Overview of the Volkswagen Transporter range
The first civilian minibus was produced by Volkswagen in 1950. Designed by the Dutchman Ben Pon, the Volkswagen T1 laid the foundation for the Transporter model range, which has by now become very popular due to its reliability and versatility.
Evolution and overview of the Volkswagen Transporter range
The first Volkswagen Transporter (VT) minibus rolled off the assembly line in 1950.
Volkswagen T1
The first Volkswagen T1 was produced in the city of Wolfsburg. It was a rear-wheel drive minibus with a carrying capacity of up to 850 kg. It could carry eight people and was produced from 1950 to 1966. The dimensions of the VT1 were 4505x1720x2040 mm, and the wheelbase was 2400 mm. The minibus with a four-speed manual gearbox was equipped with three engines of 1.1, 1.2 and 1.5 liters.
Volkswagen T2
The first VT2 rolled off the assembly line at the Hannover plant in 1967. It was an improved version of its predecessor. The cabin has become more comfortable, and the windshield is solid. The design of the rear suspension has changed, which has become noticeably more reliable. Engine cooling remained air, and the volume increased. Four types of power units were installed on the VT2 with a volume of 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0 liters. The choice of the buyer was offered a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Dimensions and wheelbase have not changed.
Volkswagen T3
Production of the VT3 began in 1979. It was the last model to feature a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. Changed the size of the car. They amounted to 4569x1844x1928 mm, and the wheelbase increased to 2461 mm. In addition, the car weighed 60 kg. The model range was completed with petrol engines with a volume of 1.6 to 2.6 liters and diesel engines with a volume of 1.6 and 1.7 liters. Two manual transmission options were offered (five-speed and four-speed). It was also possible to install a three-speed automatic transmission.
Volkswagen T4
VT4, whose production began in 1990, differed from its predecessors not only in the front engine, but also in front-wheel drive. The rear suspension has become more compact, it has an additional pair of springs. As a result, not only the loading height of the car has decreased, but also the load on the floor. The carrying capacity of the VT4 reached 1105 kg. Dimensions increased to 4707x1840x1940 mm, and the wheelbase size - up to 2920 mm. Diesel units with a volume of 2.4 and 2.5 liters were installed on the minibus, and the latter was equipped with a turbocharger. Versions were offered with an automatic four-speed and a five-speed manual gearbox. VT4 became the most purchased Volkswagen minibus and was sold in almost all European countries, including Russia, until 2003.
Volkswagen T5
Production of the VT5 was launched in 2003. As in the previous model, the engine was located in the front, transverse. The VT5 was produced in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions and was equipped with 1.9, 2.0 and 2.5 liter diesel engines with turbochargers. A five- and six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission was installed on the car, and the gearshift lever was located on the front panel to the right of the steering column. The dimensions of the VT5 were 4892x1904x1935 mm, and the wheelbase was 3000 mm. VT5 is still produced and is in great demand both in Europe and in Russia.
Advantages of the all-wheel drive Volkswagen Transporter
Starting with the fourth generation, the VT began to be produced in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions. The advantages of all-wheel drive include:
- High reliability and good handling.
- Increased permeability. All-wheel drive VT wheels slip less. The quality of the road surface does not have a big impact on the movement of the car.
- Automation. All-wheel drive on the VT turns on automatically as needed. Most of the time, the minibus uses only one bridge, which in turn leads to significant fuel savings.
Volkswagen T6 2017
For the first time, VT6 was presented to the general public at the end of 2015 at an automobile exhibition in Amsterdam, and in 2017 its sales began in Russia.
Technical innovations
Changes in the 2017 model affected most of the components and parts of the car. First of all, the appearance has changed:
- the shape of the radiator grill has changed;
- the shape of the front and rear lights has changed;
- changed the shape of the front and rear bumper.
Salon has become more ergonomic:
- body-color inserts appeared on the front panel;
- the cabin has become more spacious - even the tallest driver will feel comfortable behind the wheel.
The car is available with two wheelbase options - 3000 and 3400 mm. The choice of engines has expanded. The buyer can choose from four diesel and two gasoline units with torque from 1400 to 2400 rpm and a power of 82, 101, 152 and 204 hp. With. In addition, you can install a five- and six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox.
New systems and options
In VT6, it became possible to equip the car with the following new systems and options:
- electronic system Front Assist, which helps the driver to control the distance in front of the car and behind it;
Front Assist helps the driver control the distance - City Emergency Braking function, which provides emergency braking in an emergency;
- the presence of side airbags and curtain airbags, which significantly increases the safety of passengers;
- cruise control system installed at the request of the buyer and operating at speeds from 0 to 150 km / h;
- the Park Assist system for facilitating parking, which allows you to park the minibus parallel or perpendicular without the help of the driver and which is a kind of "parking autopilot".
Advantages and disadvantages of the Volkswagen T6
The Volkswagen T6 model turned out to be quite successful. The main advantages of experts include the following.
- Volkswagen engineers took into account the wishes of motorists. All the advantages of the VT5 were not only preserved in the new model, but were also supplemented with modern electronics, which greatly simplifies the life of a city driver.
- A wide range of VT6 versions allows the buyer to choose a minibus in accordance with their needs and capabilities. IN depending on the configuration, the price varies from 1300 to 2 thousand rubles.
- Compared to the previous model, fuel consumption has been noticeably reduced. With a power comparable to the VT5, it has become less by 2.5 liters (per 100 km) in urban conditions and by 4 liters when driving on the highway.
Of course, the VT6 also has disadvantages, but there are very few of them:
- body-color plastic inserts on the dashboard do not always look harmonious, especially if the body is quite bright;Blue inserts don't go well with the black Volkswagen T6 panel
- ground clearance decreased and became only 165 mm, which is a significant disadvantage for domestic roads.
Owner reviews Volkswagen Transporter
In connection with the replenishment in the family, we decided to change our Polo to the Transporter. Looking ahead, I will say that we were very pleased with this reliable and comfortable minivan. The transporter is perfect for long trips with the whole family. On a long trip with small children, everyone was happy, everyone was comfortable. Despite our Russian roads, the car does its job perfectly. Suspension is energy intensive. Very comfortable, soft and comfortable seats. Climate control works great. Lots of space to carry things. Handling of the car causes only positive emotions. The six-speed box has proven itself well. Despite the dimensions, the car is felt one hundred percent. Maneuverability is excellent even when fully loaded. The car consumes fuel very economically, and this undoubtedly encourages long journeys.
Good afternoon, today I wanted to talk about the Volkswagen Transporter diesel 102 l / s. Mechanics. The body of 9 seats is an ordinary normal minibus. There are no complaints about the body. Salon panel is conveniently located instruments all can be seen well, everything is in its place. I repeat, 9 places are located quite conveniently, it would not have been better. Noise isolation is of course rather weak, it whistles and the body creaks a little on bumps, but this is easily eliminated by lubricating the hinges and rubber bands of the doors and all the rubbing surfaces with a bucket and the problem is solved. The stove, of course, does not cope in cold weather, but this is also solved by putting an additional one and that's it. There is air conditioning which is important. The engine is located not conveniently for maintenance, but there is no other way to insert it there. Moreover, if not, then you need to install a webasto, otherwise a problem with the plant in the winter will arise and the engine will not strain in cold weather. Horsepower enough in combination with the mechanics. Running tolerable, get out their little problems, but it is eliminated. Moreover, there are a lot of alterations from vans to minibuses, so be careful, because the car is in demand.
Very good car! I drove this Volkswagen for several years, and I never regretted my choice. The van is very nice, roomy, comfortable, and most importantly, the price is not so high. Most of the owner reviews are mostly positive, and I absolutely agree with all of them. I hope to drive this car for a long time. I would recommend this car for those who are engaged in agriculture, cargo transportation. He eats solariums a little about 8 liters. for a hundred.
Video: overviewVolkswagen T6
Thus, Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most popular modern minibuses. Since 1950, the model has been continuously improved. The 6 VT2017 that emerged as a result of this evolution has become a real bestseller for both Western and domestic motorists.
