The Volkswagen T-Series range gets a facelift
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles T-Series has officially gotten a refreshing facelift. The new T-Series range has also gotten a new name and will now be called the T6.1. This new Facelifted T-Series range will still include all the favorites such as the Pick Up (Single and Double Cab), Panel Van, Crew Bus, Caravelle, Kombi, and California.
The biggest question on everyone’s mind however would be - what would be different about this new range. Well on the exterior there are some noticeable changes in the front end, as we have a larger and more modern grille that is accompanied by a new bumper. It also includes newly redesigned headlights and two chrome-plated crossbars that are linked to the radiator grille. To top this off, there are six newly designed wheels, six new exterior colours, and seven newly combined two-tone options to choose from.
The interior includes a larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit, which comes standard in the Caravelle Highline and California. There is also a high-contrast display that features crystal clear graphics and allows the driver to choose between the different screen configurations via the ‘View’ button, which is located on the newly redesigned multifunctional steering wheel. All T6.1 models come standard with a Composition Colour radio system, while the Caravelle and California come standard with the Discover Pro Media system with navigation, and an optional feature on the Kombi Trendline Plus. The T6.1 models will also be introducing electro-mechanical power steering for the first time, giving drivers access to numerous new driver assistance systems. Another exciting new feature on the T6.1 range is the rear view reversing camera which will now be available as a standard or optional choice.
The T6.1 range will be launched with three, 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine options, with outputs ranging from 81kW and 146kW. The first option of the 2.0-litre TDI will produce a power output of 81KW and a maximum torque of 250 Nm and will be fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The second option of the 2.0-litre TDI will produce a power output of 110kW with a maximum torque of 340 Nm, it comes fitted a 7-speed gearbox. The third and last option, which is arguably the more exciting option is the 2.0-litre BiTDI, which is powered by a twin-turbo that delivers an impressive 146kW with a maximum torque of 450 Nm, it also comes standard with a 7-speed DSG®.
All Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles such as the Pick Up, Panel Van, and Crew Bus range comes standard with a 3-year/60 000km Easy Drive Service Plan and a 2-year/unlimited km manufacturer warranty. The Kombi, Caravelle, and California range comes standard with a 5-year/ 60 000km maintenance plan and as well as a 3-year/ 120 000km manufacturer warranty. The entire T6.1 range comes standard with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty with the service interval being 15 000km.
Pricing of Volkswagen T6.1 range
T6.1 Pick Up
Single Cab 2.0 TDI 81kW LWBR412 800
Single Cab 2.0 TDI 110kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWBR466 100
Double Cab 2.0 TDI 81kW LWBR485 300
Double Cab 2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWBR590 800
T6.1 Panel Van
2.0 TDI 81kW LWBR530 600
2.0 TDI 110kW DSG® LWBR568 700
T6.1 Crew Bus
2.0 TDI 81kW LWB (10-seater)R612 000
2.0 TDI 110kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB (5-seater)R639 000
2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® (5-seater)R710 500
2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® LWB (8-seater)R752 700
T6.1 Kombi
2.0 TDI 81kW TrendlineR697 700
2.0 TDI 110kW DSG® TrendlineR726 000
2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG® Trendline PlusR871 800
T6.1 Caravelle
Highline 2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG®R1 149 400
T6.1 California
California Coast 2.0 BiTDI 146kW 4MOTION® DSG®R1 196 500
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What is the Volkswagen T6.1 and how is it different from the previous T-Series?
The Volkswagen T6.1 is the facelifted version of the T-Series commercial vehicle range, featuring a larger modern grille, redesigned headlights, new bumper, chrome crossbars, six new wheel designs, six fresh exterior colours, and seven two-tone paint combinations. Inside, you get a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, electro-mechanical power steering, and upgraded infotainment systems depending on the variant.
Q: What models are available in the Volkswagen T6.1 range?
The T6.1 range includes the Pick Up in Single and Double Cab configurations, Panel Van, Crew Bus, Caravelle, Kombi, and California models, covering everything from basic commercial transport to luxury passenger and camping variants.
Q: What infotainment systems come with the Volkswagen T6.1?
All T6.1 models come standard with the Composition Colour radio system, while the Caravelle and California get the premium Discover Pro Media system with navigation as standard equipment, and it's optional on the Kombi Trendline Plus.
Q: Does the Volkswagen T6.1 have digital instruments?
Yes, the T6.1 features a 10.25-inch digital cockpit that comes standard in the Caravelle Highline and California variants, offering crystal clear graphics and different screen configurations accessible via the View button on the redesigned steering wheel.
Should You Buy It?
The Volkswagen T6.1 range represents solid value in South Africa's commercial vehicle market, with pricing typically starting around R650,000 for basic Panel Van variants and climbing to over R1,200,000 for fully loaded California models. If you need a versatile commercial vehicle that doubles as family transport, the T6.1 Kombi or Caravelle variants offer excellent build quality, decent fuel economy, and strong resale values that make them worth considering. However, if you're purely after the cheapest commercial transport, rivals like the Nissan NV200 or Isuzu N-Series offer better bang for buck. The T6.1 is best for buyers who want German engineering, premium features, and don't mind paying extra for the VW badge and superior interior comfort.
