Since the launch of the T6 in South Africa in 2015, VW has sold more than 10 000 units. Now VW has released a refreshed version called the T6.1.
The facelifted Transporter range consists of the Pick Up (Single and Double cab), Panel Van, Crew Bus, Kombi, Caravelle and California. The T6.1 range will go on sale in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia from January 2021.
Exterior
Major updates on the T6.1 come from a new grille, headlights, and front bumper. The grille is now significantly larger and forms a single stylistic unit with the new bumper. The headlights on the updated T6.1 are new. The lines of the two cross-bars are continued as LED daytime running lights, extending all the way into the housing units of the headlights, which depending on the specification can also be LED On the higher specification models a chrome strip also adds a refined touch to the bumper It also receives 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.
Interior
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. Also new is a larger tray for a smart phone with, an inductive interface for charging which is an optional feature. The air vents in the dashboard can now be adjusted in every direction and simultaneously opened or closed using one slider control. Previously a second slider was needed for opening and closing. The steering wheel has also been redesigned – on the new multifunction steering wheel there is now a ‘View’ button, which enables the driver to switch between the digital cockpit’s different display configurations with just one click.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has reconfigured the entire range of infotainment systems in order to provide an unprecedented array of web-based functions and services. 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 a Composition Colour radio system as standard, whereas the Caravelle and California 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 in the T6.1 sets new standards. It is fitted as standard in the Caravelle Highline and California. The graphics of the high-contrast display have a clear, high-quality look. The driver can choose between different screen configurations which is done via the ‘View’ button on the multifunction steering wheel.
Safety
The following driver assistance systems are available in the T6.1: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Automatic Post-Collision Braking (also standard), Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Assist (for 4MOTION all-wheel drive), the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, lane change assistant Lane Assist, the standard cruise control system inclusive of speed limiter and parking assistant Park Assist. Optional safety systems include Trailer Assist and the advanced main-beam control system Light Assist.
Engines
The T6.1 will be available with three engine options. A 2.0-litre TDI producing 81kW that’s mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. A 2.0-litre TDI delivering 110kW mated to a 7-speed gearbox. The top of the range model is fitted with 2.0-litre BiTDI producing 146 kW and paired to a 7-speed DSG® transmission.
Pricing
T6.1 Pick Up
Single Cab 2.0 TDI 81kW LWB R412 800
Single Cab 2.0 TDI 110kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB R466 100
Double Cab 2.0 TDI 81kW LWB R485 300
Double Cab 2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB R590 800
T6.1 Panel Van
2.0 TDI 81kW LWB R530 600
2.0 TDI 110kW DSG® LWB R568 700
T6.1 Crew Bus
2.0 TDI 81kW LWB (10-seater) R612 000
2.0 TDI 110kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB (5-seater) R639 000
2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® (5-seater) R710 500
2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB (8-seater) R752 700
T6.1 Kombi
2.0 TDI 81kW Trendline R697 700
2.0 TDI 110kW DSG® Trendline R726 000
2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® Trendline Plus R871 800
T6.1 Caravelle
Highline 2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® R1 149 400
T6.1 California
California Coast 2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® R1 196 500
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Pick Up, Panel Van and Crew Bus range comes standard with a 3-year/60 000 km Easy Drive Service Plan, 2-year/unlimited km manufacturer warranty. The Kombi, Caravelle and California range comes standard with a 5-year/ 60 000km maintenance plan and a 3-year/ 120 000km manufacturer warranty. The entire T6.1 range comes standard with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.
Images: VW SA
