Volkswagen Transporter (T6)

Overview

production	2015–2024
manufacturer	Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
aka	Volkswagen Caravelle Volkswagen Multivan Volkswagen California Volkswagen T6.1 (facelift)
assembly	Germany: Hannover (Hannover Plant) Poland: Poznań (Volkswagen Poznań Sp. z o.o.) Russia: Kaluga (Volkswagen Group Rus)‡R1R‡
class	Light commercial vehicle (M)
body style	Van (cargo/passenger) Pick-up Minibus Crew cab chassis cab Campervan
platform	Volkswagen Group T6 platform
layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4motion)
engine	Petrol: 2.0 L I4 Diesel: 2.0 L TDI turbo I4 2.0 L BiTDi twin-turbo I4
transmission	4-speed automatic (DSG) (electric) 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 7-speed automatic (DSG)
wheelbase	3000 / (SWB/LWB)‡R2R‡
length	4904 / (SWB/LWB)‡R2R‡
width	2297 mm, 1904 mm (excl. mirrors)‡R2R‡
height	1990 / (low/med/high roof)
weight	NNNN - NNNN kg
predecessor	Volkswagen Transporter (T5)
successor	Volkswagen Multivan (T7) Volkswagen Transporter (2024)
battery	37.3 kWh (ABT e-Transporter 6.1)

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Transporter vans. It is the successor to the T5 Transporter.[3] The Transporter line was a mid-size van offered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, between the larger Crafter and smaller Caddy.

Overview

Still based on the T5's 7H / 7J platform, the T6 came with a wide range of revisions and updates, including a completely new dashboard layout (in two versions, standard and 'comfort'). The front end ahead of the windscreen was all new along with cosmetic revisions to the tailgate / rear doors and rear lights.

New options for the T6 included LED headlights, LED rear lights and a range of driver assistance and multimedia options.

Transporter T6.1

Volkswagen unveiled the updated T6.1 version of the T6 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019.

Models

The Transporter T6 is offered in a variety of body styles, including as a panel van, motorhome ("California"), passenger ("Caravelle"/"Multivan" and "Shuttle"/"Window van"), combination cargo and passenger ("Kombi"), and chassis cab for a custom body or cargo bed. In addition, the T6 is available with either short- or long-wheelbase and either low, medium, or high roof; the high roof is only available in combination with the long-wheelbase.

Cargo: Panel van and Kombi

Models are designated by maximum load, including the T26, with a maximum load of 2600 kg; T28, 2800 kg; T30, 3000 kg; and T32, 3200 kg.[15] There were three trim levels available: Startline (base), Trendline (mid), and Highline (luxurious).[15] The Kombi model (in some markets, "Crewvan") added a second row of three seats along with windows for the second row.[15]

Passenger: Caravelle, Multivan, and Shuttle

The Caravelle T6 is equipped with seven seats in three rows, windows all around, and leather seating surfaces; it is designed for luxurious passenger transport. It is available with either the short- or long-wheelbase and the standard-height roof.[16] The second row includes two individual, swiveling seats and the third-row accommodates three, forward-facing. At its introduction, the Caravelle was available with a single color option, a two-tone red-and-white finish.[17]

In Australia, the three-row Caravelle was branded as the Multivan, available with short- or long-wheelbase and seven seats. The Australian Caravelle was available in the long-wheelbase form only, and the interior was fitted with nine seats in four rows.[18]

Like the Caravelle, the Shuttle T6 is equipped with windows at all three rows for passenger transport, but is intended for commercial for-hire services, and correspondingly is fitted with up to nine seats and hard-wearing surfaces. The standard seating accommodates eight in three rows, but the vehicle was available with just two seats in the front (as the "Transporter window van") if desired.[2]

Chassis cab

The chassis cab model is available with either a single (one row of seats) or double (two rows) cab, in the long-wheelbase form only. Overall length is the same for both models; the loading platform is shortened on the double cab model accordingly.[19]

Campervans

As with previous generations of the Transporter, the T6 is a popular platform to be converted into a campervan.[20] T6 conversions commonly include a pop top roof to create extra headroom. The conversion can also include a bed platform, hob, sink and grill installation, along with additional storage.

Volkswagen also offers a factory made campervan called the California.[21]

Volkswagen Transporter (T6)

Overview

Transporter T6.1

ABT e-Transporter

End of production and successors

Powertrain

Safety

Models

Cargo: Panel van and Kombi

Passenger: Caravelle, Multivan, and Shuttle

Chassis cab

Campervans

References