Volkswagen Transporter T6 review
Introduction
Over the course of its 60-plus year history, the Volkswagen Transporter has locked up more sales than any other van and demand is as strong as ever moving into it’s sixth generation. The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is available in two wheelbases, two roof heights and gross weights vary between 2.6 and 3.2 tonnes.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 specification
There are five trim levels on the Volkswagen Transporter catering to different audiences; the Startline is aimed at the larger fleets; the Trendline at smaller fleets, the Highline at self-employed drivers and the Edition and Sportline at the lifestyle sector.
The Startline includes all the basics, like electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, two 12v sockets, electric windows, a trip computer and infotainment is provided by ‘Composition Colour’ DAB radio, which includes a 5-inch touchscreen display, CD player, SD USB and auxiliary ports, and Bluetooth connectivity.
On top of the Startline, the Trendline adds a driver’s armrest, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a bulkhead, wheel trims and body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors and handles. Highline models also receive ‘Climatic’ air conditioning, heated windscreen with rain sensors, automatic headlight activation, fog lights with cornering lights and 16-inch alloys (17-inch on T32 or 201bhp engine).
The two lifestyle models are more luxurious still. Both receive the Discover media system with a slightly larger screen, satellite navigation and App Connect, but they’re tailored to different audiences. The lavish Edition features LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, a tailgate, 17-inch black diamond alloys and an ‘Edition’ styling kit, while the Sportline has been lowered, a spoiler has been added and it also comes with sports bumpers, leather quilted seats and 18-inch Sportline alloys.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 engine and driveline
Unusual for this size of van, there is a choice of both petrol and diesel engines with the Volkswagen Transporter. Power ratings start at 83bhp/220Nm on the diesel, then 101bhp/250Nm, 148bhp/340Nm and up to 201bhp/450Nm. On the petrol, there are two power ratings of 148bhp/280Nm and 201bhp/350Nm.
The entry-level diesels (83 and 101bhp) are hooked to a 5-speed manual, the 148bhp diesel and petrol to a 6-speed manual and the 201bhp petrol and diesel to a 7-speed DSG automatic. All variants are front-wheel drive as standard, although there is the option of a four-wheel drive (4Motion) on the higher output diesels.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 weights and loads
There are just three bodystyles available on the Volkswagen Transporter; a short wheelbase, low-roof (L1H1), a long-wheelbase, low roof (L2H1) and a long-wheelbase, high roof (L2H2) which provide load volumes of 5.8, 6.7 and 9.3 cubic metres respectively.
With GVWs extended from 2.6t to 3.2t, the Volkswagen Transporter was one of the widest weight ranges in this segment. They correspond to
Volkswagen Transporter T6 price
Prices vary between £19,870 and £37,980 plus VAT, depending on engine, trim level and body style. Available from Volkswagen’s 72-strong Van Centre network, the Transporter is backed by Volkswagen’s respected 3-year, 100,000 mile warranty and service intervals are set at 2 years or 25,000 miles. Parts are quite expensive, although the Transporter is one of the most reliable vans on the road.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 technical data
Engine: 1,968cc ‘EA189’ diesel or 1,984cc ‘EA888’ petrol
Performance: 83bhp/220Nm, 101bhp/250Nm, 148bhp/340Nm and 201bhp/450Nm (diesel) and 148bhp/280Nm and 201bhp/350Nm.
Fuel economy: 30.7mpg – 47.0mpg
Load lengths: 2,572mm/2975mm
Load height: 1,410mm/1,940mm
Load width: 1,700mm
Between the wheelarches: 1,244mm
GVWs: 2.6t-3.2t
Payload range: 715kg – 1,301kg
Load volume range (m³): 5.8 – 9.3
Warranty: 3-years, 100,000 miles
Starting price: £19,870 plus VAT
