Review: VW Transporter Kombi 6.1 remains a comfortable people-mover

VW Kombi Transporter | Image by Naresh Maharaj

The latest offering from VW Commercial has really been revamped and revitalised to make it simpler, better and more comfortable. I have vivid memories of the Kombi during my childhood. My dad owned one and the one thing I remember was loading everyone including the kitchen zinc and headed off to either visit family or to the beach.

70 years an icon

There is no doubt that almost everybody has had some kind of interaction with the Kombi, either as an owner or passenger. What started out many years ago with a simple and straight forward ‘van’, has evolved into an iconic vehicle indeed.

Loaded with features

There is so much to talk about the new Kombi 6.1 that has been loaded with features:

• Electro-mechanical steering that keeps the vehicle on the road in heavy cross-winds
• Optimised new interior design that keeps things simple
• Improved driver assistance systems
• New and improved aerodynamic front design
• New Design headlight and tail light clusters
• A range of engines
• Attractive alloy wheels in a new design
• Connected infotainment
• Vibrant new external paint colours

.

VW Kombi Transporter | Image by Naresh Maharaj

Power up

The Kombi 6.1 is available in a five-speed manual or seven-speed Automatic DSG - Direct Shift Gearbox - and attains a top speed of just under 200kmph. The combined fuel usage was a very modest 6.9l per 100kms for the Trendline and around 10l per 100kms for the Trendline Plus. Then there is Traction Control System as well as Hill Hold Control.

Easy seating

The easy entry seating is a welcome feature. The doors slide open on both sides of the eight-seater. The three individual seats in the second row are equipped with individually folding backrests. The three-seater rear bench seats fold down flat, whilst the driver and front passenger seats have armrests to make the drive comfortable.

VW Kombi Transporter | Image by Naresh Maharaj

Cross Wind Assist

So what does this mean? In simple terms, more control over the vehicle in heavy cross-wind situations. If the vehicle is ‘pushed’ off-course by a heavy gust of side wind, a targeted braking section is carried out on the wind side. The vehicle continues to travel in the driving direction and remains in its lane very steadfastly, with no discomfort to the driver.

We Connect Go

This offers easy ‘plug and play’ connectivity. The Data Plug is plugged into the onboard diagnostic interface and send data via Bluetooth to a linked smartphone. We Connect Go then processes the vehicle data and displays same to the user. Service leads can be sent automatically to VW Service Partners.

There is also a composition colour radio system, 6.5-inch touch screen, is fitted as standard. Another handy feature for a ‘large’ vehicle like the Kombi 6.1 is the front and rear parking sensors.

The two-tone paint colours are the way to go at present and the Kombi does not disappoint in this regard. There are seven two-tone paint finishes, eight solid colours and five pearl effect colours. Buyers have really been spoiled for choice in this regard.

Price

• Kombi Trendline 2.0 TDi - R725,900
• Kombi Trendline 2.0 TDi DSG - R755,300
• Kombi Trendline Plus Bi TDi 4 Motion DSG - R907,000

VW Transporter Kombi 6.1 is good for family and good for business and is an icon for 70 years and counting.