THE new Volkswagen Transporter will be the most powerful panel van on the road by far when it is launched in the UK in September.

The van, codenamed T5, had its first showing in Valencia in February. This week, at a press launch in Poland, Volkswagen bosses revealed which models would finally make it to Britain.

From launch, the T5 will be offered only in short wheelbase format but with the option of three roof heights. Long wheelbase versions, first pictures of which were shown last week, will be added at the end of the year. There will be two diesel engines to choose from – a 1.9 TDI offering either 86bhp or 105bhp, and a 2.5-litre unit with either 130bhp or 174bhp.

The most powerful panel vans on the road at present are the Volkswagen LT and Renault Master, both of which offer 158bhp. The high-spec T5 will also have a choice of petrol engines in Europe but none will be on sale in Britain, effectively cutting out the possibility of LPG and CNG models.