Volkswagen T28 Dimensions at a Glance

The Volkswagen T28 is one of the most popular short wheelbase (SWB) panel vans in the UK, forming the entry point into the wider Transporter range. The "T28" designation refers to the gross vehicle weight rating of 2.8 tonnes, and it is offered as a compact, manoeuvrable workhorse that suits urban tradespeople, couriers and small businesses. Before diving into the finer detail, it helps to have the headline dimensions in mind: overall length of around 4.89 metres, a width of 1.90 metres (excluding mirrors), and a height of roughly 1.96 metres, making it low enough to fit into most standard multi-storey car parks.

These figures make the T28 SWB one of the easier medium panel vans to live with day-to-day, while still offering a substantial load area for tools, stock and equipment. Below we break the numbers down in more detail across exterior and load area measurements.

Exterior Dimensions: Length, Width and Height

The Volkswagen Transporter T28 SWB measures approximately 4,892mm in overall length, with a wheelbase of 3,000mm. Overall width sits at 1,904mm excluding mirrors, or around 2,297mm with the door mirrors extended — a figure worth remembering for tight access lanes and narrow gates. Overall height comes in at approximately 1,935mm to 1,970mm depending on suspension and roof specification, keeping the standard-roof T28 comfortably under the 2-metre barrier used by most car park height restrictors.

Ground clearance is generous enough for site work at around 170mm, and the turning circle of just 11.9 metres kerb-to-kerb makes the SWB T28 genuinely agile in town.

Load Area Dimensions and Capacity

Inside the load area, the SWB T28 offers a maximum load length of around 2,572mm at floor level, a maximum load width of 1,700mm, and a width between the wheel arches of 1,244mm — wide enough to take a Euro pallet loaded sideways. Load area height is approximately 1,410mm on the standard roof, giving a total load volume of 5.8 cubic metres.

Rear door aperture height is roughly 1,300mm and width around 1,473mm, while the side loading door provides an aperture of approximately 1,282mm high by 1,020mm wide. Payload on the T28 typically ranges from around 800kg up to just over 1,000kg depending on engine, trim and specification.

Difference Between Volkswagen T4, T5 and T28 Explained

A common point of confusion for buyers is the difference between the T4, T5 and T28 badges. The T4 and T5 refer to generations of the Volkswagen Transporter: the T4 was produced from 1990 to 2003, and the T5 from 2003 to 2015 (with the T5.1 facelift arriving in 2010). Both are model generations covering an entire range of vans, minibuses and chassis cabs.

The T28, by contrast, is not a generation — it is a gross vehicle weight designation applied across those generations. So you can have a T4 T28, a T5 T28 or a T6 T28, all referring to the 2.8-tonne GVW variant of that particular generation. Heavier versions of the same van are badged T30 (3.0 tonnes) and T32 (3.2 tonnes).

Difference Bewteen Volkswagen T4 T5 T28 (Common Search Query Clarified)

Because the T4, T5 and T28 badges appear together on so many used listings, buyers often search for the difference between them as a single phrase. To clarify once more: T4 and T5 tell you which generation of Transporter you are looking at, while T28 tells you the weight class within that generation. A "T5 T28 SWB" is therefore a fifth-generation Volkswagen Transporter, short wheelbase, with a 2.8-tonne gross vehicle weight.

Understanding this naming convention helps when comparing dimensions, because chassis length (SWB or LWB) and weight rating (T28, T30 or T32) both influence the exterior footprint, payload and load area of the van you end up with.

Volkswagen T5 T28 SWB Van Dimensions

The T5 T28 SWB is the most commonly encountered T28 on the UK used market. Its key dimensions are:

• Overall length: 4,892mm
• Overall width (excluding mirrors): 1,904mm
• Overall width (including mirrors): 2,297mm
• Overall height: 1,935mm–1,970mm
• Wheelbase: 3,000mm
• Load length: 2,572mm
• Load width (max): 1,700mm
• Load width (between arches): 1,244mm
• Load height: 1,410mm
• Load volume: 5.8m³

These measurements are consistent across most T5 T28 SWB panel vans, though very early T5s and later T5.1 facelift models can vary slightly on width and height depending on trim.

Volkswagen Transporter T28 84PS 1.9 TDI SWB Van Dimensions

The 84PS 1.9 TDI version of the T28 SWB was one of the most popular used spec combinations during the T5 era, offering a good balance of running costs and workhorse practicality. Its physical dimensions match the standard T5 T28 SWB footprint: 4,892mm long, 1,904mm wide, and around 1,970mm tall, with the same 3,000mm wheelbase.

The load area is identical to other T5 T28 SWB variants, with a load length of 2,572mm, width of 1,700mm (1,244mm between the wheel arches) and a load height of 1,410mm. Payload on the 84PS 1.9 TDI is typically around 800–900kg, slightly less than higher-output versions due to the lower drivetrain rating.

Volkswagen Transporter T28 84PS 1.9TDI SWB Van Specification

Beyond the raw dimensions, the T28 84PS 1.9 TDI SWB was commonly specified with a five-speed manual gearbox, front-wheel drive and the naturally frugal 1.9-litre TDI engine producing 84 horsepower and 220Nm of torque. Fuel economy typically sat in the low-to-mid 30s mpg on a mixed cycle, with a top speed of around 92mph.

Standard equipment on used examples usually includes twin rear barn doors, a nearside sliding side door, a full steel bulkhead, electric front windows and central locking. Higher trims added air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels and body-coloured bumpers. Ply lining, roof racks and towbars are commonly fitted aftermarket on working examples.

Volkswagen Transporter T28 TDI Panel Van SWB Dimensions

Across the wider range of T28 TDI panel vans — including the 1.9 TDI (84PS and 102PS) and the later 2.0 TDI (84PS, 102PS, 140PS and 180PS) — the SWB dimensions remain effectively unchanged. Overall length stays at 4,892mm, width at 1,904mm and height at around 1,970mm.

The main differences between engine variants come down to payload, performance and equipment rather than physical size. The 2.0 TDI models, introduced from around 2009 onwards, brought a modest gain in payload capacity in some specifications, along with better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Dimensionally though, any SWB T28 TDI panel van you look at will occupy the same road space and offer the same 5.8m³ of load volume.

How the VW T28 Transporter Compares to LWB Variants

Stepping up from the SWB T28 to the long wheelbase (LWB) Transporter adds significant load capacity but also a longer footprint. The LWB Transporter measures approximately 5,292mm in overall length — 400mm longer than the SWB — with a wheelbase extended to 3,400mm. Overall width and height remain broadly the same, so the extra length is all usable load space.

Inside, the LWB gains around 400mm of additional load length, taking maximum load length to approximately 2,972mm and total load volume to around 6.7m³. If you regularly carry longer materials such as pipe, timber or ladders internally, the LWB is worth considering — but the SWB T28 remains the easier van to park, manoeuvre and store overnight.

Is the Volkswagen T28 Right for Your Business?

The Volkswagen T28 SWB suits businesses that need a compact, well-built van with a strong residual value and a manageable footprint. It is ideal for tradespeople working in urban areas, mobile service engineers, couriers and small delivery operations where accessing tight streets, low car parks and residential driveways is a daily requirement.

If your work involves heavier loads, longer materials or higher mileage, it may be worth stepping up to a T30 or T32 for the extra payload, or to an LWB for the additional load length. But for the majority of light commercial applications, the T28's blend of compact dimensions, 5.8m³ load volume and typical 800–1,000kg payload hits a sweet spot that continues to make it one of the most sought-after used vans in the UK.

FAQs

What are the dimensions of the Volkswagen T28 Transporter?
The Volkswagen T28 SWB Transporter measures approximately 4,892mm in overall length, 1,904mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1,935mm–1,970mm tall, with a 3,000mm wheelbase. Inside, the load area offers a load length of 2,572mm, a maximum load width of 1,700mm (1,244mm between the wheel arches), a load height of 1,410mm and a total load volume of 5.8 cubic metres. The LWB version adds around 400mm to overall length and increases load volume to approximately 6.7m³.

Does the Volkswagen T28 fit in a standard car park?
Yes, in most cases. The standard-roof T28 SWB stands at around 1,970mm tall, keeping it just under the 2-metre height barrier commonly used on multi-storey and supermarket car parks. It is worth checking individual site limits, as some restrictors are set at 1.9 metres, and any roof rack, aerial or roof-mounted accessories will add to overall height.

What is the payload of a Volkswagen T28?
Payload on the Volkswagen T28 typically ranges from around 800kg up to just over 1,000kg, depending on engine, trim, wheelbase and factory options. Earlier 1.9 TDI models tend to sit at the lower end of that range, while later 2.0 TDI variants can offer slightly higher payloads. The T28 designation itself refers to a 2.8-tonne gross vehicle weight, so payload is calculated as GVW minus the van's kerb weight.

What is the difference between a T28, T30 and T32 Transporter?
T28, T30 and T32 refer to the gross vehicle weight rating of the Transporter rather than the model generation. A T28 has a 2.8-tonne GVW, a T30 a 3.0-tonne GVW and a T32 a 3.2-tonne GVW. Physical dimensions are broadly the same within a given wheelbase, but the heavier ratings offer greater payload capacity, uprated suspension and, in some cases, larger brakes — making them better suited to consistently heavy loads.

Can a Euro pallet fit in a Volkswagen T28 SWB?
Yes. With a width between the wheel arches of 1,244mm, the T28 SWB can accept a standard Euro pallet (1,200mm x 800mm) loaded through the rear doors. The LWB variant can carry two Euro pallets end-to-end thanks to its extended load length. Access is via twin rear barn doors and a nearside sliding side door on most panel van specifications.