Volkswagen Transporter given GTI styling treatment

The Volkswagen Transporter will soon be available in Europe in a new Sportline trim that not only gives the van a sportier flair, but also improves handling.

Up front there’s a new, more aggressive bumper with gloss black trim and large faux side air intakes, as well as a tall gloss black grille with GTI-style red piping.

Gloss black plastic is also used for the mirror caps, the lower door sills, and the tips of the two-prong rear spoiler that sticks out quite a long way from the top of the tailgate. The rear also features a new, shaper bumper.

While the Sportline doesn’t have any extra power or torque compared to other Transpoter variants, it does have Eibach suspension that sits 29mm closer to the ground.

This is matched to 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with Sportline branding in place of the traditional VW logo.

On the inside, there are sportier front seats trimmed in faux leather with red contrast stitching and diamond pattern for the centre section, as well as embossed Sportline logos on the backrest.

Other upgrades include a heated steering wheel, and Sportline-branded floor mats. In Kombi models there’s also illuminated foot wells and metal scuff plates. Standard features include a 360-degree view camera, and keyless entry and push button start.

In the UK the Sportline variant will be available on the Transporter panel van and Kombi, with prices starting from £62,752 (A$122,000). Customers can order the Transporter Sportline from April 2026.

The latest Transporter is, basically, a Ford Transit Custom with a front end, and some other elements, restyled by Volkswagen. Unlike previous generations, the Multivan people mover is now a distinct model riding on the Volkswagen MQB passenger car platform that’s used for everything from Golf upwards.

As part of a wide-ranging partnership between Volkswagen and Ford, other shared models include the Ford Ranger/Volkswagen Amarok, and Volkswagen Caddy/Ford Transit Connect.

Ford has also developed two electric SUVs for Europe — the Explorer, and the Capri “coupe” — based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture, but which are built in its own factories.

MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Transporter showroom