It’s easy to think that the only way is diesel when choosing how your new van is fueled.

However, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will attempt to disrupt the status quo with the introduction of its petrol-powered Transporter range.

VW’s advanced 1984cc TSI engine is now available in all Transporter derivatives, from the panel van to the California campervan.

Customers can choose from a 147bhp version with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission or a 201bhp version linked to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox as standard with front or all-wheel drive.

The brand says their petrol Transporter delivers significant up-front savings and potentially a more cost-effective solution for buyers operating in some locations or with particular driving profiles.

Historically, petrol has been snubbed in favour of diesel due to the oilburners’ meatier pulling power and superior fuel economy.

However, these petrols boast plenty of pulling power with the 147bhp engine offering 280Nm from 1,500 to 3,750rpm, while the 201bhp unit puts out 350Nm from 1,500 to 4,000rpm.

They’re competitive when comes to running costs too, returning 31mpg and 46.3mpg respectively, with prices starting from £22,625 on the road excluding VAT.

If the Transporter is overkill for your business, VW also offers three turbocharged petrol versions of its Caddy van, starting from £14,655.

A spokesperson for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles believes these petrol alternatives come at just the right time.

“The van market is currently dominated by diesel, and we know that customers are scanning the market for guidance on what will be right for their fleets not just today or tomorrow, but in three or five years’ time,” they commented.

“Expanding our petrol range and offering a new alternative in the multi-award-winning Transporter range offers customers choice, while our van centres are also available to offer advice on the right choice for every fleet and operator.”

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “The technology in petrol engines has come a long way in recent years to the point that they’re now just as capable as their diesel counterparts. We expect to see many more van manufacturers to follow suit in the near future.”