The New VW Transporter T6.1

VW recently unveiled its latest incarnation of the iconic transporter at the Bauma Trade fair in Munich. Jerba Campervans though you might appreciate a quick guide to what’s changing in your much-loved Transporter.

The T6.1 will not be radically different from the current T6, but there are some front styling and
dashboard changes, plus a range of new electronic options.

Exterior Highlights:

The T6.1 features a re-designed front end, refreshing the vehicle’s appearance. High-intensity twin-halogen headlights and daytime running lights are included, as are new LED rear lights (trim dependent). The T6.1 also has new-look alloy wheels to complete the stylish exterior.

1. Twin-halogen H7 headlights (now standard) replace H4 lights; optional LED headlights have a new design
2. New LED rear lights (On some trim levels)
3. Re-designed front bumper and radiator grille.
4. Optional rear-view camera for rear wing doors
5. New alloy wheel designs and new colours
6. Model designation badges on vehicle sides, near the headlights

Interior Highlights

Building on the T6, the T6.1 is designed with driver comfort in mind. There’s a significant improvement in standard equipment offered and many comfortable extras that boost the car- like driving experience.

1. Comprehensive range of driver assistance systems Including:

• Driver steering recommendation: (standard) Gives the driver steering recommendations to help stabilise the vehicle. The system also intervenes, using gentle adjustments, if it recognises a tendency to oversteer when cornering.

1. Crosswind Assist: (Standard) As part of the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), this applies the brakes if the vehicle encounters a strong crosswind. Standard on all T6. models, this feature is activated automatically when travelling at more than 50mph.

• Adaptive cruise control (Option): Provides relaxed, safe and stress-free driving and improved safety for other road users. It maintains the distance to the vehicle in front by adjusting your speed. If the vehicle in front accelerates, the T6.1 automatically follows at the set distance and the previously selected speed.
  
• With T6.1, this system can bring the vehicle to a complete standstill and then pull away when the vehicle in front has moved on (DSG only).

• Crosswind Assist: (Standard) As part of the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), this applies the brakes if the vehicle encounters a strong crosswind. Standard on all T6.1 models, this feature is activated automatically when travelling at more than 50mph.

• Front assist with city emergency braking: (Option) Warns the driver of impending collisions and, if necessary, applies the brakes. It even responds to cyclists and pedestrians on T6.1. The system reduces the risk of accidents and the resulting cost of damage repairs.

• Park assist: (Option) Automatic steering for drivers wanting to manoeuvre the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, or out of narrow parallel parking spaces. Front and rear parking sensors detect potential parking spaces. The driver selects a suitable space using the park assist button, then only has to accelerate, brake and change gear as required while the vehicle steers itself.
  
• If an obstacle is detected in the ideal path of the vehicle, or the maximum permissible speed is exceeded (7km/h), the system can apply the brakes automatically to try to avoid a collision.

• Lane assist: (Option) Using the camera in the rear-view mirror, the system detects road markings and uses gentle steering adjustments to keep the vehicle in its correct lane.

• Side protection: (Option) Included with park assist, side protection monitors the vehicle’s sides and alerts you using visual and audible warnings if you’re getting too close to objects such as other vehicles, pillars, walls or pedestrians. Side protection uses 12 ultra-sound sensors (six at the front and six at the rear) to detect objects and create a 360-degree field of vision around the vehicle.

• Trailer assist: (Option) Lets the driver manoeuvre the vehicle and its trailer easily during parallel and reverse parking, using the wing mirror switch and rear-view camera.

• Traffic sign recognition: (Option) Detects road signs and informs the driver about the current traffic situation (eg speed limits, no overtaking, danger signs). Only available with Discover Media and Discover Pro. A camera records traffic signs, which are then displayed on the instrument panel. The most relevant and current sign is displayed to the left-hand side of the display; up to two more signs can be shown to the right. Speed limit warnings can also be set for both normal driving and when towing a trailer. 

• Rear traffic alert: (Option) (Only available with tailgate) Emits an audible warning, when reversing out of a parking space, if another vehicle is getting too close. If the driver fails to respond, the system applies the brakes automatically to help avoid a collision. Rear traffic alert uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the area behind the vehicle; the radar sensors used are the same as for lane assist.

• Rear traffic alert: (Option) (Only available with tailgate) Emits an audible warning, when reversing out of a parking space, if another vehicle is getting too close. If the driver fails to respond, the system applies the brakes automatically to help avoid a collision. Rear traffic alert uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the area behind the vehicle; the radar sensors used are the same as for lane assist.

2. Electronically controlled door locks; there’s a button and LED in each door instead of a locking pin.

3. Storage options – upper glovebox, folding ruler tray, lockable lower glovebox

4. Sliding window – squeeze the handle vertically to open and close the window

All trim specifications will be confirmed.

Engine and Gearbox combinations

The BHP range for the T6.1 has been reworked.

The front-wheel drive T6.1 will be launched with the same highly efficient 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. All engine options comply with the Euro-6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC emissions standard. Power outputs from 90 to 199PS will be available (availability by variant may differ). The T6.1 will be available with a range of engine and gearbox combinations, including direct shift gearbox (DSG) and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Infotainment System Option

T6.1 models will come with three different infotainment systems: Composition Colour, Discover Media with satellite navigation and Discover Pro with satellite navigation. There’s also an all- new eSIM. App-Connect comes as standard on T6.1 models, with wireless App-Connect available as an option for the first time in the Transporter range.

The new systems include re-designed graphics and a fresh button layout. Just like a smartphone, drivers can personalise the Discover Pro home screen to show individually-configured apps.

The standout feature is an integrated SIM card (eSIM), which comes as standard with all the new infotainment systems.

The eSIM opens up a new range of online-based functions and services to T6.1 customers. For example, following an accident, eCall automatically sends the vehicle location to an emergency response centre and establishes a voice connection. If the driver doesn’t respond, eCall automatically informs the emergency services. Internet connectivity also lets the T6.1 access the new We Connect world of mobile online service (MOS).

Finally, wireless phone charging is possible using the Comfort mobile phone interface. The availability of some of these options and of course pricing and delivery information has yet to be released by Volkswagen, but we will keep you informed.

However, The T6.1 looks great and we can’t wait to start converting them.