The Volkswagen T6.1 is being renewed while keeping its commitment to diesel

When we talk about the quintessential van, I think most of us immediately picture the Volkswagen T6, a model that has earned its well-deserved reputation throughout its history. It is no coincidence that the first generation, the T1, was unveiled in 1949 and is still highly appreciated and sought after in any of its generations. Naturally, times change, and the current Volkswagen T6.1 comes in variants aimed at practically any use, which receive an update in several areas to keep them up to date.

The Volkswagen T6.1 continues to be offered in the Transporter models, with up to four different versions, Caravelle in two versions, Multivan also with four versions, the Panamericana being its best exponent, and California, the latter being the most focused on leisure and enjoying nature. All of them share common traits, and for this update the T6.1 focuses on improving its front appearance, with a much larger grille that blends perfectly with the newly designed bumper, plus two chrome bars on all versions that connect the new LED headlight housings. These changes are completed by six wheels with new designs, six new body colours and seven two-tone paint finishes.

In the new Volkswagen T6.1, the interior also gets changes that expand its standard equipment, although it should be noted that some of them will only be present depending on the version and the chosen trim level. Overall, these changes focus on incorporating the new Confort dashboard, the Composition audio system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, “eCall” emergency call, side wind assist, halogen headlamps with H7 bulbs, LED interior lights, additional USB connections, Bluetooth, and the renewed Digital Cockpit with a 10.25-inch screen, which comes as standard on the Multivan Panamericana.

In terms of safety and driver assistance, the new Volkswagen T6.1 will for the first time come as standard with electromechanical power steering, which not only reduces consumption compared with previous hydraulic systems and gives the steering a better feel, but also allows driver assistance systems to be incorporated, such as Lane Assist for lane departure warning, Park Assist for assisted parking, and Trailer Assist, an assistant for manoeuvring with a trailer. In addition, a tyre pressure sensor and side wind assist are now also included as standard.

For the mechanical side of the Volkswagen T6.1, the German brand continues to bet everything on diesel, with a range of engines consisting of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit in different power outputs, all of which already met the Euro 6d TEMP-EVAP standard and which, depending on the choice, can be paired with DSG automatic gearboxes and the 4Motion all-wheel-drive version. The engine range is made up as follows:

• 2.0 TDI with 110 CV and 250 Nm of torque, paired as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox.
• 2.0 TDI with 150 CV and 340 Nm of torque, standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the seven-speed DSG is optionally available. Regardless of the gearbox chosen, 4Motion all-wheel drive can be included.
• 2.0 TDI with 198 CV and 450 Nm of torque, which includes the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox as standard, and 4Motion all-wheel drive can be added on top.

This new update for the Volkswagen T6.1 is already available at Spanish dealerships, with a starting price for each model, excluding taxes and promotions, set as follows: