2024 Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Trendline SWB Review

It’s time to have one last look at one of New Zealand’s most popular European vans, the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1, before it exits the market.

The Transporter nameplate celebrates its 75^th birthday this year. The first-generation van, which shared its rear-mounted air-cooled engine and platform with the VW Beetle, first rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg in 1950.  

Two further generations of air-cooled Transporters followed from the Volkswagen Commercials plant in Hannover, until the arrival of the T4 in 1990. This saw the Transporter become a more contemporary two-box design with a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, as well as optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. 

The subsequent T5, T6, and the facelift T6.1 series have continued the Transporter family of delivery vans, people movers, luxury shuttles and campers based on the one platform. This has been around since 2003, albeit with numerous changes to the body design, as well as updated engines and suspension components.

The forthcoming T7 Transporter family has been co-developed with Ford in a similar vein to the Amarok. The van marks a significant transition for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, as it will be built in a Ford plant in Turkey, rather than Hannover. 

We’ve driven many iterations of the sixth-generation Transporter (T6) since it arrived in 2015, including the California Camper, the luxurious seven-seat Multivan and the panel van in both Runner and Trendline specifications.

The updated T6.1 range arrived five years later in August 2020 which brought a raft of cosmetic changes and updates to the dashboard and cabin layout.

Transporter T 6.1 pricing

Volkswagen New Zealand has begun the run-out phase of the Transporter T6.1 with the entry level short wheelbase (SWB) Runner available from $53,880. The SWB Transporter Trendline as reviewed is available from $59,990 and the long wheelbase (LWB) Trendline is available from $63,039.

List prices are currently $70,500, $78,000, and $80,500 respectively, so the run-out deal represents savings of up to $15,000.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says this runout offer is only available on pre-registered stock. It includes a five-year/150,000km warranty (commencing from the first registration date), and a free Service Plan which includes three complimentary scheduled services (six-year/ 90,000km).

Transporter T6.1 capability

For basic delivery work the Transporter SWB Runner offers great value in a European light commercial package, but for anyone who will spend significant time in the T6.1, the upgrade to the Trendline is worth it.

Not only does it get a few comfort upgrades and useful items like a rubber covered rear floor, it allows access options from the catalogue that aren’t extended to the Runner.

That load area itself is good with great access from both side doors, a low, flat entry from the rear, the rubber floor and plenty of tie-downs.

You get 5.8 cubic metres of loading space in the SWB. Overall load length in the SWB is 2324mm measured at floor level, width is 1244mm between the wheelarches and 1700mm overall. Height is 1410mm.

Overall load length in the long wheelbase Trendline is 2722mm which translates in a 6.7 cubic metre load space.

Transporter T6.1 cabin 

The cabin will feel familiar to anyone who has driven any Volkswagen product in recent years, right down to the leather-covered three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. 

It’s very passenger car-like with quality plastic finishes on the dashboard and door cards and lots of storage places inside the cabin. There’s a folder holder on the top of the dashboard and there’s a shelf section above the glovebox. There are cup holders on the dash and the door pockets have huge storage spaces that will accommodate 1-litre water bottles. 

In addition there’s an 6.5-inch Composition infotainment touchscreen with four speakers with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as App connect for mobile phones. 

The air-conditioning is a manual system with three dials on the dashboard, and adjacent is a cupholder with two USB-C outlets and a 12-volt power outlet.

We found the cloth upholstered seats were supportive and comfortable, with the Trendline providing a two person bench on the left; a single passenger seat is a no cost option. The driver’s seat offers both height adjustment and lumbar support and there is a heating option if required for those who work in colder climates. 

All three grades have halogen headlamps and daytime running lights as standard, and there is a Transporter badge neatly integrated on the front wing between the headlamp and the side indicator repeater lamp, which differentiates the T6.1 from the earlier T6 models. 

While not class-leading the safety feature list is solid. Electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, crosswind assist, a lane change system, a rear camera, front and rear parking sensors and a driver alert system make up the standard kit.

That list falls behind the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai Staria, both of which carry a five-star ANCAP safety rating, while the T6.1 is unrated. Just two airbags are standard, with side and curtain options an $850 option.

If you are seeking a new van with a few more standard safety features  it may pay to also check out the Peugeot Expert, and Ford Transit Custom.

Transporter T6.1 driving experience 

The Transporter drives very well. Its short nose and high seating position make for great visibility, the electro-mechanical power steering system is quick and responsive and the T6.1 Trendline tracks more like a passenger car than a light commercial.

Ride quality from the all-around coil suspension is good when unladen and even better with a bit of weight in the back. While speed bumps are barely felt, bridge expansion joints caused a bit more of a commotion

The 110kW/340Nm powertrain combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission feels well suited for the majority of most light commercial van applications. The engine’s stop-start system, combined with turbo lag and the DSG system doesn’t feel too inhibited and it’s easy to get away from a standing start without much fuss.

In spite of its aging platform which has been around for 23 years, and the fact that an all-new model is set to go on sale later this year, the T6.1 Trendline still makes for a solid and compelling option as a work horse and with the current run out pricing it will never be better value.

Transporter T6.1 (SWB) specifications:

Engine: 1968cc, IL4 TDI
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Max power: 110kW @ 3250 rpm
Max torque: 340Nm @1500rpm
GVM: 3000kg
Tare weight: 1897kg
Payload: 1103kg
Towing capacity: 2500kg (braked) 750kg (unbraked)
Fuel tank: 70l
Combined fuel consumption: 7.5l/100km
Combined C02 emissions: 199g/km