Following the world premiere of the all new Volkswagen Transporter T6, Volkswagen has announced the UK pricing structure of its famous medium panel van. There are more derivatives offered on the T6 than any previous generation of Transporter, and prices start from £17,745 plus VAT.
The first arrivals are expected to hit Volkswagen Van Centres in September, although the order books were opened earlier this month (July 2015).
Trim levels
Initially, there will be just three trim levels on the Volkswagen Transporter T6; the Startline (£17,745 plus VAT), Trendline (£19,755 plus VAT) and Highline (£21,315 plus VAT), although we don’t think it will be too long before we see the return of the fans’ favourite, the Sportline.
The entry level Startline features a lot as standard; BlueMotion Technology, DAB+ digital radio, 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB connection, and the new Post Collision Braking system, which automatically applies the brakes after a collision, reducing the risk of a secondary impact. There is no bulkhead offered on the Startline.
Trendline models receive new wheel trims, a full-height steel bulkhead (panel van), body-coloured bumpers and rear parking sensors. A Comfort pack consisting of foldable grab handles on A-pillars, additional storage compartments, dimmable cabin lights and additional noise suppression is also fitted as standard.
Top of the range Highline models include a new leather multifunction steering wheel, heated windscreen, automatic driving light control, daytime running lights and 16-inch Clayton alloy wheels (17-inch Richmond alloys on T32 and/or 180PS engine). Highline models also come with front fog lights with cornering function and a Thatcham Category 1-approved alarm as standard.
Engine and Driveline prices
There are five engine and three driveline options on the VW Transporter T6. For roughly £900 extra, the 83bhp output can be increased to 101bhp; while £900 on top of that will get you the 6-speed 138bhp engine. The top of the range twin turbo 178bhp output will cost an extra £2,000 on top of the 138bhp. The 101bhp Euro-6 engine will cost an additional £1,000, while the smooth automatic DSG transmission sets you back £1,500.
Competitors
Prices are on par with the Mercedes-Benz Vito (£17,855 plus VAT), and whereas it’s cheaper than the Vauxhall Vivaro (£19,138 plus VAT), Volkswagen dealers are less likely to offer the big discounts that Vauxhall offer.
There’s no denying that the Volkswagen Transporter is priced to compete with the Mercedes-Benz Vito, as both are seen as the ‘premium offerings’ in the segment. The Vito includes a bulkhead as standard however, in addition to two side loading doors (instead of the one for the Transporter), although the Transporter features Lane Change Assist and the innovative Automatic Post Collision Braking System.
