Previous Page  121 / 132 Next Page
Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 121 / 132 Next Page
Page Background

P L UMB I N G CO N N E C T I O N

S P R I N G 2 0 15

1 2 1

V

olkswagen is preparing to introduce the sixth-generation

version of its popular Transporter van in Australia towards

the end of the year, following its release in Europe.

Replacing the decade-old T5 and marking 65 years of

Volkswagen van production, the new T6 brings sharper looks,

a fully redesigned cabin, uprated safety and convenience

equipment, more efficient powertrain options and promises of

improved vehicle dynamics.

A new family of ‘EA288 Nutz’ TDI 2.0L turbo-diesel engines

makes its debut in the T6, offered in four states of tune in

Europe – 62kW, 75kW, 110kW and 150kW – and combining with

a five- or six-speed manual gearbox (depending on the variant)

or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

A 2.0L ‘EA888’ petrol engine with either 110kW or 150kW is

also available.

VW says the engines will save at least 1L of fuel compared

to the previous generation, helped by a standard automatic

engine idle-stop system.

The dynamic performance goes up a notch with the

development of a new adaptive chassis control system with

three selectable driving modes (comfort, normal and sport) for

the electronically adjustable shock absorbers.

Driver safety aids such as a radar-based ‘front assist’

monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, city emergency

braking, automatic high/low beam adjustment, reversing

camera and driver fatigue monitoring can be specified in

Europe, while an automatic post-collision braking system is

fitted standard across the range. Electronic trailer stabilisation

is also offered.

Infotainment technology moves up a notch with new audio

systems, all of which integrate with a Bluetooth hands-free

system and most including a touch screen (either 5.0” or 6.3”)

as standard. Even the most basic audio system in Europe has

an SD card reader, USB port and aux-in socket. Digital radio

and more sophisticated functionality kick in at higher grades,

including advanced voice control and, for the touch screen, a

proximity-sensing function and smart phone-like ‘swipe and

zoom’ hand movement control.

The standard panel van’s cargo capacity is 5.8m

3

, accessible

from the tailgate (or optional rear wing doors) and a side sliding

door, while specifying a medium-high roof (+276mm) increases

this to 6.7m³. A long-wheelbase version (3,400mm, +400mm)

is also offered in Europe, stretching total vehicle length to

5,292mm and delivering a 6.7m³ load capacity with the normal

roof version – or 7.8m³ with the medium-high roof. A LWB high-

roof variant takes this even further, to 9.3m³.

Gross vehicle weight ranges from 2,600-3,200kg, depending

on version and engine spec, permitting a maximum payload of

502-1,224kg. Maximum braked towing capacity is 2,500kg.

Cab chassis derivatives are due in Australia next year.

Volkswagen Australia

www.volkswagen.com.au

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER