On four-wheel-drive versions the rear axle is the lowest hard point under a Transporter. The differential housing hangs below the wheel centreline, so on a high crest or a rock it is the first thing to make contact — and oil pouring out of a cracked housing ends the day right there.

6.0 mm aluminium. The plate is pressed from 6.0 mm aluminium sheet in a silver finish — the same material grade Rival uses for engine plates, in a place where contact with an obstacle is not so much possible as predictable.

Installation. Factory mounting points, with a complete fitting kit supplied.

Fitment. The manufacturer lists the VW Multivan in 4WD form with the 2.0 TDI engine, model years 2003-2010, 2010-2015, 2015-2019 and from 2020. This part applies to four-wheel-drive vans only — a front-wheel-drive T has nothing to protect in this position.

• Rear differential skid plate in 6.0 mm aluminium, silver finish
• Fitting kit included, factory mounting points
• 4WD (4Motion) only, 2.0 TDI, 2003-2010, 2010-2015, 2015-2019 and 2020 onwards

If your Multivan or Transporter has 4Motion and you actually use it, this plate protects a component whose repair bill dwarfs its price.