Our Vans: Volkswagen T6 Transporter 2.0 TSI
12 March 2018: Volkswagen T6 Transporter petrol – the three-month verdict
The Details
| Current mileage | 2189 |
|---|---|
| Claimed economy | 31.0mpg |
| Actual economy | 30.8mpg |
Come in number T6, your time's up. After three months and almost 2200 miles, my long term loan of the Transporter TSI has come to an end and I've been somewhat surprised by my petrol panel van experience.
For starters, petrol vans are great fun to drive. Smooth, quiet and refined, the Transporter TSI feels somewhat alien alongside the traditional diesel van. There’s none of the start-up clatter. No rattling noises when you overtake slow moving traffic. And no fear that a little DPF light is going to illuminate and empty your wallet.
Obviously, being petrol, you don't get as much low gear pull as you would with a diesel. Compared to the 2.0 TDI 150, the petrol TSI produces 60Nm less torque, which does result in some wheezy performance when dragging a one-tonne payload around. That said, the TSI engine is more than up to the task, although it does have a habit of producing one or two vibrations through the steering wheel when hauling particularly heavy loads at low-revs.
Running costs for a petrol van are obviously higher, but it's important to note that this van is designed for repeated short runs from cold - something that will cause a DPF to clog up and fall flat on its face. As result it will prove better value for city-based builders and delivery drivers, with the petrol engine being DPF-free and exempt from any pollution charges.
The Transporter TSI petrol is a rewarding van to drive, while refinement levels are on par with any of Volkswagen’s large family cars.
During its three month stint with Honest John Vans, the Transporter returned roughly 20 - 25mpg in town - with a full load - and close to 30mpg on the motorway when half-full. The optional Discover Media navigation system is great for getting around towns and cities, with clear and concise directions, but I'm unsure how many van operators will want to spend £1080 for a factory-fit sat nav.
The heated driver and passenger seat (£255 extra) is well worth the extra spend, in my opinion. Indeed, on a frosty morning, there's nothing better than enjoying the warm embrace of the Transporter's heated seats as you wait for the electric heated windscreen to do its stuff and clear the ice. The front-wheel drive layout also provides lots of grip on wintery roads and hills too.
On the downside, while the three-seater cabin is large and comfortable, its lack of hooks for coats or shopping bags can make it a little impractical. Wet jackets, for example, will slide onto the floor and shopping bags will send their contents rattling around the cabin whenever you tackle a moderate bend in the road. A useful hook - like you get on the Transit Custom - would have been nice.
However, minor moans aside, my petrol van experience has been extremely positive. The T6 TSI is a great van and extremely accomplished. Easy to drive, capable of carrying one-tonne payloads and DPF-free, it'll make a lot of sense for those who don't cover the sort of distances required for a modern diesel van.
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