Evergreen Volkswagen Transporter updated
The facelifted Volkswagen T-series range will now be known as the T6.1 and consists of the Pick Up (Single and Double cab), Panel Van, Crew Bus, Kombi, Caravelle and California. The T6.1 range is expected to go on sale in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia from January 2021.
What’s new?
Upfront is a new radiator grille, which is now significantly larger and forms a single stylistic unit with the bumper. All elements below the bonnet including the headlights are new and two chrome plated cross-bars link the new headlights to the radiator grille and are continued as LED daytime running lights all the way into the headlights, which depending on the specification can also be LED. Six newly designed wheels, six new exterior colours and seven newly combined two-tone paintwork finishes round off the new exterior updates to the range.
Inside the new instrument panel not only meets the requirements of digitalisation, but also the aim of providing high levels of practicality. The panel has been equipped with an additional shelf in front of the driver and a tray for smartphone which can support wireless charging. The steering wheel has also been redesigned, with additional buttons for the controlling of the digital cockpits different display configurations.
With the T6.1, Volkswagen commercial vehicles is offering a vehicle that is equipped with fully digital instruments, like the digital cockpit. All T6.1 models are equipped with the Discover Pro Media system with navigation as standard and on the Kombi Trendline Plus, it is available as an optional feature.
The 10.25-inch digital cockpit fitted in the Caravelle Highline and California sets new standards with high quality, clear graphics.
The addition of electro-mechanical power steering reduces fuel consumption and also allows the fitment of a number of driver assistance systems. Optional second-generation chassis control means that the driver can now set the desired level of damping using a slider control.
Available driver assistance systems include ESC, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Assist, Tyre Pressure Loss indicator, Lane Assist, cruise control and park assist. Optional safety systems include Trailer Assist and Light Assist.
Pick Up
The Pick Up, which can be ordered as a single or double cab is only available with a long wheelbase which offers a sizeable cargo loading bed of 5.7 square metres for the single cab and 4.2 square metres for the double cab.
Panel van
The Panel Van offers a low load bed, maximum opening width of 1 700mm and maximum load height of 1 410mm. All Panel Vans provide a spacious load compartment of 6.7 m3 and can be fitted with two sliding doors.
Crew Bus
The Crew Bus features a single front passenger seat as well as removable rear seating for a further three passengers. The Crew Bus offers three options of engines in addition to a choice of wheelbases. A robust rubber floor covering as well as four-load lashing rings mean that the Crew Bus can be transformed from a five, six, eight or ten seater into a spacious delivery van.
Kombi
The Kombi is the best seller in the range and will be offered in Trendline and Trendline Plus model lines.
Caravelle
The Caravelle leaves the Hannover factory with a chrome-look trim, decorative strips on the instrument panel and door panels and Nappa leather seats. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, electrically adjustable mirrors, digital cockpit, Discover Pro with 10.25-inch touch screen, Wireless App-Connect and USB, Crosswind Assist, Side Assist, centre table and Trailer Assist with Park Distance Control in the front and rear and a rear view camera.
Engines
The T6.1 range will launch with three 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines featuring common rail injection that deliver between 81kW and 146kW of power.
A van based vehicle like the Transporter is a great alternative to a bakkie based vehicle and the wide range of variations in this new Transporter range mean that there is a model catering for every need, whether that is for work or play. These updates give the models a modern appearance and allow the fitment of the latest technology ensuring that the driving experience in terms of comfort, convenience and safety is unlike that of a passenger car.