Generation SIX: world premiere of the new T series'
• Classic Transporter design is even sharper, more precise, higher end
• Better fuel economy – new engines with stop/start function as standard
• Better safety – latest driver assistance systems
• More comfort and convenience – adaptive chassis, electrically adjustable seats and electric tailgate
• More information – new radio-navigation system with integrated online services
• Prices start below level of previous model
Hannover/Amsterdam, 15 April 2015 – Today, the Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles brand presents the sixth generation of the
successful Transporter model series that is produced in Hannover.
Key updated technical features offer better safety, improved comfort
and convenience and greater driving dynamics in combination with
improved fuel economy and lower entry-level prices.
It is the new edition of a hugely successful model: for the T series from
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been the number 1 in Germany for
decades. Its predecessor sold some 2 million units around the world
within eleven years. Across the entire model series' 65 years, the figure is
around 12 million vehicles, which means 65 years of experience with
customers and 65 years of contemporary transport solutions. Each
individual generation led the way in terms of technology, and was
precisely meeting the needs of the market.
Design: the T series is a classic in design. It has therefore been
modernised cautiously, but has become even sharper, more precise and
thus enhanced still further in quality. The lines, beads and edges run
continuously from front to back. The entire body now has the appearance
of being all one piece, as if milled from a solid block. Like its
predecessors, the new T generation, too, thus remains immediately
recognisable. The extremely solid foundation on which all T series models
are based: the commercial vehicle. Subjected every day to the hardest of
tests and developed for professionals. Robust and reliable. Forming the
top of the range, however, is the Multivan. Families and outdoor sports
enthusiasts in particular value its proverbial flexibility. In between comes
the Caravelle as the joining link. Created both for commercial and private
use, this spacious multi-purpose vehicle has also been upgraded once
again and is now for the first time available as a Highline model as well.
Designers and engineers have also covered a broad spectrum inside and
developed high-quality interiors for both versions of the vehicle: highly
practical in the case of the Transporter versions – very bespoke and
refined in the case of the Multivan, satisfying the requirements of its
different customer groups. The arrangement of storage trays and
compartments also depends on the model. Everything here has its place.
Be it a folding ruler, coffee mug, mobile phone or tablet. Form follows
function. In best Bauhaus tradition.
Engines: in the T series a completely new generation of TDI engines is
being launched for the EU6 markets. Internally it answers to the name
'EA288 Nutz'. This engine has been developed specifically for the tough
requirements of a commercial vehicle. Longevity and ruggedness were
thus the top priority. The TDIs available are transversely mounted and
angled forwards by eight degrees. They have a cubic capacity of 1,968
cm3 and deliver 62 kW / 84 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS and
150 kW / 204 PS. The petrol option is likewise a four-cylinder engine with
a displacement of 2.0 litres. It delivers either 110 kW / 150 PS or 150 kW /
204 PS. Across the whole model series, the new engines save a litre of
fuel compared to the previous generation. All Euro-5 and Euro-6 engines
have a stop/start system as standard. Thus, overall fuel consumption
could be reduced by 15% on average.
Comfort and convenience: the new adaptive chassis control, Dynamic
Cruise Control (DCC), for so-called enclosed superstructures works in an
even more bespoke fashion. It enables the vehicle to be adapted to three
driving modes: comfort, normal and sport. In each case, the electrically
adjustable shock absorbers adapt to the chosen style via a preselected
programme. DCC thus makes the already exemplary handling even
better.
The variability of the seating layout makes the back a veritable
playground in terms of reconfiguration. From normal boot to large cargo
space – everything is possible. Opening and closing the tailgate is now
especially easy. Aside from purely manual operation, the first level up
from the basic version provides an automatic closing aid. It enables the
tailgate to be closed with much less effort and has the latch engage in the
lock with a significantly less obtrusive sound. Even easier to operate is
the new, completely electrically operated version. It opens automatically
via the tailgate handle, and it closes by pulling a loop or by pushbutton.
Alternatively, it can be opened by pressing a button on the driver door or
on the remote control integrated within the vehicle key. That makes it
easier, in particular, to close the tailgate, which is about two metres above
the ground when open.
Safety: by means of radar, the 'Front Assist' area monitoring system
(optional for the Transporter, Multivan and Caravelle; standard on the
Multivan Business) recognises critical distances to the vehicle in front and
helps to shorten the stopping distance. In dangerous situations the
system warns the driver visually and audibly, as well as with a slight jolt of
the brake. With adaptive cruise control ('ACC'), a sensor measures the
distance to the vehicle in front and the relative speed. In combination with
the DSG, the ACC system can also slow the vehicle down, for example in
queues or traffic jam situations, to a complete stop. Depending on the
situation, ACC then starts up again automatically after a predefined
period. An integral component of 'Front Assist' and 'ACC' is the City
Emergency Braking function, which provides assistance at low speeds of
under 30 km/h and thereby offers significantly improved safety, especially
in dense city traffic. If the driver fails to see an obstacle, the system
automatically applies the brakes and ensures that the collision-speed is
reduced. In order to minimise the risk related to this scenario, the
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is provided as standard in the
Transporter. Another option is 'Light Assist' that performs automatic,
camera-controlled switching on and off of the main beam. The 'Driver
Alert System', which is standard in vehicles with a multifunction display,
recognises any deviations from normal driving behaviour and
recommends the driver takes a break. During the journey the optionally
available electronic voice enhancement helps drivers to keep their eyes
focussed on what is happening on the road. Without any turning of the
head, the driver's voice can be automatically amplified and played back to
the passengers over the radio system's loudspeakers. For all vehicles
with 4MOTION, Hill Descent Assist is available as an option. By targeted
application of the brakes to individual wheels, which the driver is not able
to do singularly using the foot brake, and by cutting the engine speed, it
ensures a safe, controlled hill descent. During towing operation, electronic
trailer stabilisation also utilises the components of the electronic stability
control system and thus contributes significantly to safety while driving. A
feature recommended in particular for cold, snowy regions is the new
heated windscreen that ensures a clear view.
Infotainment: for safety while driving, all devices are fitted with a
Bluetooth hands-free system. In the case of the 6.33-inch screen,
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is for the first time using a display that
works by means of proximity sensors: as soon as the driver or front-seat
passenger moves their hand close to the touchscreen, the system
automatically switches from display mode to input mode. The displays
also have a function that lets users use wiping motions to scroll through
lists or browse CD covers of their own media library that could be stored
on an SD card, for example. Depending on the range of features, there is
also the 'Comfort' mobile phone interface. It provides an inductive link to
the vehicle's mobile phone antenna, an auxiliary USB port and an
ergonomic storage compartment for the mobile phone. Over recent years,
use of the internet on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet
PCs has grown significantly. This resulted in growing demand for instant
information everywhere. Following this trend, the 'Discover Media' and
'Discover Media Plus' navigation systems are equipped with Car-Net's
Guide & Inform services.
Generation SIX: exclusively at market launch, Volkswagen Commercial
Vehicles is offering the 'Generation SIX' special edition. It is based on the
Multivan Comfortline and is enriched by a number of exclusive features
that upgrade it significantly. Tinted windows, LED headlights and rear
lights, fog lights with cornering light and the chrome package are, for
instance, all included as standard. Also exclusively available as options
are a total of four two-tone paintwork finishes with colour-coordinated
decorative elements on the dash panel, plus 18-inch retro-design 'Disc'
alloy wheels in two different colour patterns. The special edition is
extremely comprehensively equipped with electronic aids. ParkPilot front
and rear, Side Assist with electric folding mirrors, cruise control and
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are included as standard. Also standard is
the Composition Media radio system. In the vehicle's interior, Alcantara
seats in an independent two-tone design, contrasting stitching for the
leather trim of the multifunction steering wheel and gear lever, plus fabric
floor mats with contrasting edging are a feast for the eye. Meanwhile,
heated seats and the Climatronic system ensure comfortable
temperatures.
Prices: Customers will be able to order sixth generation T series vehicles
within the next few days. Prices will be on a par with the previous model
or slightly lower. For a few models, the prices are even considerably
below those for the comparable prior versions. The price list for the
Transporter, for instance, starts at €23,035 (plus value added tax for the
62-kW TDI/Euro5), while entry into the world of the Multivan begins at
€29,952 for the Multivan Conceptline with 62-kW TDI (incl. value added
tax, Euro6). The previous Startline entry-level model is replaced by the
upgraded Trendline trim level at a price of €34,301 (gross).
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Product Communications
Jens Bobsien
Phone: +49(0) 5 11 / 7 98-7410
Email: jens.bobsien@volkswagen.de
www.vwn-presse.de