New Volkswagen T6 Transporter revealed

Volkswagen has unveiled the sixth-generation Transporter. The T6 van will reach the UK in the autumn and get updated exterior styling, new engines and improved safety kit. Pricing is still to be confirmed, but expect the new Transporter to start at around £19,000 when it reaches showrooms in September. 

The T6 Transporter is essentially a heavily revised version of the existing T5 van, using the same platform and body. As a result, load areas should be unchanged, with maximum payloads ranging from 729kg and 1333kg. The same should also be true for maximum payload volumes, spanning from 5.9m3 to 9.3m3.

The Transporter does get an improved range of diesel engines though, offering a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the old powertrains. The new 2.0-litre line-up includes an all-new Euro 6 diesel, with 102PS fed through a five-speed manual gearbox. 

The Euro 5 range - 84PS, 102PS, 140PS and 180PS - has also been revised, with improved economy and torque; however, Volkswagen hasn't revealed any official figures, other than statting that a 15 per cent improvement in economy will available across the board. 

The cabin also gets a refresh, with new seating materials and trim. The driver will get car-like assistance and safety systems, with adaptive cruise control, automatic city braking and post-collision braking. A driver monitoring system will also be fitted as standard, with audio and visual signals triggered when the driver's behaviour indicates fatigue. 

The exterior of the van been brought into line with the rest of the Volkswagen range, with large LED signature headlights, new grille and lowered engine cooling vents. As with the T5 Transporter, the T6 will be offered in two lengths, with the choice of standard or high roofs.