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May 1979 Hanover built the first models of the ÔthirdÕ generation Volkswagen Transporter. It was a total redesign of the old Bay window, being wider with larger windows and tailgate, and a new front style. Very little was carried over from the previous model. There was new suspension, which moved away from the torsion bar system. powered by either a 1600cc 50bhp (37kw) or 2000cc 70bhp (51kw) aircooled engine.
February 1981 Saw the introduction of a watercooled 1600cc diesel engine with 50bhp (37kw). This engine originally came from the Golf.
September 1981 Introduction of the Caravelle, offering a more luxurious interior.
October 1981 Saw the first watercooled flat four petrol engines in two versions: DF 1900cc 60bhp (44kw) and DG 1900cc 78bhp (57kw). Rear air intakes became plastic inserts.
1982 Was the end of production of aircooled engined models in Germany.
August 1983 Saw the introduction of a higher spec ÔCaravelleÕ with the option of a 4 lamp square grill.
1985 The year of a full ÔrevampÕ of the model. Changes includedc new exhaust systems, front suspension, sliding door locks, fuel injection systems, to name a few. It is said they made over 1000 changes in this year. It also saw the introduction of the Syncro, a four wheel drive vehicle, which was built with Steyr/Daimler/Puch in Austria. Capable of climbing a 54% gradient and utilizes a centre viscous coupling.
1986 onwards Vehicles did not suffer so badly with rust due to a new rust treatment in the production process.
September 1990 Saw the last T25 leave the Hanover factory, however production carried on in South Africa until the end of 2002. The last Syncro was built in 1992.
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