The Transporter is perhaps the most famous German minivan. The model has been mass-produced since 1950. At the moment, the manufacturer produces the sixth generation of the Volkswagen T6. The car was first introduced in 2015 at the auto show in Amsterdam.
Design
The appearance of the car remained recognizable, however, it underwent dramatic changes. So, the Germans used new crystal optics, embossed bumpers and a wide radiator grille with the Volkswagen logo. "Transporter T6" has a similar shape with the fourth generation, especially in profile. But due to the expressive head optics and precise proportions of the body, the car looks very impressive and modern. Fog lights are located at the bottom of the bumper. Also in front there are holes for sensors on the parking sensors. However, this system is not available in all trim levels.
As for the bodies, the new Volkswagen T6 is available in several versions:
- All-metal wagon.
- Passenger minivan with glazing ("Multiven").
Externally, these two models are identical. The Volkswagen-Multiven T6 is distinguished only by the performance of the cargo compartment. Here, instead of a flat floor, there are comfortable seats. But the review of the interior will be later. In the meantime, let's talk about the dimensions. Vehicle length may vary. So, the "shorty" it is 4.9 meters. The elongated Volkswagen T6, the photo of which is presented in the article, has a 5.3-meter body. The width of the car is 1.9 meters excluding mirrors. The height, depending on the modification, is from 1.99 to 2.47 meters. Despite the large dimensions, the car does not cause problems in a large city. Responses of owners say that the car can be parked in any accessible place, as well as a passenger car.
Salon
The new Volkswagen-Multiven T6 received a stylish front panel design. Now she has become more passenger. On passenger modifications there is even a salon rear-view mirror. Just like on the Vito, the gearshift lever here is not on the floor, but near the center console.
Steering wheel - three-spoke, with remote control buttons. And if earlier the “Transporter” was considered as a simple workhorse, now it is more than a minibus. Owners respond positively to the color scheme of the cabin. She was chosen very well here. However, there are also disadvantages. For example, plastic rattles on bumps. It is quite thin, which makes it vibrate. The Germans saved a little on this. The rest of the interior is very comfortable and ergonomic. Front can accommodate two passengers and a driver. There is a wide range of adjustments. There are small pockets, glove compartments and niches for small things everywhere in the cabin. Volkswagen T6 is a practical car, as noted by the owners. Even in the passenger version, it easily turns into a van.
The seats are on a slide with a quick release. In a couple of minutes we get a flat floor. The short version is able to accommodate 9 people, including the driver. As for vans, the volume of usable space can be up to 9.3 cubic meters. Volkswagen T6 is equipped with a swing door that opens upward 90 degrees. Owners note a comfortable fit. For rear passengers, a separate door is provided, which opens on a slide.
Specifications
In the Russian market will be offered several engine options. Among them are both diesel and gasoline units. First, consider the solid fuel line. So, the basic for the sixth "Transporter" is a two-liter TDI engine with turbocharger and direct fuel injection. Its maximum power is 102 horsepower. Motorists say this is not enough. However, it is worth recalling the base engine for the T4, which barely produced 60 horsepower. But even with this volume, the 102-horsepower TDI has good torque. At 2 thousand revolutions, it is 250 Nm.
In the average trim levels, the Volkswagen T6 is equipped with a 2-liter engine with 140 horsepower. A 180-horsepower motor is also available on the European market. What is noteworthy, the engine size remained the same - 2 liters. This is the most powerful unit in the diesel line with incredible torque (400 Nm). Moreover, the full power is realized practically from “idle”.
As for gasoline engines, there are two of them. The first develops a capacity of 150 horsepower, the second - already 204. The torque of the power plants is 280 and 350 Nm. Unlike diesel engines, it is available with 3.5 thousand revolutions.
Gearbox
The above units can be equipped with three types of gearboxes. Among them:
- Five-speed mechanics.
- Six-speed mechanics.
- Seven-band "robot".
The latter is the well - known DSG box. Her Volkswagen has been practicing on its cars for more than ten years. Initially, this transmission was characterized by low reliability and low maintainability, because of which a revocable campaign was carried out. But since 2010, the situation has changed. The design of the DSG box has been finalized. According to the manufacturers, it is as reliable as the mechanics. How true this is, time will tell. We only note that the robotic DSG has two dry clutches.
Chassis
Regardless of the modification (whether it is a cargo van or a passenger multi-van), the car is equipped with an independent suspension front and rear. As an option, the manufacturer offers the installation of an adaptive DCC chassis with the ability to adjust the stiffness of shock absorbers in three modes. The steering system is built on a rack and pinion mechanism.
In the basic configuration there is already a power steering. Brakes - disc on both axles. Front they are ventilated. The car has all the necessary security systems - ABS, ESP, EBD and others.
Options and prices
The initial cost of the passenger "Transporter" is 1 million 820 thousand rubles. The van is offered at a price of 1 million 375 thousand rubles. The basic equipment includes 16-inch stamped wheels, 2 frontal airbags, electronic assistants (course stabilization and ABS) and two electric windows.
The multiven version costs from 2 million 365 thousand rubles. Equipped with an audio system, air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension and many other options.