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V
olkswagen is preparing to introduce the sixth-generation
version of its popular Transporter van in Australia towards
the end of the year, following its release in Europe.
Replacing the decade-old T5 and marking 65 years of
Volkswagen van production, the new T6 brings sharper looks,
a fully redesigned cabin, uprated safety and convenience
equipment, more efficient powertrain options and promises of
improved vehicle dynamics.
A new family of ‘EA288 Nutz’ TDI 2.0L turbo-diesel engines
makes its debut in the T6, offered in four states of tune in
Europe – 62kW, 75kW, 110kW and 150kW – and combining with
a five- or six-speed manual gearbox (depending on the variant)
or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.
A 2.0L ‘EA888’ petrol engine with either 110kW or 150kW is
also available.
VW says the engines will save at least 1L of fuel compared
to the previous generation, helped by a standard automatic
engine idle-stop system.
The dynamic performance goes up a notch with the
development of a new adaptive chassis control system with
three selectable driving modes (comfort, normal and sport) for
the electronically adjustable shock absorbers.
Driver safety aids such as a radar-based ‘front assist’
monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, city emergency
braking, automatic high/low beam adjustment, reversing
camera and driver fatigue monitoring can be specified in
Europe, while an automatic post-collision braking system is
fitted standard across the range. Electronic trailer stabilisation
is also offered.
Infotainment technology moves up a notch with new audio
systems, all of which integrate with a Bluetooth hands-free
system and most including a touch screen (either 5.0” or 6.3”)
as standard. Even the most basic audio system in Europe has
an SD card reader, USB port and aux-in socket. Digital radio
and more sophisticated functionality kick in at higher grades,
including advanced voice control and, for the touch screen, a
proximity-sensing function and smart phone-like ‘swipe and
zoom’ hand movement control.
The standard panel van’s cargo capacity is 5.8m
3
, accessible
from the tailgate (or optional rear wing doors) and a side sliding
door, while specifying a medium-high roof (+276mm) increases
this to 6.7m³. A long-wheelbase version (3,400mm, +400mm)
is also offered in Europe, stretching total vehicle length to
5,292mm and delivering a 6.7m³ load capacity with the normal
roof version – or 7.8m³ with the medium-high roof. A LWB high-
roof variant takes this even further, to 9.3m³.
Gross vehicle weight ranges from 2,600-3,200kg, depending
on version and engine spec, permitting a maximum payload of
502-1,224kg. Maximum braked towing capacity is 2,500kg.
Cab chassis derivatives are due in Australia next year.
Volkswagen Australia
www.volkswagen.com.auVOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER