Like me, there must be many thousands of South Africans who have fond memories of the old Kombi models and the fun we had in them on family holidays, camping trips, pop festivals in Hyde Park and surfing jaunts (even though it meant puffing up Sir Lowry's Pass in first gear in some of the older camper versions when fully loaded and the south-easter gusting).
Such has been the popularity of the VW wagons that more than 12-million of them have been sold since the first model rolled off the production line about 50 years ago (and the previous T5 model sold about 23,400 units in this country).
Like the T5 range, the new T6 caters for a wide market with 21 models to choose from with a choice of different engines, varying equipment levels, five- or six-speed manual transmissions or a seven-speed DSG transmission and also the choice of short or long wheelbase.
The Transporter is available in Panel Van, Pick-Up (single or double cab) and Crew Bus. All versions without side windows are fitted as standard with a sliding door along the passenger side.
The Kombi is offered in two equipment lines, Trendline and Comfortline, and for the first time the Caravelle will also be available in two specifications, Comfortline and Highline.
The T6 is an all-diesel lineup. The engine range remains unchanged from the previous model, with the lineup comprising of 2.0 TDI and 2.0 BiTDI engines with the power outputs ranging from 75kW to 132kW.
The Transporter Pick-Up and Panel Van are offered with the 75kW and 132kW engines. The Transporter Crew Bus is available with an option of 75kW, 103kW or 132kW units. The Kombi can be powered with either 75kW or 103kW engine, while the Caravelle is offered with a single 132kW engine.
The 75kW engine is mated to a five-speed manual, while 103kW can be coupled to either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG auto. The Caravelle is only available with DSG transmission. The T-Series is also sold with Volkswagen's 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
VW has done good work on maximising the interior spaces, particularly of the family-aimed Kombi and Caravelle where the cabins have been smartened up and equipped with fancy kit, although the main emphasis remains on space, versatility, comfort, ride quality, environmental friendliness and overall looks - all with opposition such as the Hyundai H1 and Mercedes-Benz V-Class in its sights.
At the media introduction in the Eastern Cape, I spent most of the time at the helm of the luxurious Caravelle fitted with the 132kW/400Nm 2.0-litre BiTDI engine. Being the flagship 4Motion, fitted with DSG transmission, it wears a price tag of R840,800.
Although this is on the steep side, it is good value for money with generous seating for seven large occupants and a fair load of luggage. It is also the sharpest looker of the T6 range and I particularly like its eye-catching LED headlights.
The Living quarters look and feel classy with top-quality finishings, including an attractive piano black dashboard, nappa leather seats (powered for the front seats), auto sliding doors and even a fold-out table if the second and third row of passengers feel like a game of cards or having a few drinks and a bite. It also comes with Bluetooth and touch screen audio and navigation system (optional on some other models).
The smart Caravelle has a surprisingly smooth car-like ride and is steady on its rubber, even in gusting wind and rainy conditions. Although it is the last kind of vehicle you want to thrash and throw around corners it is briskly off the mark and confident through the twisties, even at fairly high nick. On the launch drive, I pushed it briefly into big fine territory but it remained relaxed and solid. The excellent cabin insulation was also instantly noticeable.
If this was the type of vehicle I would ever be interested in, this version would seriously top my shopping list, even ahead of the Merc and the Korean.
In addition to smart finishes and clever technology, VW also focused heavily on improved safety. Over and above the standard features such as stability control, airbags and ABS brakes across the range, all derivatives have the Multi-Collision braking system that brakes automatically in accidents to reduce the severity of impact.
The Caravelle I drove (as well as all the Kombi models) has a Fatique Detection system which visually and audibly nags a tired driver to take a break.
The already extensive T6 range will be joined by a California Beach campervan version some time in 2016.
The new T6 range of models and prices, inclusive of warranties, service plans (and even CD slots to play your old Beach Boys and David Kramer albums!) are:
Transporter Pick-Up (with a two-year or unlimited km manufacturer warranty and three-year or 60,000km Automotion Maintenance Plan)
Transporter Panel Van
Transporter Crew Bus
Kombi (Kombi, Caravelle models are sold with a three-year or 120,000km manufacturer warranty and five-year or 60,000km Automotion Maintenance Plan):
Caravelle
