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Last updated: 25 March 2026
Volkswagen’s move to offer petrol-powered Transporter models was a real story — but it belongs to the previous-generation Transporter era rather than today’s newest range.
Back in July 2017, reporting on VW’s update said the Transporter gained petrol options using a 2.0-litre engine with outputs of 150PS and 204PS, and that petrol models were priced lower than equivalent diesels (with prices quoted from £22,625 excluding VAT at the time).
Why VW pushed petrol Transporters at the time
One driver for petrol interest was emissions-zone compliance. Petrol vans that meet Euro 4 can be compliant in London’s ULEZ, while diesels generally need Euro 6.
That basic rule still applies — but the policy landscape has moved on since 2019.
Today’s London ULEZ rules for vans (what matters now)
TfL’s ULEZ guidance for vans says:
- Petrol vans: need Euro 4
- Diesel vans: need Euro 6
If your van doesn’t meet the standard, you must pay the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge to drive in the zone. TfL can issue a penalty charge if you don’t pay when required.
Practical takeaway: if you’re choosing between petrol and diesel (especially used vans), compliance usually comes down to the van’s Euro standard and DVLA/TfL records, not the badge on the back.
What Transporter engines are available now in the UK?
Volkswagen Vans UK’s current “new Transporter Panel Van” page lists:
- Turbodiesel and all-electric powertrains
- And says a plug-in hybrid is coming later in 2026
So if you specifically want a petrol Transporter, you’re typically looking at the used market (the earlier Transporter generation where petrol was offered), rather than ordering a brand-new petrol Transporter today.
Petrol vs diesel vs electric: how to choose (quick checklist)
- ULEZ compliance: Confirm Euro standard first (petrol Euro 4 / diesel Euro 6 for vans in ULEZ).
- Mileage and load: High annual mileage and heavy loads often suit diesel efficiency better (if compliant).
- Urban stop-start / short trips: Petrol (where available) can make sense for lower mileage, but used examples need careful maintenance checks.
- Electric: Strong fit for predictable routes, depot/home charging, and city driving; check real-world range needs and payload impact.
Insurance relevance (kept simple)
Changing fuel type doesn’t automatically mean cheaper insurance. What matters more is the van’s value, use (business use, carriage of tools/goods), driver history, where it’s kept, and claims record.
Sources
- Auto Trader Vans — “Volkswagen adds petrol engines to Transporter range” (27 July 2017: 150PS/204PS; pricing from £22,625 ex VAT; context).
- Volkswagen Vans UK — “The new Transporter Panel Van” (engine options: turbodiesel and all-electric; plug-in hybrid coming 2026).
- TfL — ULEZ “Vans, minibuses and more” (Euro standards for vans; daily charge context).
- TfL — “Penalty charges for ULEZ” (PCN framework if you don’t pay the charge).
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
