Volkswagen has just lifted the veils off the
Multivan 6.1 in Wolfsburg, introducing a major update for its Transporter cargo
vans, Caravelle and Multivan people carriers, and California campers. While the Transporter family gets
a refreshed front end design and dashboard, the bulk of the updates focuses on
increasing the digitalization and connectivity of the vehicle, as well as
making it safer courtesy of new driving assistance tech.
Thanks to the switch from a hydraulic power steering
to an electromechanical system, the facelifted VW Transporter can benefit from
new assistance systems. Those include the standard Cross Wind Assist which
automatically stabilizes the vehicle when strong wind gusts blow, Lane Assist,
Park Assist, Rear View Assist, Trailer Assist, Side Protection, and dynamic
road sign display.
Speaking of display, the T6.1 gains available
digital instruments for the first time and the latest connected infotainment
systems. The dashboard has been redesigned to accommodate the 8-inch Digital
Cockpit and the third generation of the modular infotainment matrix (MIB3) with
a 9.2-inch touchscreen. The interface comes with an integrated SIM card (eSIM)
that enables a range of online-based functions and services, including internet
radio and music streaming services.
On the mechanical front, the facelifted Transporter
family also gains an updated engine lineup consisting of new 2.0-liter TDI
engines with outputs ranging from 90 PS to 199 PS as well as
an all-electric model developed by ABT.
The latter will be motivated by a 112 PS electric motor fed by batteries with capacities of up to 77.6 kWh enabling
NEDC-rated driving ranges of more than 400 km. The facelifted VW
Transporter models will arrive in European markets this fall.
