Test Volkswagen T6 Multivan 2.0 TDI 150 CV, the legend continues

The Vans They were born as means of transport, mainly for merchandise. Later they were transformed for the transport of people and without a doubt, Volkswagen was the brand that managed to create a lifestyle With the launch of the Volkswagen T1 in 1950, the Germans began a saga of success that has survived to this day.

Currently the best-known German van is the Volkswagen T6, available in Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California versions. Launched in 2015, on the 65th anniversary of the T1, we wanted to test what the new Volkswagen T6 Multivan with the motor TDI de 150 CV, the intermediate option by power. The T6 is a benchmark in its segment, has been for decades, and could not be missing from our pages.

T5 looks like, but T6 is

At first glance, it is even difficult to differentiate the Volkswagen T6 from the latest versions of the restyling of the T5 (2003-2015). And this is not because Volkswagen has decided to bet for the umpteenth time on a design continuation, that too, but because the T6 is based on the previous generation of the model.

Changes have been made at the chassis, mechanical and aesthetic level. The Volkswagen T6 Multivan can be considered a new generation, yes, although it seems more appropriate to talk about a very deep restyling. This is something that Volkswagen has done on more than one occasion (Passat, Golf, Touran...) but that is becoming more common in other brands, in fact, the main rival of the T6, the Mercedes Vito / Class V have done what same.

The front is the part that differs most from the previous generation of the Volkswagen van, but it can still be difficult to differentiate if we do not have the LED headlights with a very characteristic and cool daytime signature. At the rear, the light signal of the pilots is also the most noticeable difference.

Our unit is easily recognizable because it is the special edition Generation Six, which commemorates the sixth generation and the 65th anniversary of the legendary T1. The two-tone paint and alloy wheels 18-inch Disc retro style are the main signs of identity and differentiation. This special edition is not sold as such in Spain, but all the elements it equips are available in Spain. The retro look is very attractive, but its price to pay, just for the two-tone paint, is about 2.400 euros, to which more than 1.000 of the wheels should be added.

A very versatile interior

In addition to inappreciable changes to the naked eye such as better acoustic insulation or a reduction in vibrations, inside the Volkswagen T6 stands out its new dashboard. It is similar in shape to that of the previous generation, matching the continuity of the exterior, but it updates the design and improves the materials. Have very good quality of settings, although we only find soft plastics in the lower part of the center console (under the gearbox). The blue panel on the dashboard can be in various colors to match the exterior.

The upper part of the front door panels are made of soft plastic and the middle part is upholstered in fabric, as in the rear areas of this Multivan, which is one of the most dressed variants and more premium environment offered by the Volkswagen T6.

La ergonomics is well thought out in the driving position. Everything is very close at hand, since the gear lever and the air conditioning controls are close to the driver. The touch screen of the multimedia equipment and its peripheral buttons are also within reach of the driver.

The clock face is very easy to read, with large dials for speed and rev counter and smaller ones for temperature and fuel level. In the middle is a color TFT screen that shows all the information of the vehicle (navigation, trip computer, warnings, settings, telephone, multimedia...)

La modularity It is one of the virtues of the Volkswagen T6, according to versions. The Multivan are the ones that offer the most options in terms of seating configuration. In the front seats we have two very comfortable individual seats, with retractable armrests on each side. Our unit mounts electrically adjustable seats (with driver memory), with lumbar adjustment and with heating.

Our seven seater unit had a 2+2+3 configuration, with two individual, reclining and rotating seats in the second row. In the third row there was a bench seat with a fixed backrest, also reclining, and a central armrest. This stool allows the backrest to be flush with the seat, creating a kind of bed, although besides being small, it is very uncomfortable due to irregular shapes.

Access to the interior is easy, but the Volkswagen T6 has the ground in a very high position, so it will be necessary to use the steps in the doors To access. Between the front seats and those in the second row there is an aisle that allows easy movement around the interior of the Multivan. The rear sliding doors are very light and move effortlessly.

La air conditioning of the cabin of our unit was of three zones. Two-zone front and one zone for the rear passenger compartment (with flow regulation). The air conditioning of the rear seats can be controlled either from the dashboard controls or from a panel located on the roof of the rear passenger compartment, next to the ventilation outlets and the adjustable reading lights. The air conditioning works effectively. In the rear, the windows are manual and sliding, although they are generous in size if we compare them with those of models such as the Renault Trafic.

Notably the driver has a microphone that when speaking reproduces the sound in the rear speakers, in this way, the occupants, especially in the third row, will be able to hear clearly (in a robotic version) what the driver says. In such long vehicles without these systems you either talk loudly or it is difficult to carry on a conversation.

In the cabin there is lots of storage compartmentsespecially in the front seats. In addition to generous pockets in the doors (they are very low), there are also some storage compartments in the doors at the height of the armrests. In the central console there is a hole with a cover next to the change in which to leave the wallet and the mobile, which also has a USB, AUX and 12V socket. In the lower part of the console there is a removable tray with two cup holders and an additional small recess, as well as a large bottle holder. The upper part of the dashboard has a not very large hole with a lid, just like the two glove boxes on the passenger side, which have little capacity. The lower one is refrigerated. As a point in favor, all the holes have a rubber or velvet bottom, to avoid noise from the objects deposited in them.

In the rear seats the gaps are much smaller and there are only a few cup holders in the part of the third row of seats and drawers under the individual seats. The sliding stool has a series of lids that can leave space to carry long objects as skis, or if they are closed, to carry objects.

El trunk can vary a lot its size depending on whether we have one or two rows of seats in the back and in what position they travel. Moving both the rear bench seat and the individual seats is simple. The loading mouth is very low, so loading bulky or heavy objects is easy. The boot has an extendable tray attached to the back of the seat bench, which when moved adapts to the boot space.

Let the journey begin!

After having a good time playing with the different configurations that the passenger compartment of the Volkswagen T6 Multivan allows, it's time to start up and start the trip. Our unit is equipped with the motor 2.0 TDI by 150 CV with six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. In the Multivan range there is also the 2.0 TDI engine with 102 hp and the 204 hp and some engines can opt for the DSG or 4Motion drive.

This option is in my opinion the most interesting for features and purchase price. The engine runs smooth and is well insulated from the cabin. It stands out for having a wide range of use, especially full from the bottom and up to 4.000 turns, from when continuing to stretch is absurd. The maximum torque is 340 Nm in the range between 1.500 and 3.000 revolutions. It is very progressive and doesn't give a great feeling of push.

La gear lever is located very close to the steering wheel and it has some routes with good touch, precise. The developments of the transmission are adequate. The first and second speeds are short, the third something less and there is a noticeable jump with the second. The other three speeds tend to develop longer to benefit consumption, although they harm the response of the engine.

The 150 hp are more than enough to move the Volkswagen T6 Multivan in all kinds of situations. We have tested it with up to five passengers and their hand luggage, obtaining a good response. suits ignore the gear shift indicator, because it makes us circulate at ranges in which, in addition to vibrations, we will have almost no response from the engine during acceleration.

On the motorway there is no problem with the unevenness to maintain cruising speeds of 120 km/h in sixth gear, but if they make us lose speed on the climbs, we will have to reduce up to two gears to quickly recover the rhythm, since recoveries are not the strong point of the 6 hp T150 TDI. The adaptive cruise control does not deactivate if we make gear changes.

The new mechanics have been frankly good for the Volkswagen Multivan in terms of consumptions. In 1.400 km of testing we have obtained an average of 7,5 litres. On highway trips it will move between 7,1 and 7,5 liters, while in the city it is not particularly thirsty, settling for about 9 liters. If we set our minds to it and the land helps, we can end up spending very little. The Stop & Start works well and helps a lot to reduce spending on urban routes, although it does not maintain steering assistance since it is hydraulic.

The tuning of the Volkswagen T6 has seemed very appropriate. Our unit had piloted suspension (Comfort, Normal and Sport modes). Between the most comfortable mode and the most sporty if you noticed that the body remained firmer in the curves in Sport mode and that the suspension was firmer, filtering irregularities worse, but given the dynamic behavior of the T6, I see it unnecessary to choose for this option.

The T6 enjoys great stability and poise in all circumstances and allows to go fast, although if we attack the curves with too much enthusiasm we will notice a progressive understeer, opening the trajectory. Electronic aids work in subtle ways.

Despite the dimensions of the vehicle, moving around the city is not excessively complicated. The steering offers a good turning radius and visibility is good. In addition, we use the rear parking camera and acoustic sensors in front and behind. Given the size, yes we can have trouble finding parking spaces.

more technological

Another aspect in which the Volkswagen T6 has evolved significantly is in the technologies that it can equip. Our unit had led headlights, which are surprising for their good lighting, with very clear light and a wide viewing angle that allows us to see the gutters perfectly. It has a function of automatic short-long lights with a very good operation. It also equipped the aforementioned piloted suspension, heated front window, adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning.

At the infotainment level, it is worth mentioning the team Discover Media with App-Connect (Android Auto, CarPlay and MirrorLik). It also includes GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. In the coming days we will offer a test run of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mercedes V-Class or Volkswagen T6 Multivan?

The Volkswagen T6 Multivan is undoubtedly one of the queens of the segment, also one of the most equipped and most expensive vans. His only rival is the Mercedes V Class, a model that we tried now a year ago and with which we are going to compare it.

Which is better? Well, each one has its virtues. In terms of mechanical refinement, I liked the T6 more (the V 250 with 190 hp is much more agile), just like the tuning of the chassis is sportier, while the V-Class is more comfortable. Performance-wise we cannot compare them as there is a 40 hp difference and an automatic transmission for the V-Class that we tested. The difference in average consumption can be 1 liter in favor of Volkswagen, but I insist, they are not comparable engines.

Where the Mercedes V-Class gives an important review to the Volkswagen model is in the quality of finishes interiors. Our tested unit was also one of the highest in the range and undoubtedly the quality of the plastics is better and there are softer plastics in many more areas, as well as the lower part of the doors upholstered in carpet. The only thing that overshadows the quality of finishes of the Mercedes is the central panel of the dashboard, which creaks when we press it or when we handle some buttons of the air conditioning or the sound system.

What is certain is that if someone is willing to spend close to the 70.000 euros that each of these vans costs (according to the tested specification, but it is not difficult to arrive at the figure) they will not regret it, since both provide high levels of comfort, good performance and consistent consumption with the same

Equipment Volkswagen T6 Multivan

trendlines:

• 16″ wheels with hubcaps
• Air Conditioning
• fog lights cornering
• Radio Composition Media with Bluetooth, USB and AUX
• automatic emergency braking
• Cruise control
• Leather multifunction steering wheel
• Right sliding door
• Three-seater bench in the second row
• Folding table
• Hill Descent Control (4Motion)
• six airbags

Outdoor (adds to Trendline):

• Expanded Clock Chart
• Parking sensors front and rear
• rain sensor and lights
• Photosensitive interior mirror
• 17″ alloy wheels
• Rotating front seats
• Tinted rear windows
• specific decoration

Premium (adds to Outdoor):

• Clock chart with color display
• Dual zone air conditioning
• double sliding door
• Leather and alcantara upholstery
• Heated front seats (non-swivel)
• Two individual seats in the rear seats

Highline (adds to Premium):

• Discover Media multimedia system with Car-Net and App-Connect
• 18″ alloy wheels
• rear parking camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• LED headlights
• LED taillights
• Automatic short-long beams
• electric sliding doors

Prices Volkswagen T6 Multivan

Editor's opinion

Image gallery