2010 Volkswagen Transporter Rockton 4MOTION review and pictures

Volkswagen Transporter Rockton 4MOTION review:

The Rockton - the Transporter for the toughest terrain

• The new all-rounder from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles extremely versatile even away from paved roads
  
• Ready for major adventures with the factory-fitted "Expedition" package

A Transporter for hard off-road missions, for transporting personnel and materials to the toughest places to reach - it was for these extreme conditions that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles developed the Transporter Rockton. Building contractors, railway builders, mountain rescue teams, forestry businesses and many others need a vehicle which can be flexibly adapted to their requirements and can still stand up to heavy punishment.

The Rockton was specially conceived for the sometimes extreme demands of these target groups, so it fulfils the high expectations of these customers to transport material even in critical situations, thanks to the best possible traction.

The Rockton is based on the Transporter Kombi but, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, provides more grip on unsurfaced roads. The permanent four-wheel drive 4MOTION with the fourth-generation Haldex coupling, the standard differential lock on the rear axle, the ride height raised by 30 millimetres and the heavy-duty springs and dampers for a gross vehicle weight rating of 3.2 metric tons moves not only the crew but also the cargo dependably across difficult terrain.

In addition to the increased ride height, panels in place of rear side windows and special vehicle trim identify the Transporter Rockton. All special interior equipment available for the Transporter Kombi like, for example, various rear benches, may be ordered. The Rockton offers a pleasant charm following outdoor duty: supplementary heating and auxiliary heating in the passenger compartment as well as an air filter for use in dusty and sandy countries and seats upholstered with rugged fabric.

The Transporter Rockton is powered by a muscular but thrifty 2.0-litre TDI engine with either 103 kW or 132 kW (140 PS and 180 PS respectively) and has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment. All engine versions fulfil Euro 5 emissions standards.

For extreme off-road tasks, the 103 kW version of the T5 Rockton is available with the "Expedition" package, which makes the Transporter Rockton ready to roll for great adventures. The 16-inch AT tyres on reinforced steel rims identify the package. But the most important equipment cannot be so easily spotted. A special item of this equipment version is a special gearbox which provides enhanced pulling power in off-road operation. Even though the Rockton is tailored to the special conditions of off-road use, it is completely fit for road use.

The T5 Rockton with the "Expedition" package includes a rugged floor-rail system securing two single seats with robust upholstery in the passenger compartment. Both seats are equipped with integrated three-point belts and can be adjusted on the floor rails or even removed. Up to three additional individual seats may be ordered optionally.

The "Protection" package, which may be ordered optionally for both Rockton versions for € 3,200 net, includes underbody protection for the engine and gearbox, the tank, the sills, the rear differential and the main silencer - important for trips away from paved roads.

What's more, the special equipment business unit offers additional equipment for the Transporter Rockton. Thus, the new Transporter Rockton can be modified for nearly every use.

The Transporter Rockton may be ordered immediately, with prices beginning from € 34,545 (plus VAT). The Transporter Rockton with the "Expedition" package", which is extremely suitable for off-road use, is available from € 42,490 (plus VAT).