VW T6 / T6.1 Buyers Guide
In production from 2015 – 2024, what follows is a brief VW T6 buyers guide to the VW T6 and T6.1 Transporter
VW T6 Transporter 2015 - 2020
VW T6.1 Transporter 2020 - 2024
VW T6 Transporter 2015 - 2020
The T6 is the 6th generation VW Transporter by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Launched in September 2015, it was the replacement for the outgoing T5.1 VW Transporter.
Criticised by some for not being new enough, the T6 Transporter featured a completely new front end and in the case of tailgate models a new rear end also. In addition, the dashboard had a much more modern design and in the VW California camper featured uprated trim and glove boxes making it extremely car like.
Specification
As with each new generation of VW Transporter, the specification levels also increased and the Highline model now came with luxuries such as, heated quick clear windscreen, DAB touchscreen radio, automatic wipers and lights and more. Range wise the Transporter was still offered in the same standard equipment level range i.e. Startline, Trendline and Highline. Although there was also an Edition model that had more external styling and LED headlights etc as standard.
As per the T5 before it, campervan conversion companies immediately offered T6 based conversions and lots more popped up due to increased demand. Some say the lucrative conversion market is the reason the T6 is so similar to the T5 in terms of the rear of the vehicle, as it meant little if no adaptation for conversion companies.
Engine / Gearbox
The early T6 Transporters used the engines from the run out T5.1 model and so are Euro 5, although were soon updated with the newer Euro 6 variants.
The general rule of thumb, accepting that there are the odd exceptions, is that a 66 plate and onwards T6 should have the newer engines and so will likely be Euro 6 with a separate AdBlue tank, the filler for which being just under the diesel filler.
Although offered with 2.0 TSI petrol engine options, they are rare and so you are much more likely to find a T6 powered by one of the 2.0 TDI diesel engine options.
Please note: It is worth noting here that we choose not to deal in the 180bhp bi-turbo engines due to the chance of well documented oil consumption issues.
Gearboxes were available in the form of a 5-speed manuals on the lower power models or 7-speed DSG semi-automatics on the more powerful engines.
VW T6 Transporter Engine Options (most common UK versions)
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| Engine Type | Engine Code | Size (Ltrs/Cylinders) | Power (bhp) | Euro | Cambelt Intervals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (TDI) | CXGA | 2.0/4 | 84 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | CXGB | 2.0/4 | 102 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | CXFA | 2.0/4 | 150 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | CXEB | 2.0/4 | 204 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 4 years |
The VW T6.1 Transporter 2020 - 2024
Sadly, the T6.1 was to be the last true VW Transporter as the T7 Transporter is a collaboration with Ford. Essentially the T7 is a Ford Transit with the VW Transporter version having different body and trim panels.
As with the T5 and T5.1 before it, the T6.1 transporter is essentially a facelift model of the T6 Transporter. Also as before, this new version shared the same basic body structure but with a revised front end, dashboard, door trims and upholstery.
Specification
Perhaps the biggest specification change was the dropping of the Trendline model from the range. This then left the Startline as the entry level option and the Highline as the range topper. Whilst both variants saw improvements over the T6 Transporter such as larger touch screen infotainment system with App-Connect and general all-round improvements, the equipment levels between the two options were hugely different.
On the Startline, Air Conditioning was still an option, although many buyers specified the ‘Business Pack’ which added air conditioning along with an alarm and rear parking sensors. It is also worth noting that Startlines came with textured black bumpers and non-colour coded trim. The Highline however was fully loaded with items like adaptive cruise control and automatic wipers and lights as standard.
Engine / Gearbox
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the T6.1 Transporter saw yet another engine line up with the 84bhp and 102bhp variants being replaced by 90bhp and 110bhp respectively.
The 150bhp and 204bhp remained the same and all were Euro 6 as you would imagine.
Gearbox options remained the same as before in terms of the lower powered engines are only available with a 5-speed manual, whilst the 150bhp and 204bhp models could be specified with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic.
VW T6.1 Transporter Engine Options (most common UK versions)
Swipe to view full table →
| Engine Type | Engine Code | Size (Ltrs/Cylinders) | Power (bhp) | Euro | Cambelt Intervals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (TDI) | DNAC | 2.0/4 | 90 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 5 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | DNAB | 2.0/4 | 110 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 5 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | DNAA | 2.0/4 | 150 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 5 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | DMZ | 2.0/4 | 204 | 6 | 140,000 miles or 5 years |
In July 2023 VW changed their stance on VW Transporter cambelt interval recommendations, we believe to bring the UK range more in line with Europe. VW now only quote mileage as the determining factor as to when a Transporter cambelt should be changed. However, we have spoken to a number of VW main dealers and specialists and our stance is that if proven to be on its original VW belt or has been changed at VW using genuine parts then the interval should be 5 years. If replaced using a non-genuine belt, then this time reduces to 4 years.
The information provided within this VW T6 buyers guide is intended as a starting point for potential buyers and should be treated as a source for basic reference only.