The new Transporter and Caravelle: even more efficient

The new Transporter and Caravelle replace the T6.1 generation, which will be produced until 2024 piese auto online.

The new Transporter and Caravelle: even more efficient

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers the new Transporter in the Kasten variant in numerous versions and modifications, such as the Kombi for the combined transport of larger professional teams and work equipment, in a version with a double cab and a flatbed body, as well as with the option of choosing between two wheelbases and two roof heights depending on the specific version. Alongside the Transporter, its passenger sibling, the Caravelle, is also coming for professionals in passenger transport. The range of applications of the Caravelle covers the entire range from the spacious and comfortable versions for taxi services with 8 or 9 seats to the exclusive versions for VIP shuttle transport. The new Caravelle also offers a choice of two wheelbases.

The overall length of the basic versions of the new Transporter and Caravelle is 5050 mm, which is an increase of 146 mm compared to the T6.1. The so-called “short wheelbase” has grown by 97 mm in length to 3100 mm, and the additionally available “long wheelbase” now amounts to 3500 mm. The overall body length of these variants of the new Transporter and Caravelle is 5450 mm respectively. The on-board version of the Transporter with standard double cab is only available with a long wheelbase. All versions in the new model range have an external width of 2032 mm (excluding mirrors), which is an increase of 128 mm compared to their predecessors, providing more space in the interior. The standard body height is 1984 mm, and in the Kasten versions with a high roof it is just under 2.5 m.

The maximum internal width between the wheel arches has increased by 148 mm and now reaches 1,392 mm. At the same time, the total length of the luggage compartment floor of the new Transporter with a short wheelbase is now 2,602 mm, which corresponds to an increase of 61 mm compared to its predecessor. In the versions with an extended wheelbase, the length of the load compartment floor increases accordingly to 3,002 mm. Thanks to the significant increase in length and width, the specialists at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have been able to significantly increase the loading volume of the new generation and the maximum loading capacity of the Kasten versions with a normal wheelbase and normal roof now amounts to 5.8 m3 (5.5 m3 for the T6.1), while the versions with a long wheelbase and high roof can accommodate loads with a total volume of up to 9.0 m3. In addition, three instead of the previous two Euro pallets can now be transported in the extended versions of the Kasten. The on-board version of the Transporter with a double cab is currently the only offering with an open cargo platform and a double cab in the market segment of light commercial vehicles with a total permissible weight of up to 3.2 tons. The internal dimensions of the cargo platform are respectively 2169 mm long and 1945 mm wide.

Previous T6.1 owners know and appreciate amenities such as the high seating position, the wide door panels with easily accessible integrated window control panels at the top, and the comfortable, high position of the gear lever on manual transmission versions. Ergonomic seats for the driver and front passenger are also part of the equipment, which is highly appreciated by anyone who travels frequently and over long distances. In this area, the range covers everything from the standard seat with 4 types of adjustment in the basic versions to the optional individual AGR seats with 8 types (6 types for the front passenger) electric adjustments and 4 levels of lumbar support adjustment.

When developing the new generation, VW took effective measures to significantly expand the standard equipment compared to its predecessors, the Transporter and Caravelle. This is already evident in the basic version of the Transporter, where the equipment invariably includes front and rear LED lights with Light Assist automatic high beam control, an electronically controlled parking brake with Auto-Hold function, a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster with fully digital displays, an infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, a DAB+ digital radio receiver, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and mobile online services, a multifunction steering wheel, a Keyless Start system, a rain sensor, a Lane Assist lane departure warning system, a Front Assist emergency braking system and a traffic sign recognition function.

The new Transporter and Caravelle are able to offer a completely new range of drive units and systems, which currently includes eight drive variants. For the first time, this model series is available with a completely new electric drive in the form of the e-Transporter and e-Caravelle, alongside the extremely important range of TDI turbodiesel engines for the market. The Transporter and Caravelle will also debut on the market with a new plug-in hybrid drive system eHybrid. The drive technology of the new model generation is based on three newly developed 2-liter 4-cylinder TDI engines, which provide maximum power of 110, 150 and 170 hp respectively. The TDI engines with an output of up to 150 hp are available as standard in combination with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the 170 hp TDI version is invariably combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is available as an optional extra for the 150 hp TDI model. TDI versions with a maximum output of 150 hp and above can also be ordered with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The plug-in hybrid drive system eHybrid in combination with the continuously variable automatic CVT transmission provides a system output of 232 hp. The version of the Transporter with a fully electric drive e-Transporter is available in four power levels – 115, 136, 218 and 286 hp, while the electric e-Caravelle can be ordered in versions with a power of 136 “horses” and above. The net capacity of the batteries of the electric versions reaches 64 kWh, and their standard equipment includes rear-wheel drive. As an additional option for ordering with e-Caravelle and e-Transporter, a two-wheel drive system will also be available.

Conclusion

With the new generation of Volkswagen's legendary Bulli, customers get more choice than ever and overall a great, well-made car.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers the new Transporter in the Kasten variant in numerous versions and modifications, such as the Kombi for the combined transport of larger professional teams and work equipment, in a version with a double cab and a flatbed body, as well as with the option of choosing between two wheelbases and two roof heights depending on the specific version

The overall length of the basic versions of the new Transporter and Caravelle is 5050 mm, which is an increase of 146 mm compared to the T6