For many people the mention of the word ‘Transporter’ conjures up images of a fighting fit Jason Statham. Slap the word Volkswagen in front of that and you get one of the most popular commercial vehicles on our roads today. Now though Volkswagen has released details on their new sixth generation model and we have those details right here.
The first generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 with the split windshield, informally called the Microbus, Splitscreen, or Splittie among modern fans, was produced from 8 March 1950 through the end of the 1967 model year. From 1950 to 1956, the T1 (not called that at the time) was built in Wolfsburg; from 1956, it was built at the completely new Transporter factory in Hanover.
Here in South Africa it is known and well-loved as the ice cream van (first, second and third generations). The mere sight of one sparks the familiar rhyme: I scream, We scream, We all scream for Ice-Cream!
The new T series is a classic in design. It has therefore been modernised cautiously by Volkswagen, yet has still become even sharper, more precise and enhanced further in quality. The lines, beads and edges run continuously from front to back. The entire body now has the appearance of being all one piece, as if milled from a solid block. Like its predecessors, the new T generation, too, thus remains immediately recognisable.
Forming the top of the range, however, is the Multivan. Families and outdoor sports enthusiasts in particular value its proverbial flexibility. In between comes the Caravelle as the joining link. Created both for commercial and private use, this spacious multi-purpose vehicle has also been upgraded once again and is now for the first time available as a Highline model as well.
Designers and engineers have also covered a broad spectrum inside and developed high-quality interiors for both versions of the vehicle: highly practical in the case of the Transporter versions – very bespoke and refined in the case of the Multivan, satisfying the requirements of its different customer groups. The arrangement of storage trays and compartments also depends on the model. Everything here has its place. Be it a folding ruler, coffee mug, mobile phone or tablet. Form follows function. In best Bauhaus tradition.
In the T series a completely new generation of TDI engines are being launched. These engines have been developed specifically for the tough requirements of a commercial vehicle. Longevity and ruggedness were thus the top priority. These engines are 2.0-liters and will be offered with different power outputs: 62kW, 75kW, 110kW and 150kW. The petrol option is likewise a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.0-litres. It delivers either 110kW or 150kW. Across the whole model series, the new engines save a litre of fuel compared to the previous generation. All Euro-5 and Euro-6 engines have a stop/start system as standard. Thus, overall fuel consumption could be reduced by 15% on average.
We are not yet sure when the new T6 will arrive in South Africa but we will keep you posted.
