As a commercial vehicle, the Volkswagen Transporter has a surprising amount of electronic and safety features included in all models that work together to enhance traction of the vehicle at all times and prevent loss of control through skidding.

These include the following:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which is anti-skidding technology that helps to bring the vehicle back under control if it senses a skid;
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the brakes from locking up under extreme braking and therefore helps to maintain control of the vehicle;
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System (MCB) that automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision in order to prevent or minimise the severity of subsequent collisions;
• Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), which prevents a wheel from spinning in the instance where it has limited traction;
• Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which balances the power between two wheels when one wheel starts to spin. EDL directs the driving power to the wheel with the greater traction;
• Traction Control System (TCS) that works together with the other safety systems to ensure good traction and directional stability in the acceleration phase; and
• Hill-hold control that stops the vehicle from rolling back on an incline when the brake is released. This is particularly valuable when driving with push-pull hand controls.

All models are fitted standard with electric windows on the driver and passenger doors, which is perfect for people with limited hand function. All the Transporter Crew Bus models have side sliding doors but the rear panels behind the sliding doors are closed, and having windows fitted at the rear is an optional feature which may be required when people are going to be transported at the rear of the vehicle.

Park Distance Control is an optional extra that can be useful for drivers who are unfamiliar with driving a vehicle of this size, particularly the long wheelbase. Cruise control is a necessary optional feature to include for anyone who is driving with hand controls. This enables them to keep the vehicle at a chosen speed electronically without having to apply the accelerator, thereby allowing them to take their hand off the hand control and use two hands on the steering wheel.  The moment the brake is applied the cruise control is deactivated.

The comfort seat for the driver is another optional extra that assists drivers with spinal cord injuries.  The height adjustment of the seat enables them to get optimal positioning in relation to the steering wheel. The armrests provide support for the driver’s elbows which helps to minimise fatigue while driving with hand controls. The armrests and lumbar support also assist with stabilising the driver; this giving them improved control on corners.

The cab comes standard with a Climatic air conditioning system for the front passengers while a second evaporator and heating system in the passenger area is an optional addition. This is strongly recommended when transporting passengers with spinal cord injuries as many have difficulty with body temperature regulation. The additional cooling or heating option for such passengers in the rear makes a very big difference to their comfort while being transported. However, this does affect the internal height at the rear of the vehicle so, if the passenger is being transported in a wheelchair, their height whilst in their wheelchair should be checked before this is ordered.