After six decades of the Transporter series (no, not the movies), Volkswagen has given their sixth-generation models a T6.1 facelift. With the new name and new features, Volkswagen aims to keep the T6.1 Transporter a best-seller. This update will include the whole Transporter range, that is the Single and Double cab Pick Up, Panel Van, Crew Bus, Kombi, Caravelle and California.
The best part, Volkswagen plan the new T6.1 Transporters to go on sale in South Africa in January 2021.
How will the new Volkswagen T6.1 Travellers look?
The most obvious change to the exterior design is the new grille. Following the current trends, it is larger but it also gets two chrome cross-bars that link the new headlights. That line they create gets followed through with fancy new daytime running LEDs. The grille has been made to more seamlessly fit with the front bumper which will also have a chrome strip.
Volkswagen has been busy creating more new things too. Buyers will be faces with six new wheels, six new exterior colours and seven new two-tone paint finishes. That’s one too many two-tone paints if you ask us, a missed marketing opportunity for the sixth-generation. Along with the wheels comes a new range of tyres that will optimize the low rolling distance.
The interior of the T6.1 is going digital.
As with many of the new Volkswagens, a push toward making everything digital stays with the new T6.1. The instrument panel has been updated with a 10.25-inch digital cockpit while the rest of the control panel is completely digital too. With works well with the new multifunction steering wheel that can switch between the digital cockpit’s different display options quickly. Volkswagen is also offering optional wireless charging stations to the cabin.
Volkswagen is giving new engine options and safety features to the T6.1.
There are three engine options that will be available across the range. Note that not every engine option is available on every Transporter.
The first is a 2.0-litre TDI engine capable of 81 kW and 250 Nm that will be controlled through a five-speed manual gearbox. The next option uses the same engine with peak outputs of 110 kW and 340 Nm mated to a seven-speed gearbox. Lastly is the bit twin-turbo 2.0-litre BiTDI engine with 146 kW and 450 Nm of torque. It comes with a seven-speed DSG® transmission.
As standard, each T6.1 model will come with an improved Electro-mechanical power steering feature. This will the fuel consumption and make space for more driver assistance systems. Volkswagen has also given the chassis a look over, optimizing it for more comfort and handling. Drivers will also be able to control the dampening through a slider control, likely connected to the infotainment screen.
Numerous safety and driver assistance features will come as standard or optional on some models. These include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Crosswind Assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, Lane Assist, cruise control system with speed limiter, Park Assist and reversing cameras. Cars that come with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive will get Hill Descent Assist as well.
The Caravelle and California will also come with a Rear Traffic Alert as standard. Optional on all cars is Trailer Assist and Light Assist.
South African prices.
The T6.1 range comes standard with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty with a service interval of 15,000 km.
Single Cab Pick Up
TDI 81kW LWB – R412,800
TDI 110kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB – R466 100
Double Cab Pick Up
TDI 81kW LWB – R485,300
BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB – R590,800
Panel Van
TDI 81kW LWB – R530,600
TDI 110kW DSG® LWB – R568 700
Crew Bus
TDI 81kW LWB (10-seater) – R612,000
TDI 110kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB (5-seater) – R639,000
BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® (5-seater) – R710,500
BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB (8-seater) – R752 700
Kombi
TDI 81kW Trendline – R697,700
TDI 110kW DSG® Trendline – R726,000
BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® Trendline Plus – R871 800
Caravelle
Highline BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® – R1,149,400
California
California Coast BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® – R1,196,500