VW Transporter T6 - Roadtest & Review | Vanarama.com

Following the launch of the T6.1 VW Transporter, we decided to review the previous model... the VW Transporter T6 T28 Panel van Startline LWB EU6 102 PS 2.0 TDI BMT 5sp Manual. The basic end of the Transporter range is still considered by thousands of users to be one of the most user-friendly vans to drive, and it didn't disappoint! We want our channel to be the most comprehensive place on KZbin for van reviews, so it's here for completionists.
When you think about VW vans, I’d be surprised if one of the first things that popped into your head WASN’T the camper vans. But those that know, they know that all of those couldn’t exist without an excellent platform to build them on… so say hello to the VW Transporter T6 medium panel van.
Volkswagen calls this version of the Transporter “the latest edition of an icon”. & that’s one of the best ways to describe this excellent medium van, because it is an icon - as iconic as the VW brand itself. With icon status comes an instantly recognisable front end. The Transporter has killer looks - very professional with an edge of SUV styling you’d expect would be more at home on a pickup truck.
The grille is wide & sweeping with a big VW badge sat dead centre on top of this silver line that draws your eyes out to the sides & onto the new-look headlights. Framing the front end at the bottom is this big black plastic panel that runs under the registration plate to the other side. On the top, the bonnet panel has these sharp lines either side that pull your eyes up to the windscreen. Under the hood is a powerful 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine - I’ll talk about that more a bit later when we get it on the road. Follow me round the side - check out the 16-inch steel wheels - very tough, & notice how the panelling has been designed with all these lines that follow the shape of the body all the way around to the back end.
There are a range of doors available for the back end, ranging from standard twin panel doors, panel doors with glass inlays & the iconic hatch.
• 1.4m high
• 1.9m long
The shorter models are 50mm longer than a SWB Ford Transit Custom, while the longest versions are 50mm shorter than a LWB Transit Custom - so it works out in the wash between those two vans. Across the range, payloads vary from well under a tonne at 745kg to well over a tonne at 1221kg. So, there’s the practical end of the vehicle.
The VW Transporter is an icon. Comfortable, clean, practical, easy to drive/use/pack. In the medium van sector, it carries a certain mystique because of its premium feel even at the lower trim levels. Think about it, you’ve got the Ford Transit Custom hoovering up sales left right & centre, you’ve got PSA Group accounting for a third of the core market & then you’ve got the Transporter - a medium van built on a platform that’s as at home on the site packed with tools & materials as it is on the beach with a rock n roll bed.
It’s a van that I’ve made no secret of calling my personal favourite & hopefully you now understand why I feel that way! What do you think?

[@thevdubber6918]

I popped in to your Birmingham branch yesterday to enquire about one of these, I must say the staff are very helpful and friendly and talked me through the finance options available, unfortunately there wasn’t any transporters at this branch to have a look at but said they can easily get one down. I think I will be going for it. I know the startline is the basic model but it ticks all the boxes for me! Good review 👍

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Glad you like the crew up in Birmingham, they're a great bunch. Glad to hear you're joining the ranks of VW leasers. Glad you enjoyed the review too, thanks for the support.

[@socopoc]

I just bought a T6 Kombi 2016 plate, gotta say its the best vehicle i've ever owned i love it. Your not alone mate :)

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Thanks, mate. Glad to see more people loving life in a Transporter.

[@safc2951]

I purchased a vw lwb t6 highline dsg , nothing but trouble dpf, light always on, sounded like a tractor, always pulling to the left, sold it for a new shape sprinter, merc is a amazing van.

[@jigrodrigues]

Really nice review

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Thanks! Really appreciate you saying so.

[@danielchurchill7928]

Love my highline transporter I got from Vanarama in January!

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Really pleased to hear you're loving your van, and thanks for your support of the KZbin channel too!

[@feliperowen2370]

I know I am kinda off topic but does anyone know a good website to stream new series online ?

[@gannonalex9842]

@Felipe Rowen try Flixzone. You can find it on google :)

[@pierreolsson588]

What engine would you say is the Best engine for this panel van?

[@montystelevision3238]

If you leave via Vanarama is there an option to own the van at the end of the term?

[@glenmulvey6873]

Owned a 2018 T6 highline for 3 years. Really don’t see why people rave about them?... They hold their value well, but the transit custom is better in every way. Friend of mine had his catch fire on a clients driveway, vw didn’t want to know...😡 Will be selling mine as soon as the warranty runs out.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: I think Ford vans just offer a bit more for a bit less, which in today's market means a lot. For me, I think VW build quality feels premium, but I just don't think premium carries the weight it once did.

[@TheDaztheraz]

Indo like the look of the transits, interoir also looks very nice, friend has one, but everything feels a bit flimsy ,metal feels thin, bolts on door stop coming loose, some rust on door hinges, feels won't last as well as my old 17 year old renualt trafic. At some point will need replacing, will have to decide what to replace it with.

[@ebebimik]

I used to have a t5 and its top speed exceeded 120mph easy i mean it took while but it stayed there easily even uphill.. it even had those heavy seats in the back. This was in germany so no speed limit

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Very nice. Gotta love the Transporters... even when speed limits are in force, eh?

[@9plusinstalaciones]

Hi there, looks really good.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: And it is!

[@bennyozz]

Can you please do a kombi high line thinking of getting one be nice to see what you offer in a video like this

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: No problem, once I get my hand on one I'll do what I can! Want a new one in. Thanks for watching!

[@JA85185]

What a BB!

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: BB = Baldy Bonce?

[@bmwdaywhatyouwant7679]

Gorgeous van! Pretty legendary since they were popular among the hippies in the 70s! But all good things come to an end. The VW by all means is a tasty as chocolate fondue, but it's expensive compared to rivals, options can be pricey, and reliability has been a mix. I would buy a Renault Trafic or MAYBE a PSA van that rivals this segment. I want to avoid the herd of sheep that choose the VW. 😂😂😂

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: They do say you always pay a premium for the VW badge... but if you lease one you can spread that out over the months (plug plug). I love the Trafic... our review actually just hit the channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4TSh6CniNOYedE

[@prkasharsikwar4992]

Nice ♥️💯🙏

[@adamsher86]

I like VW in general but,as a van driver I would never have one for the pure reason that when I'm on the road all the 'Private Ambulances' seem to be the VW Transporter... And that puts me off ever having one!!

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Don't let that put you off. In a Transporter you'll find a reliable, good-looking vehicle. Ask yourself this simple question: "If the ambulance service uses them, why would I not want to use one?" That's an endorsement right there.

[@adamsher86]

@@vanaramauk Thats true but its more the funeral directors that ambulance service. Its just the way I see them which is a pity as I like the VAG group having had 3 of their cars. They're also expensive to buy in comparison to others and yes, you do sometimes get what you pay for...

[@Jamespendle]

I think the same but about mercedes vitos, as they are all black vitos in my area

[@brithozierhozier4718]

What do you mean the wing mirrors don't fold ?

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: On that particular model the fold function was deactivated.

[@robertoinlondon86]

I have my eye on the 2019 vw version, basic version as my budget is not that big and are quite expensive anyway. The looks is great but scare about their reliability as reading so many downside comment. What you suggest? Is got the same price of the Ford Transit Custom. Do I go for the vw or Ford? 🤔

[@johnbradley1599]

Shame that Vanarama have not responded.

[@deanmacartney7111]

You said same about transit custom being favourite some review 🤔

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: As I said... is it okay to change my mind?

[@patrickwoods6207]

Can you review the latest vito soon please

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: When the lockdown is lifted, it's one of the first on my list.

[@patrickwoods6207]

Vanarama brilliant, thanks

[@melvyncrimlis8997]

I couldn't see the "wing mirrors" (i.e. mirrors mounted on the van's front wings) you referred to, could you perhaps be referring to the "door mirrors" (i.e. mirrors mounted on the van doors)?

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Just using the phrases people use in the world... but you're right, they are door mirrors.

[@melvyncrimlis8997]

@@vanaramauk I know, just me being pedantic , but you have to do something in this lockdown! 😊 Anyway keep up the reviews I enjoy them.

[@Liamofloin]

Well VW are wrong "Latest version of an icon". Its not the latest, considering you did this review May 2020. Why do you review an older version? Do VW fit the plywood panelling in the loading bay in the UK? That's a T6, finished production in 2019. It's now 2020.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Absolutely, it was the widest available model when we did the review, we're awaiting delivery of a T6.1 to review. Keep watching, we'll have it!

[@swampgrampus]

We had a 2011 T6 Multivan with the DSG auto. It only had the single turbo, so the turbo-lag at round-abouts and give-way signs was noticeable. I would only get the twin-turbo for this reason if l was buying another one. And the all new model T7 is about to be released.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Absolutely, we're maybe 18 months away from a new Transporter meaning the T6.1 will have been on sale for just a couple of years. Twin turbo is the way to go for exactly the reasons you said - it just gives you that extra boost when you need it.

[@Nelson1234]

Nice van shame about reliability just waiting for the check light to ping on ! Maybe it's just our location with dpf issue's.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Reliability issues are a pain... what have you experienced?

[@Nelson1234]

@@vanaramaukWe are in the motor trade here in sunny jersey and had lots of issues over the years with the T6 including flywheels turbos and dpfs blocked due to our stop start traffic. They seem to have more problems then other's. The later 2016 on Psa group vans seem to be the most reliable. But people are badge snobs . Cheers keep up the good work stay safe .

[@vanaramauk]

@@Nelson1234 Tom here: So true, which is a shame because the PSA Group vans are pretty good. You too, stay safe.

[@xhizornl3204]

I own a T5 2.5 TDI from 2006, has 400k KM on it now and still going strong

[@shadzrob1234]

I’m thinking of buying one (used). I’m slightly put off as I’ve heard they suffer from a number of reliability problems/ can need some repairs. I’ve had a few VW polos and Golfs and never had an issue, other than routine maintenance. Not sure about the Transporter .

[@patrickmaughan2263]

How much mbg u can get out it

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Claimed MPG is 51.4. But I'd reckon high low 40s is more realistic as an average on a combined journey.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Isn't this a re upload?

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: We uploaded the wrong version last week - this final version is the correct version.

[@D_L_J_83]

Please do a T6.1 review!

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: You got it. I'm trying to get one in ASAP. You're not the first to ask us for it! Thanks for the comment.

[@D_L_J_83]

@@vanaramauk looking forward to it!

[@paulkippax4530]

Good review.. Please can you review the T6.1 and how it compares. Thanks.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: I'm trying to source one as we exit lockdown. Thanks for the comment, stay tuned!

[@paulkippax4530]

Cheers Tom

[@vanaramauk]

@@paulkippax4530 Don't mention it, Paul.

[@richardzedman1160]

Its a pity they are not reliable other wise i would consider one But theres no way i could risk owning one again

[@nassimmughal]

All the Van's hes reviewed are all great ...dont think so

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: They are in their own ways - I'm trying to overview the vans to let customers choose the right vehicle for them. I pick out points that don't work in the videos, but I'm not here to tell people to avoid vehicles, I want to give them a look at the vehicles. Appreciate the feedback though.

[@Wastelander13]

Not sure if the VW worth its higher price. I doubt they are still as though as they used to be!

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: The T6.1 is defo worth the money (review on its way).

[@Xerdoz]

Older Transporters were great. The new ones are absolute garbage. The dual-mass flywheel has a lot of issues and the overall quality has decreased drastically.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Quite telling how many old Transporters you see on the road to this day, eh?

[@martingill6996]

Why review the most basic model?

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Great point, it was the one we got sent.

[@mandisamoffat2338]

@@vanaramauk I like that you reviewed the most basic model. I'm looking to buy my first work horse, and this was the most useful in terms of seeing what level of comfort and ability the base model VW Transporter comes with. That's what I'm basing my comparisons on, not the extra bells and whistles. So thank you!

[@vanaramauk]

@@mandisamoffat2338 Tom here: I think it's always worth checking out the most basic model to see where/if you can save money on it. Glad you got something out of the review. Thanks for the support! :)

[@jauncey_8643]

Highline is better spec.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Couldn't agree more!

[@Ethankeenan02]

This looks outdated and old compared with the new custom

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: As much as it pains me to say it, I can see where you're coming from.

[@juliannelson3211]

Aesthetically still stuck in the 70/80s era and just havent evolved whatsoever. Great if your the AA or a florist. Useless if your in the trades running a business with that dinky space.Cost astronomical for what you get.