10 reasons to pick the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 as your next van

The Volkswagen Transporter has been a benchmark for mid-size vans for over 70 years. Flexible, capable and reliable in equal measure, it has continued to evolve to meet the needs of modern businesses. The Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 marks one of its biggest evolutions to date.

The What Car? road test team recently gave the Transporter 6.1 a 4-star review, praising the advanced tech of its car-like interior and sophisticated safety features, as well as its impressive capabilities. It also won Best Value for Ownership costs for a medium-sized van in the What Car? Van Awards. We’ve picked out 10 more reasons why the Transporter 6.1 should be at the top of your shortlist for your next panel van.

To find out more about the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1, head to volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

1) Your Volkswagen Transporter; your way

It all starts with finding the right van for you, and the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 line-up has lots of choice. You can pick a standard panel van or a kombi with an extra row of seats for your colleagues. Both are available with either short or long wheelbases and different roof heights, giving you up to 9.3m³ of load volume, 5.0m² of load space (enough for three Euro pallets), 2,975mm of load length or 1,940mm of load height. The Transporter 6.1 is also available with a tailgate or versatile wing doors, giving up to 1.473mm load width. That’s more than enough for most jobs.

2) Powerful & efficient engines

The Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 is available with a range of 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines, offering 90, 110 or 150PS, with a range-topping 199PS BiTDI available on Highline trims. They’re all Euro-6d-TEMP emissions compliant, so they meet the latest and most-exacting standards. And, for businesses looking for an even more eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution for driving in low emissions zones and cities, an all-electric VW ABT e-Transporter 6.1 model is now available. 

3) A simpler line-up, offering even more value

The Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 has a simpler model line-up, with Startline and Highline trims that feature more equipment as standard. That means cruise control including speed limiter, leather multi-function steering wheel and energy efficient LED interior lighting all come fitted straight out of the box. The Highline trim adds even more features, such as an anti-theft alarm, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Climatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors and a heated front windscreen. An even-more stylish Sportline model will come later.

4) A more comfortable place to work

Your cab is a mobile office where you spend a lot of time, so Volkswagen has redesigned the Transporter 6.1 interior to make it an even more comfortable place from which to work. The fully adjustable steering wheel and a driver’s seat with four-way lumbar support are ergonomically designed to let you find the best position, while the robust durable trim has been designed to look good and last. The re-designed dashboard also offers excellent all-round visibility.

5) A smarter place to work

The inside of the VW Transporter 6.1 features even more premium tech that makes staying in touch with work colleagues (and home) even easier. A Composition Colour DAB+ radio system with a 6.5in touchscreen, Bluetooth and App-Connect for hands-free connectivity and smartphone mirroring is fitted as standard, with an integrated eSIM card for full online connectivity. You can upgrade this to a Discover Media system with an 8-inch touchscreen. You can even lock the cargo space separately from the cab, giving you greater control over your working day.

6) Tech that makes driving safer

The Transporter 6.1 has even more advanced driving aids that make journeys easier and safer. Volkswagen’s standard Front Assist and City Emergency Braking systems have been upgraded to recognise cyclists and pedestrians as well as other objects, while Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist and Crosswind Assist are standard on all models, with Adaptive Cruise Control and automatic headlights standard on the Highline trim. You can add other driving aids – including Active Lane Assist and Park Assist – while Traffic Sign Recognition is available in combination with the Discover Media navigation system. The Transporter 6.1’s connectivity features also include an eCall link to emergency services – if you ever have the misfortune to have an accident.

7) Stay in touch with your van while working

We Connect lets you remotely interact with your Transporter 6.1 via a smartphone – letting you check your vehicle’s status and parked position, as well as mileage and fuel economy data that helps you drive more efficiently. We Connect Plus adds an online anti-theft alarm and the ability to lock or unlock your van via your phone. Additional features available with the Discover Media navigation system let you plan journeys on your phone, before syncing them with your vehicle – perfect for setting up the day over breakfast, or when you’re focusing on the job at hand. You also get live information on petrol stations and car park prices and opening times.

8) Tech that makes parking easier

Reverse-parking a van is not always easy in busy streets on a tight schedule. Luckily, Volkswagen has the solution. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on the Highline trim, while a rear-view camera is available as an option. Park Assist steers the car into spaces, and spot hazards around your van, while Rear Traffic Alert (part of the Active Lane Assist pack) warns you of unseen hazards such as pedestrians and passing cars when you’re reversing. Trailer Assist is also available, making parking with towed loads even easier.

9) It’s ready for the rough-and-tumble

If you take your Transporter off-road, you’ll want to take a look at the models with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive. This advanced technology diverts power to the wheels that need it most, while Hill Descent Assist and Hill Hold Assist keep your speed in check on steep surfaces up to 37 degrees. The Transporter 6.1 can wade through water up to 300mm in depth, while an optional mechanical differential lock adds even more confidence and grip for pulling away on slippery surfaces.

10) You can make it yours…

As if all of that wasn’t enough, an extensive range of accessories is available for the VW Transporter 6.1 that lets you customise your van, your way.

To find out more about the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1, head to volkswagen-vans.co.uk.