The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles T-Series range has been refreshed with a facelift that will now be 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 new T6.1 range will go on sale in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia from January 2021.
In South Africa, the T-Series, especially the legendary Kombi and Caravelle, have been the best-sellers for the past six decades. In South Africa, 10 097 units of the T6 range have been sold since its launch in 2015. The T6.1 will now continue the heritage and sales success story of the T-Series model range in South Africa.
Exterior:
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has further developed, honed and refined the T6.1, especially at the front. Particularly striking is the radiator grille, which is now significantly larger and forms a single stylistic unit with the new bumper.
All elements below the bonnet, like the headlights, are new. On all versions two chrome-plated cross-bars link the new headlights to the radiator grille. 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.
The grille itself is now drawn out into the striking bumper. On the higher specification models a chrome strip also adds a refined touch to the bumper.
With or without chrome elements, the new front design emphasises the width and increases the charisma of the T6.1. 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.
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.
Infotainment and digitalised instruments:
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.
Digital Cockpit:
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.
The T6.1 steers electro-mechanically:
Electro-mechanical power steering is being used for the first time in the T6.1. This has two major benefits. Unlike the hydraulic system it replaces, the new steering system can be controlled as needed and this reduces fuel consumption. At the same time, through its controllability it opens up access to numerous new driver assistance systems.
The electro-mechanical power steering system transmits steering commands to the wheels more directly than the systems in previous models. That makes the T6.1 noticeably more agile and precise.
Safety and Driver Assistance systems:
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. The full spectrum of driver assistance systems makes the T6.1 one of the safest and easiest driving commercial vehicles on the market.
With six models and numerous specifications, the T6.1 range allows for several specifications. The three categories of the T6.1 will continue with the commercial vehicles (Panel Van, Pick Up and Crew, Bus), the passenger carriers designed for private use (Caravelle and Kombi) and the recreational vehicle (California Coast). Along with the various engine combinations, the choice of short and long wheelbases offers new owners flexibility and functionality.
The T6.1 range will be launched with three 2.0-litre turbo diesel (TDI) engines with common rail injection that are both economical and sustainable. The four-cylinder engines deliver between 81kW and 146kW of power.
