Publications
Partners
• Volkswagen's new T6.1 has been shown to the South African public.
• The T6.1 will go on sale locally in January 2021.
• More than 10 000 T6 units have been sold since 2015.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
Volkswagen refreshed its T6 range, which will now be called the T6.1. Referencing the automaker's Transporter range, now in its sixth generation, the family of vehicles under this umbrella consists of the Pick Up (Single and Double cab), Panel Van, Crew Bus, Kombi, Caravelle, and California.
Volkswagen says that it's T-Series has sold more than 12 million units worldwide since coming to market all those decades ago. In South Africa, since the T6 arrived in 2015, more than 10 000 units have been sold in the following years.
Updates brought about
Volkswagen fitted the T6.1 with a revised radiator grille, which now integrates with the new bumper. Two chrome-plated crossbars now link the (new) headlights to the radiator grille. The T6.1 offers six new wheel designs, six new exterior colours, and seven two-tone paintwork finishes.
Inside, the instrument panel has not only been digitalised but also sees increased levels of practicality. The front panel has been equipped with an additional shelf in front of the driver. Also new is a larger tray for a smartphone 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.
VW claims that 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.
Do you think VW's T6.1 will continue with the success its predecessor enjoyed? Email us with your thoughts.
2021 Volkswagen T6.1 (QuickPic)
Engines and consumption
Volkswagen will launch the T6.1 range with three 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 81kW to 146kW.
The 81kW version of this engine has a maximum torque of 250Nm, available at a very low 1250rpm. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and a fuel return of as low as 7.3-litres/100km.
The engine with 110kW drives through the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to a torque figure of 340Nm, the T6.1 can run up to a top speed of 172km/h. The torque is available in a broad band of 1500 - 3000rpm and has an economy rated between 8.0 - 8.3-litres/100km.
The top version of this engine delivers 146kW and 450Nm thanks to bi-turbo technology. The torque window, though, is smaller than the middle model's: 1400 - 2400rpm. This version of the T6.1 has a top speed of 191km/h.
Select models are fitted with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
2021 Volkswagen T6.1 (QuickPic)
Models and pricing
Volkswagen's new T6.1 will go on sale locally from January 2021. Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included):
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 three-year/60 000km Easy Drive Service Plan, two-year/unlimited km manufacturer warranty.
The Kombi, Caravelle and California range comes standard with a five-year/60 000km maintenance plan and a three-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.
2021 Volkswagen T6.1 (QuickPic)
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond
