At the UK launch of the new Volkswagen Transporter Sportline, our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay sat down with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Product Manager Kristiana Deksne to discuss GTI inspiration, electric powertrains, sporty van culture - and why the UK remains obsessed with Sportline models.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Tell me about the Transporter Sportline. Why is it here, and how long has it been around?
Kristiana Deksne: "The Transporter Sportline has been around for 20 years. The first Sportline was released in 2006, so we're building on a massive amount of heritage.
"We're really proud to have awakened the sports van market in the UK because there's nowhere else quite like Britain when it comes to sporty vans. It's amazing to continue building on that heritage with this latest generation."
Tim Barnes-Clay: Why do you think the UK loves sporty vans so much?
Kristiana Deksne: "That's a fantastic question. I think it might come from Transporter culture. Even if you can't necessarily afford a Sportline, you'll buy a Transporter or a Caddy and modify it yourself - add kits, tune it, personalise it.
"These vans lend themselves to people, making them their own. Something sparked in the UK market about 20 years ago, and it's just stayed with us ever since."
Tim Barnes-Clay: It seems to appeal to younger buyers, too.
Kristiana Deksne: "Definitely. You can't buy history - and Volkswagen has decades of it. Younger generations have grown up seeing these vans in films, on social media and in camper culture.
"There's a huge amount of heritage there."
Tim Barnes-Clay: There's clearly a connection with the Golf GTI too…
Kristiana Deksne: "Oh yes - especially the Golf GTI.
"The red line connecting the headlights is very much inspired by the GTI. The seat design has also borrowed heavily from Golf GTI styling and been translated into a van seat shape.
"We wanted to lift as much of that GTI heritage as possible and bring it into the Sportline."
Tim Barnes-Clay: So is this basically the GTI of the van world?
Kristiana Deksne: "It looks like a GTI, but officially, a GTI has to be factory-developed to drive like a GTI.
"That's why we don't call it a GTI - Volkswagen is understandably very protective of that badge."
Tim Barnes-Clay: Who is the Sportline buyer?
Kristiana Deksne: "I think people absolutely buy a Sportline because they want others to notice it.
"But it's also incredibly practical. If I had one myself, I'd choose a Kombi. You get removable seats, loads of practicality, family usability, space for bikes or road trips - it's the best of both worlds.
"I completely understand why people who move into vans often don't want to go back to cars."
Tim Barnes-Clay: What engines and drivetrains are available?
Kristiana Deksne: "We've got a 2.0-litre diesel with 170PS, plus a 4Motion version arriving later this year.
"For the first time ever, we're also introducing an eHybrid and a fully electric Sportline.
"The eHybrid uses a 2.5-litre petrol setup with an automatic gearbox and 232PS.
"Then there are two all-electric versions - 218PS and a 286PS model, which is the fastest Sportline we've ever released."
Tim Barnes-Clay: How fast is the 286PS version?
Kristiana Deksne: "0-62mph in 7.4 seconds."
Tim Barnes-Clay: That's seriously quick for a van.
Kristiana Deksne: "It is! Add lowering springs and the styling package into the mix, and it should be a fantastic drive."
Tim Barnes-Clay: Which powertrain do you expect to be most popular?
Kristiana Deksne: "For the first couple of years, I expect diesel to remain the most popular - both the standard 170PS and the 4Motion version.
"But after that, I think customers will gradually start moving toward eHybrid and electric models.
"For diehard petrolheads, the eHybrid is probably the first step into electrification. Then, as we move closer to 2030 and beyond, I'd expect more people to transition fully into electric."
Tim Barnes-Clay: There seems to be genuine passion behind this product.
Kristiana Deksne: "Absolutely. We've tried to keep as many classic Sportline elements as possible.
"The Sportline badge hasn't really changed in 20 years. We've kept the red detailing, red stitching, gloss black mirrors and Sportline centre caps - all the things that made previous generations successful - while adapting them to the new Transporter."
Tim Barnes-Clay: Do you see Sportline still existing in another 20 years?
Kristiana Deksne: "I'd love to think so.
"As long as we've got the Transporter in the portfolio, we'd love to continue offering Sportline."
Tim Barnes-Clay: Does the growing number of Chinese brands entering the UK market worry Volkswagen?
Kristiana Deksne: "I think competitors entering and exiting the market isn't anything new.
"It forces you to stay competitive and really think about your specifications and overall package for customers.
"But at the moment, we're confident in our product line-up. We have very well-proven products across multiple segments."
Tim Barnes-Clay: Who does Volkswagen picture driving one of these?
Kristiana Deksne: "Mainly sole traders and smaller SMEs who use the van for both work and lifestyle.
"Depending on where you live in the UK, you might use it for work during the week, then take the seats out and load bikes or surfboards in at the weekend.
"And honestly, whatever business you run, turning up in one of these looks cool."