Hardworking and reliable Volkswagen Transporter
Content
The Volkswagen Transporter owes its birth to the Dutchman Ben Pon, who had an intuition that a car specializing in the transportation of small loads or a group of passengers could be very appropriate for post-war Europe. Ben Pon presented his ideas, backed up by preliminary engineering calculations, to Volkswagen CEO Heinrich Nordhof, and already at the end of 1949, it was announced that work had begun on the production of a fundamentally new car at that time - the Volkswagen Transporter. The authors strongly emphasized the uniqueness of their new model, which consisted in the fact that the cargo compartment of the car was located strictly between the axles, that is, the load on the bridges was always a constant value, regardless of the degree of vehicle load. Already in 1950, the first serial T1, which were called Kleinbus at that time, found their owners.
Specifications Volkswagen Transporter
During its existence (and this is neither more nor less, almost 70 years), the Volkswagen Transporter has gone through six generations, and by 2018 it is available in trim levels with four main body types:
- kastenwagen - an all-metal van;
- kombi - passenger van;
- fahrgestell - two-door or four-door chassis;
- ritschenwagen - pickup.
A car with the T6 index was presented to the general public in 2015 in Amsterdam. Volkswagen has not changed its tradition of not making any revolutionary changes to the exterior of the next generation: the body geometry is formed by straight lines, most of the structural details are regular rectangles, and yet the car looks quite stylish and solid. The designers have maintained the corporate style of Volkswagen, complementing the appearance of the Transporter with laconic chrome elements, expressive lighting fixtures, proportions thought out to the smallest detail. Visibility has been slightly improved, wheel arches have been enlarged, external mirrors have been modified. In the rear, attention is drawn to a large rectangular glass, vertical headlights, a powerful bumper decorated with a shiny molding.
Interior and exterior of VW Transporter
The multipurpose VW Transporter T6 Kombi has two wheelbases and three roof heights. The interior of the T6 can be characterized as highly ergonomic and functional, in the corporate style of Volkswagen.. The three-spoke steering wheel covers a clear and concise instrument panel, equipped with a 6,33-inch display. In addition to appliances, the panel contains many compartments and niches for all sorts of small things. The salon is spacious, the quality of finishing materials is higher than that of its predecessors.
The basic modification of the minibus provides accommodation for 9 passengers, the extended version can be supplemented with two more seats. If necessary, the seats can be dismantled, resulting in an increase in the cargo volume of the car. The tailgate is equipped with a closer and can be made in the form of a lifting cover or hinged doors. A side sliding door is provided for boarding passengers. The gear lever has changed its location and is now attached to the bottom of the console.
Among the options that the basic version of the car is equipped with:
- glazing thermal protection system;
- rubberized floor;
- interior heating using rear heat exchangers;
- headlights with halogen lamps;
- power steering;
- ESP - exchange rate stability system;
- ABS - anti-lock braking system;
- ASR - anti-slip system;
- third brake light;
- repeaters of turns;
- Air Bag - an airbag in the driver's seat.
Having paid, you can additionally order:
- full climate control;
- Cruise control;
- Park assist;
- immobilizer;
- navigation system;
- self-adjusting headlights;
- auto-brake system in a collision;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- heated front seats;
- electrically adjustable outside mirrors;
- driver fatigue monitoring system.
I bought myself a Volkswagen Transporter a year ago and was pleased with this durable family minivan. Before that, I had Polo, but there was a replenishment in the family (the second son was born). We decided it was time to upgrade our vehicle towards a comfortable and thoughtful solution for long-term family trips. My wife and I took it in the configuration 2.0 TDI 4Motion L2 on diesel fuel. Even considering the complexity of the situation on the roads of Russia, I was satisfied with driving. Comfortable seats, climate control system, a large amount of storage (went on a trip for 3 weeks with children) definitely pleased. As a result, I rode with pleasure, driving such a car with a 6-speed gearbox leaves only pleasant impressions, I was pleased with the function of controlling all car systems: you feel the car at 100%, despite its dimensions and workload. At the same time, the transporter does not burn a lot of fuel, which makes it possible to make long-distance trips regular.
Dimensions VW Transporter
If about the VW Transporter Kombi model, then there are several design options for this car, depending on the wheelbase size and roof height. The wheelbase can be small (3000 mm) and large (3400 mm), the roof height is standard, medium and large. Combining these combinations of dimensions, you can choose the most appropriate option for yourself. The total length of the Volkswagen Transporter can be from 4904 mm to 5304 mm, width - from 1904 mm to 2297 mm, height - from 1990 mm to 2477 mm.
The boot volume of the standard Kombi can be increased to 9,3 m3 by removing the unused seats. The cargo-passenger version of the Kombi / Doka provides 6 passenger seats and a luggage compartment with a volume of 3,5 to 4,4 m3. The fuel tank holds 80 liters. Car carrying capacity is in the range of 800-1400 kg.
Power unit
In 2018, the VW Transporter will be equipped with one of three diesel or two petrol engines. All engines are two-liter diesel engines with power of 102, 140 and 180 hp. with., gasoline - 150 and 204 liters. With. The fuel supply system in diesel units is direct injection, in gasoline engines an injector and distributed fuel injection are provided. Gasoline grade - A95. The average fuel consumption of the base modification 2,0MT is 6,7 liters per 100 km.
Table: technical characteristics of various modifications of VW Transporter
| Characterization | 2,0MT diesel | 2,0AMT diesel | 2,0AMT diesel 4x4 | 2,0MT petrol | 2,0AMT petrol |
| Engine volume, l | 2,0 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 2,0 |
| Engine power, l with. | 102 | 140 | 180 | 150 | 204 |
| Torque, Nm / rev. in min | 250/2500 | 340/2500 | 400/2000 | 280/3750 | 350/4000 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder arrangement | inline | inline | inline | inline | inline |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| PPC | 5MKPP | 7AKPP | 7-speed robot | 6MKPP | 7-speed robot |
| Drive unit | front | front | full | front | front |
| Rear brakes | disk | disk | disk | disk | disk |
| Front brakes | disc ventilated | disc ventilated | disc ventilated | disc ventilated | disc ventilated |
| Rear suspension | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring |
| Front suspension | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring |
| Maximum speed km / h | 157 | 166 | 188 | 174 | 194 |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h, seconds | 15,5 | 13,1 | 10,8 | 11,6 | 8,8 |
| Fuel consumption, l per 100 km (city / highway / mixed mode) | 8,3/5,8/6,7 | 10,2/6,7/8,0 | 10,9/7,3/8,6 | 12,8/7,8/9,6 | 13,2/7,8/9,8 |
| CO2 emissions, g / km | 176 | 211 | 226 | 224 | 228 |
| Length m | 4,904 | 4,904 | 4,904 | 4,904 | 4,904 |
| Width, m | 1,904 | 1,904 | 1,904 | 1,904 | 1,904 |
| Height, m | 1,99 | 1,99 | 1,99 | 1,99 | 1,99 |
| Wheelbase, m | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Clearance, cm | 20,1 | 20,1 | 20,1 | 20,1 | 20,1 |
| Wheel size | 205/65/R16 215/65/R16 215/60/R17 235/55/R17 255/45/R18 | 205/65/R16 215/65/R16 215/60/R17 235/55/R17 255/45/R18 | 205/65/R16 215/65/R16 215/60/R17 235/55/R17 255/45/R18 | 205/65/R16 215/65/R16 215/60/R17 235/55/R17 255/45/R18 | 205/65/R16 215/65/R16 215/60/R17 235/55/R17 255/45/R18 |
| Tank volume, l | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Curb weight, t | 1,976 | 1,976 | 2,026 | 1,956 | 1,956 |
| Full weight, t | 2,8 | 2,8 | 2,8 | 2,8 | 2,8 |
I bought this car a year and a half ago and I can say that it is a super car. Her suspension is soft, driving is almost impossible to get tired. The car handles well, maneuverable on the roads, despite its size. The Volkswagen Transporter is the best-selling vehicle in its class. Reliability, beauty and convenience — all at the highest level. It is necessary to say about the important advantage of a minibus on the roads: now no one will blind your view on the road at night. Every driver knows that the safety of passengers and their own is above all.
Video: what attracts the Volkswagen T6 Transporter
Трансмиссия
Volkswagen transmission The Transporter can be a five-speed manual, a six-speed automatic or a 7-position DSG robot. It should be noted that a robotic gearbox is a rather rare occurrence for cargo or passenger vans. Nevertheless, in the Transporter, according to the owners, DSG works reliably, without interruptions, providing maximum fuel economy, as well as providing a sport mode, which is exotic for this class of cars, and over-throttle when reset. The designers finally managed to overcome the "jump" of the operation of such a box at low speeds in urban conditions: switching is carried out smoothly, without jerks. And yet, for most minibus owners, the absence of a gear lever is still unusual, and a manual transmission is more popular in this vehicle segment.
The drive can be front or full. In the second case, the rear axle is engaged using a Haldex clutch installed in front of the rear axle. The fact that the car is four-wheel drive is indicated by the “4Motion” nameplate installed on the radiator grill.
Chassis
The front and rear suspensions of the Volkswagen Transporter are independent spring. The front suspension is McPherson, the rear is an insulated side joint. Rear brakes - disc, front - ventilated disc, preventing overheating of the brake mechanism.
Now it's even hard to remember how often I change the pads. Rear changed in September (3 years approximately departed), changed front two years ago (still 3-4mm left). I think the sensor will light up soon. Average annual mileage - 50-55 thousand. Driving style: on the highway - neat and fast (90-100 km / h), in the city - neat (his brother calls him a turtle).
Gasoline or diesel
If, when buying a Volkswagen Transporter, there is a problem of choosing between a car with a diesel and a gasoline engine, it should be borne in mind that the fundamental difference between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine is the way of igniting the combustible mixture. If in gasoline fuel vapors mixed with air ignite from a spark created by a spark plug, then in a diesel engine, spontaneous combustion occurs under the action of compressed air heated to a high temperature.
It is generally accepted that a diesel engine is more durable, but cars with such engines are usually more expensive than gasoline versions, all other things being equal. At the same time, among the advantages of a diesel engine, it should be mentioned:
- its efficiency - fuel consumption, as a rule, is 10-15% lower than in gasoline engines;
- higher reliability due to the absence of an ignition system;
- environmental friendliness - the level of CO2 emissions is lower than in gasoline engines.
Diesel, as a rule, is more "traction", but also more noisy. Among its disadvantages:
- increased "sensitivity" to low-quality fuel - repairs in this case can be quite expensive;
- more expensive maintenance;
- problems with starting in frosty weather.
Despite the fact that more and more diesel cars are being produced all over the world, in Russia such cars are still noticeably inferior in popularity to gasoline vehicles.
Prices for new VW Transporter and used cars
In 2018, the cost of VW Transporter on the primary market, depending on the configuration, ranges from 1 million 700 thousand rubles to 3 million 100 thousand rubles. The price of the Used Transporter depends on the year of manufacture and can be:
- 1 million 200 thousand - a car produced in 2015;
- 950 thousand-1 million rubles - 2010-2012 year of issue;
- 500 thousand - 2003-2005 year of release.
T5 2003 mileage 250000, for all the time I changed the hodovka, candles and washer pump once, I will not speak for MOT.
You don't get tired while driving, you don't feel the speed, you go and relax behind the wheel. Pluses: great car, economical - 7 liters on the highway, 11 liters in winter. Disadvantages: expensive spare parts, a BOSCH heater, in winter only on winter diesel fuel, or if you fill it in, it locks, you go to the computer, you can't do it yourself.
Video: first impressions of the Volkswagen T6
Volkswagen Transporter has long earned a reputation as a car that is ideal for small businesses, passenger transportation, small cargo delivery, etc. Volkswagen Transporter's closest competitors are Mercedes Vito, Hyundai Starex, Renault Trafic, Peugeot Boxer, Ford Transit, Nissan Serena. VW Transporter cannot but attract with its economy, reliability, unpretentiousness, ease of use. With the release of each new generation of Transporter, designers and designers take into account current trends in automotive fashion and strictly follow the corporate Volkswagen style, which provides for a minimum of external effects and a maximum of practicality and functionality.
