263.74 – 5183.07 lbs |
| Max. Weight | 3000-3200 kg | 6613.87 – 7054.79 lbs |
| Max Load | 849-1066 kg | 1871.72 – 2350.13 lbs |
| Trunk (Boot) Space – Maximum | 9300 l | 328.43 cu. ft. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 l | 21.13 US gal |
| Permitted Trailer Load (with brakes) | 2500 kg | 5511.56 lbs |
| Permitted Trailer Load (without brakes) | 750 kg | 1653.47 lbs |
| Permitted Towbar Download | 100 kg | 220.46 lbs |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5292 mm | 208.35 in. |
| Width | 1904 mm | 74.96 in. |
| Width (including mirrors) | 2283 mm | 89.88 in. |
| Height | 2476 mm | 97.48 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3400 mm | 133.86 in. |
| Front Overhang | 896 mm | 35.28 in. |
| Rear Overhang | 996 mm | 39.21 in. |
| Ride Height (Ground Clearance) | 201 mm | 7.91 in. |
| Minimum Turning Circle | 13.2 m | 43.31 ft. |
| Approach Angle | 21° | |
| Departure Angle | 17° | |
| Ramp-over (Brakeover) Angle | 12° | |
| Drivetrain, Brakes, and Suspension | ||
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels permanently; rear wheels driven via clutch when necessary. | |
| Drive Wheel | All-wheel drive (4×4) | |
| Gearbox Type | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar | |
| Rear Suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm | |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated discs, 340×32.5 mm | |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated discs, 294×22 mm | |
| Assisting Systems | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) | |
| Steering Type | Steering rack and pinion | |
| Power Steering | Hydraulic Steering | |
| Tire Sizes | 215/60 R17; 235/55 R17; 255/45 R18 | |
| Wheel Rim Sizes | 7J x 17; 8J x 18 | |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Volkswagen Transporter series boasts a rich heritage, dating back to the original Type 2 “Bus” of the 1950s. Each generation has built upon this legacy, evolving to meet the changing demands of commercial users. The T5 generation, and particularly its facelifted version, continued this tradition of robust utility and German engineering precision. The Volkswagen Transporter (T5, facelift 2009) Panel Van 2.0 TSI (204 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H3, with its powerful gasoline engine and advanced drivetrain, represented a premium offering in the light commercial vehicle segment.
In its primary European market, the Transporter faced stiff competition from rivals such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Renault Trafic, and Fiat Ducato. However, the T5 consistently stood out for its car-like driving dynamics, high build quality, and a wide array of configurations. The 2.0 TSI 4MOTION DSG variant was particularly appealing to businesses that required more than just basic utility. It targeted those needing quick transit times, reliable all-weather performance, and the ability to operate in diverse conditions, from urban deliveries to construction sites or even as a base for specialized conversions like mobile workshops or emergency vehicles. The combination of a high-output gasoline engine, which was somewhat unconventional in a segment often dominated by diesels, alongside the 4MOTION all-wheel drive, gave it
