The "Volksiebus" has come a long way from my earliest memories of it. While my family never bought into it, I have fond memories of my uncle's Microbus, parked at an airfield as I hung out with my cousins. Many years later (I won't give my age away that quickly) and 71-years after the launch of the Type 2 (T1), I climbed behind the wheel of the updated Volkswagen Transporter Crew Bus, wondering how such a vehicle would slot into my lifestyle.
Related: Volkswagen Kombi T6.1 (2021) First Drive Impressions
The T6, which has been around since 2016, was recently treated to an update, the last hurrah before it gets replaced with the T7, which we expect to see as soon as 2022. This update sees the new Transporter ranged dubbed the T6.1 and it's more than just a facelift, VW has addressed a few mechanicals and updated the tech in the process. The range spans the commercially biased Transporter in both Pick-Up, Panel Van, and Crew Bus formats, as well as the passenger line of Kombi, Caravelle, and California. Our test model was a simple, Candy White Kombi in 2.0TDI Trendline trim - a practical combination of convenience and practicality.
Styling
The exterior changes to the T6.1 are significant, at the front at least. The Kombi steps things up from the Crew Bus but including colour-coded bumpers as standard, but everything below the bonnet line is new. That includes headlights, grille, bumper and air dams.
Our test model was equipped with regular Halogen headlights, but LED units with LED DRLs are an optional extra that one can spring for if desired. These new headlight elements are tied into the new grille by a twin-spar chrome beading that runs the width of the nose of the Kombi. The larger grille dives down in a V-shape into the lower section of the front bumper.
This lower section has been redesigned and now mimics the same trapezoidal design of other VW SUVs and Double Cabs. The Kombi is without fog lamps, leaving these side pods looking large and imposing. The look is classy but still manages to carry an air of youthful adventure in it.
Small touches to the rear, in the form of new combination lamps - incandescent bulbs in the Kombi Trendline and LED in higher-grade models - help lift the overall appearance but one would be hard-pressed to tell a T6 apart from a T6.1 while following it. In addition to this, several new colours with new bi-tone colour combinations and six new wheel designs complete the styling portfolio.
Interior & Space
There's no shortage of space inside the Kombi and I started to understand the appeal the longer I drove it. The Kombi has seating for 9, more than I would ever plan on carrying, but for those with larger families or even those with tighter knit families that enjoy adventures together, the space is welcomed. I was particularly fond of the rubberised floor liming that meant that I didn't have to worry about dirty paws or feet on the carpet.
Sliding doors on either side - speaking volumes about the inherent strength of the structure - make ingress and egress a breeze, even for those with short, furry legs. The modular seating also means that the Kombi can double as a haulier for larger items.
Luggage becomes a small concern though as the ratio of passengers to cargo space means that you can either cart 9 people with minimal luggage, or rearrange the seats to carry 7 people and all their luggage. Loading this luggage is simple enough though as the tailgate opens high and wide with a low sill.
Additional storage space has been created upfront and the door bins remain large with generous openings. An extra shelf on the driver's side allows for small items to be placed within reach and a smartphone slot is available as an option that includes inductive charging, but our model had a simple cupholder, which sort of does the same thing really.
Comfort & Convenience
As standard, a cloth trim adorns the seats and combined with the practical rubberised flooring creates a practical environment. I was rather taken with the comfort of the seats. While the seating position is rather commanding and upright, it sees your spine aligned a lot better, ideal for longer journeys. I soon came to appreciate this aspect and it was compounded by the flip-down armrests that created such a comfortable driving position on the highway.
The ride itself was compliant as well. It's no luxury SUV but the 17-inch wheel and tyre combination managed to eat up most of the secondary ride concerns while the suspension remained compliant and taught enough for the Kombi to feel stable at virtually any speed.
Kombi models are fitted with the Entry Radio with a 6.5-inch touch screen. This unit features MirrorLink but doesn't allow for dedicated Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Bluetooth connections are the order of the day and are controlled easy enough with the multifunction steering wheel.
Performance
110 kW may not seem enough for a vehicle of this size, yet I was pleasantly surprised with the torque delivery of the 2.0 TDI engine. The peak torque of 340 Nm is delivered early at 1 500 RPM and carries through to 3 000 RPM nicely before the 7-speed DSG gearbox selects another gear and places you back in the same torque band. VW claims a sprint time of 10.2-seconds from 0 to 100 km/h but that's trivial in a vehicle of this nature.
Overall, the engine and gearbox combination work well together, delivering adequate power when needed and sliding quietly into the background when not needed. This helps eliminate the fatigue one can sometimes feel when taking a diesel on a long trip across the country.
One of the updates to the T6.1 was the switch to electromechanical Servotronic steering. This switch alleviates some of the strains on both the engine and driver. This results in lower fuel consumption figures and opens up a raft of driver assistance systems and variable steering feel options.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption in a bus is a critical concern. There's no point in buying a long-distance cruiser when it drinks fuel like the Space Shuttle. VW claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100 km and in our time with the Kombi, it returned numbers that were slightly higher, as is to be expected.
Safety
The new Servotronic steering allows for the T6.1 to be fitted with several new safety systems that include Lane Assist and Trailer Sway Control, but these systems are reserved for Caravelle and California spec models. The Kombi does however get ABS with EBD, ESC and ESP with Crosswind Assist that helps stabilize the Kombi at speeds over 80 km/h.
Hill Start Assist, PDC and a Tyre Pressure Monitor further help safeguard your family while the Kombi has a total of 2 airbags as standard but can be specified to include curtain airbags, bringing that number up to 6.
Price
While there have been a number of updates to the T6 range, many of them are optional extras or limited to fitment on the two higher tiers, namely Caravelle and California. This passes on some savings to those who are comfortable with the spec inside the Kombi and need something that will be hardwearing and versatile.
The Volkswagen Transporter 2.0TDI 110kW Kombi SWB Trendline retails for R758 100 and comes with a 3-year / 120 000 km warranty and 5-year / 60 000 km Maintenance Plan.
Competitors
There's a fair amount of MPVs for one to choose from locally, these range from the Hyundai H1 to the Toyota Quantum, the Ford Tourneo Custom as well as the Mercedes-Benz Vito. We also can't forget about the KIA Grand Sedona that does it in a rather elegant manner. All have similar price tags and their specifications are similar.
Verdict
The T6.1 is a step in the right direction. Not only is the T-Series now more attractive, but it's also safer and easier to live with. It's a great long-distance machine and eats up miles like few others out there. I personally have no need for a vehicle with these features, but that didn't stop me from enjoying my time with it. It stirred the mind and got me thinking of all the places that would now be accessible for me and the extended family. If that's already a seed planted in your head, then the Kombi will tick just about all the boxes you need.
