I've always been a fan of vans. I love the ride height that they offer, then couple that with its practicality and you've got a good machine. Of course, unless you have an MPV version, vans only lack in the people carrying department. Thankfully, all of the good ones have either crew cab options, or even family options. The Volkswagen Transporter is one such van, it even has the California - or the camper option, as it would be more commonly referred to.
The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is a very versatile machine which is available with long and short wheelbases. This van offers enough room for three euro pallets in the back. Our test model, which was the Highline trim, had a sliding door on the passenger side for loading and unloading, as well as an up and down door to the very back. The space is vast and the vehicle will carry 1.4 tonnes. This also has a towing capacity of over 2 tonnes, which means that it can be even more versatile.
We tested the 4motion version with a 2.0 litre TDI engine. This offers 150 hp and it certainly doesn't lack power. The all-wheel drive version won't be the biggest seller, but I can definitely see the point of it, especially for winter deliveries or for building site works.
The interior of the T6 is just like any Volkswagen cars. The steering wheel is the same, the infotainment is the same, the binnacles are the same, and the feel is the same. There is a good amount of storage in both front doors and on the dash the is more. The only problem is that none of the storage to the front in our test model had covers - which means that you'd want to be extra vigilant when it comes to security.
In terms of price, our test model came in at over €40,000. We had a spec, 4motion version, so you can knock €15-€20k off that price for the entry level two-wheel drive model.
The Transporter faces very stiff competition the extremely popular king of the segment, the Ford Transit. VW also has to watch out for the string of new vans from Toyota, Peugeot and Citroen.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 as tested
Price: €43,987
Weights in kg:
- Gross Vehicle Weight 3,000
- Gross Carrying Weight 926
Wheelbase Length 3,400mm
- Standard Spec
- Power windows
- Exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated
- Air conditioning (manually controlled)
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Comfort bluetooth connectivity (phone & audio streaming)
- Discover media navagation system
- "Simora" cloth upholstery
- Multifunctional display "Plus" with driver alert system
- Auxiliary input with USB (iPod & iPhone control)
- Solid bulkhead
- Driver armrests
- Front fog lamps
- Light and vision pack (auto. headlamps/wipers)
- 16" Clayton alloy wheels
- Cruise control
- Front and rear park distance control
- Heated windscreen
- Painted bumpers and mirrors
- Comfort pack in cab
- Leather multifunctional steering wheel
- "Guide & Inform"
- Lockable wheel bolts
Optional Extras:
- 18" Springfield alloy wheels
- Mud flaps
- LED headlamps front and LED tailights
- Volkswagen Media Control & App Connect
- Headlamp washer system
- Rear view camera
- Solid rear tailgate
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