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2016 Volkswagen T6 Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan models:: first details

The first details of the new-generation 2016 Volkswagen T6 model range – which incorporates the Transporter van along with the Caravelle and Multivan people mover models – have been revealed.


CarAdvice attended the launch of the new-generation T6 Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan model lines in Sweden last week, where it was made clear that there will be some change to the ranges, but buyers aren’t likely to be shocked by the options on offer.

All T6 models will be offered with 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engines only, as is the case with the current T5 range. No petrol versions will be sold in Australia.

Nothing is confirmed yet, but it seems likely that there will be a few engines to be offered by Volkswagen Australia in the Transporter range.

The TDI350 version will produce 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, and it will be available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in front-wheel drive only. That engine has the same power output as the current best-seller, the TDI340, but with 10Nm more torque. The fuel use is expected to drop notably, too (exact figures to be confirmed).

A gruntier TDI450 option that will be offered pumps out 150kW of power and 450Nm of torque, again with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch, but with 4Motion all-wheel drive as an option. It replaces the 132kW/400Nm model currently available, and again, fuel use should drop markedly.

A low-spec TDI250 tune with 75kW/250Nm that comes only with a five-speed manual may be considered as a price leader for the Transporter to compete with the likes of the base model Renault Trafic. Volkswagen currently offers a version of that engine in the TDI250 Runner as a price-leader, at $32,990 plus on-road costs.

Expect the same array of body styles that are currently available, including short-wheelbase van, long-wheelbase van, crew van with five or six seats, single-cab-chassis and dual-cab-chassis.

The van range should continue to be available with three roof heights available – low roof: 1410mm of load height; mid roof: 1635mm of load height; high roof: 1940mm of load height.

While it’s unclear whether all models will be sold with a standard bulkhead partition between the load area and the cockpit, the short-wheelbase model offers 2324mm of load floor length to the bulkhead and its cargo capacity remains at 5.8 cubic metres with the low roof and 6.7m3 with the mid roof.

The long-wheelbase version has the same amount of room as before, with total cargo of 6.7m3 with the low roof and 7.8m3 with the mid height roof.

The high roof model is only available as a long-wheelbase model, and it offers a huge 9.3m3 of space.

According to Volkswagen Australia the new T6 model will be an ideal upgrade for existing T5 owners because they can shift their existing fittings to the new model with ease.

The nine-seat Caravelle model (pictured above) is expected to take the lower-tuned TDI350 engine with front-wheel drive and a standard DSG auto, though all-wheel drive may be offered at some point, too. That model currently sells at $50,690 plus on-road costs.

The seven-seat Multivan model currently runs from $49,990 to $60,990 for the Comfortline and is priced between $73,990 and $77,990 for the Highline version – and it is possible there will be a couple of new models added to the range.

The entry-level version should remain as the Comfortline, probably with the TDI350 engine, while the Highline is expected to come with the TDI450 engine and the option of all-wheel drive. Expect all Multivans to be offered solely with the DSG auto gearboxes.

Volkswagen Australia is also expected to offer a long-wheelbase version of the Multivan, which span 400 millimetres longer than the standard versions (at 5406mm). That length is only available in Comfortline specification, and according to information handed out at the launch the LWB models aren’t available with curtain airbag protection where SWB models are.

As for new models, it is almost certain Volkswagen Australia will sell the eye-catching, heritage-focused Generation Six model, which blends some funky retro cues with a number of flagship features.

And, speaking of flagships, there could be a new luxury-focused model at the top of the range – the Multivan Business (pictured below).

This six-seat Multivan model features a pair of seats in the rear instead of the standard three-seat bench. The back-row chairs feature electric adjustment, a refrigerator and cup holders in the chest between, and a car-phone that uses a Bluetooth-tethered smartphone as its anchor.

The Business has leather trim throughout, and the back seats have cushioned head restraints for snoozing.

As for ownership, Volkswagen Australia has not made any announcements surrounding its warranty or capped-price servicing programs for the new models. However, it’s worth noting that commercial van rivals such as Renault offer 12-month/30,000km service intervals and five-year/200,000km warranties.

Stay tuned for full pricing and specifications for the 2016 T6 Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan ranges as the information comes to hand.

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