Latest news with #VolkswagenCommercialVehicles
TimesLIVE
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
VW to reveal updated Grand California camper at Caravan Salon
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will unveil the updated Grand California camper van at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, running from August 29 to September 7. The latest version of the Grand California introduces several visual and functional upgrades aimed at improving on-board comfort. Available in two wheelbase options, the revised camper will enter series production in the second half of 2025. Refreshed interior with yacht-inspired finishes Inside, the Grand California gains a new 'Atami Bamboo' décor for the tabletop and kitchenette surfaces, complemented by updated PVC flooring that carries through the kitchen, dinette and load areas. A redesigned black kitchen tap contrasts with the lighter tones, lending a calm, lounge-like feel with hints of Mediterranean yacht design. A new exterior table-mounting option allows the dining table to be quickly attached to the outside of the kitchen unit — ideal for meals or drinks outdoors. Storage has also been improved, with added luggage nets in the upper cabinets of the 600 (6m, transverse bed) and 680 (6.8m, longitudinal bed) variants. Optional features now include a thermal mat and blackout system tailored for the front cabin windows. New tech and driver assistance features From July 2024 all Grand California models will come standard with the latest Crafter upgrades, including a digital instrument cluster and a free-standing infotainment screen (10.4" or 12.9" depending on spec). Standard driver assistance features include Front Assist, Lane Assist, front and rear parking sensors and traffic sign recognition. Travel Assist — offering semi-autonomous steering and adaptive cruise control — is available as a cost option. The manual handbrake has been replaced by an electronic parking brake operated via a dashboard switch, freeing space to swivel the driver's seat towards the living area.
NZ Autocar
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2024 Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Trendline SWB Review
It's time to have one last look at one of New Zealand's most popular European vans, the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1, before it exits the market. The Transporter nameplate celebrates its 75th birthday this year. The first-generation van, which shared its rear-mounted air-cooled engine and platform with the VW Beetle, first rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg in 1950. Two further generations of air-cooled Transporters followed from the Volkswagen Commercials plant in Hannover, until the arrival of the T4 in 1990. This saw the Transporter become a more contemporary two-box design with a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, as well as optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The subsequent T5, T6, and the facelift T6.1 series have continued the Transporter family of delivery vans, people movers, luxury shuttles and campers based on the one platform. This has been around since 2003, albeit with numerous changes to the body design, as well as updated engines and suspension components. The forthcoming T7 Transporter family has been co-developed with Ford in a similar vein to the Amarok. The van marks a significant transition for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, as it will be built in a Ford plant in Turkey, rather than Hannover. We've driven many iterations of the sixth-generation Transporter (T6) since it arrived in 2015, including the California Camper, the luxurious seven-seat Multivan and the panel van in both Runner and Trendline specifications. The updated T6.1 range arrived five years later in August 2020 which brought a raft of cosmetic changes and updates to the dashboard and cabin layout. Transporter T 6.1 pricing Volkswagen New Zealand has begun the run-out phase of the Transporter T6.1 with the entry level short wheelbase (SWB) Runner available from $53,880. The SWB Transporter Trendline as reviewed is available from $59,990 and the long wheelbase (LWB) Trendline is available from $63,039. List prices are currently $70,500, $78,000, and $80,500 respectively, so the run-out deal represents savings of up to $15,000. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says this runout offer is only available on pre-registered stock. It includes a five-year/150,000km warranty (commencing from the first registration date), and a free Service Plan which includes three complimentary scheduled services (six-year/ 90,000km). Transporter T6.1 capability For basic delivery work the Transporter SWB Runner offers great value in a European light commercial package, but for anyone who will spend significant time in the T6.1, the upgrade to the Trendline is worth it. Not only does it get a few comfort upgrades and useful items like a rubber covered rear floor, it allows access options from the catalogue that aren't extended to the Runner. That load area itself is good with great access from both side doors, a low, flat entry from the rear, the rubber floor and plenty of tie-downs. You get 5.8 cubic metres of loading space in the SWB. Overall load length in the SWB is 2324mm measured at floor level, width is 1244mm between the wheelarches and 1700mm overall. Height is 1410mm. Overall load length in the long wheelbase Trendline is 2722mm which translates in a 6.7 cubic metre load space. Transporter T6.1 cabin The cabin will feel familiar to anyone who has driven any Volkswagen product in recent years, right down to the leather-covered three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. It's very passenger car-like with quality plastic finishes on the dashboard and door cards and lots of storage places inside the cabin. There's a folder holder on the top of the dashboard and there's a shelf section above the glovebox. There are cup holders on the dash and the door pockets have huge storage spaces that will accommodate 1-litre water bottles. In addition there's an 6.5-inch Composition infotainment touchscreen with four speakers with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as App connect for mobile phones. The air-conditioning is a manual system with three dials on the dashboard, and adjacent is a cupholder with two USB-C outlets and a 12-volt power outlet. We found the cloth upholstered seats were supportive and comfortable, with the Trendline providing a two person bench on the left; a single passenger seat is a no cost option. The driver's seat offers both height adjustment and lumbar support and there is a heating option if required for those who work in colder climates. All three grades have halogen headlamps and daytime running lights as standard, and there is a Transporter badge neatly integrated on the front wing between the headlamp and the side indicator repeater lamp, which differentiates the T6.1 from the earlier T6 models. While not class-leading the safety feature list is solid. Electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, crosswind assist, a lane change system, a rear camera, front and rear parking sensors and a driver alert system make up the standard kit. That list falls behind the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai Staria, both of which carry a five-star ANCAP safety rating, while the T6.1 is unrated. Just two airbags are standard, with side and curtain options an $850 option. If you are seeking a new van with a few more standard safety features it may pay to also check out the Peugeot Expert, and Ford Transit Custom. Transporter T6.1 driving experience The Transporter drives very well. Its short nose and high seating position make for great visibility, the electro-mechanical power steering system is quick and responsive and the T6.1 Trendline tracks more like a passenger car than a light commercial. Ride quality from the all-around coil suspension is good when unladen and even better with a bit of weight in the back. While speed bumps are barely felt, bridge expansion joints caused a bit more of a commotion The 110kW/340Nm powertrain combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission feels well suited for the majority of most light commercial van applications. The engine's stop-start system, combined with turbo lag and the DSG system doesn't feel too inhibited and it's easy to get away from a standing start without much fuss. In spite of its aging platform which has been around for 23 years, and the fact that an all-new model is set to go on sale later this year, the T6.1 Trendline still makes for a solid and compelling option as a work horse and with the current run out pricing it will never be better value. Transporter T6.1 (SWB) specifications: Engine: 1968cc, IL4 TDI Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Max power: 110kW @ 3250 rpm Max torque: 340Nm @1500rpm GVM: 3000kg Tare weight: 1897kg Payload: 1103kg Towing capacity: 2500kg (braked) 750kg (unbraked) Fuel tank: 70l Combined fuel consumption: 7.5l/100km Combined C02 emissions: 199g/km
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic car brand launches its 1st ever hybrid campervan in UK with ‘mini-kitchen' & sliding chairs ahead of peak season
The stylish camper has a high-tech safety feature HOME FROM HOME Iconic car brand launches its 1st ever hybrid campervan in UK with 'mini-kitchen' & sliding chairs ahead of peak season Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN iconic car manufacturer has launched its first-ever hybrid campervan available for UK customers. Volkswagen, famous for the adorable VW camper, has stepped into the 21st century with the plug-in home on wheels. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The California eHybrid 4MOTION is stylish and offers travellers comfort on the go Credit: Volkswagen 9 It is the first plug-in hybrid campervan from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Credit: Volkswagen The California eHybrid 4MOTION has been branded as the "ideal companion for every adventure" and is expected to arrive in the UK in the coming months. It combines electric power with a petrol engine, making it perfect for long journeys. The electric motor and 1.5 TSI engine deliver an output of 180kw. It also holds a 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery that provides up to 54 miles of green travel. Whilst the outside is stylish, the inside is an Aladdin's cave of gadgets, and the creators have clearly had comfort at the forefront of their minds. The front seats swivel to create a lounge, and the Coast and Ocean models have a small kitchenette with a single-ring gas hob, cutlery drawer, and storage module. It also features twin sliding doors and a built-in tablet. The dash-mounted gear lever also provides enough space for a walk-through cabin. For cosy nights, all models come with a raised bed in the roof. The seats can also be lifted out to free up room for longer items like surfboards, snowboards, bikes or extra luggage. I turned my Ford Fiesta into a 'flat bed' campervan for £15 - I went to Wales & slept on a mattress topper from Facebook The Beach also has traffic-sign recognition, park assist, and a rear-view camera. Volkswagen has announced that the 4MOTION will be available to buy through any UK Van Centre. Buyers can choose from three trim levels, which include Beach Camper, Coast, and Ocean. The van doesn't come cheap, with a starting price of £71,295 for the Beach Camper. The Coast trim is £78,495 and the highest spec Ocean model is £85,395. 9 The bed is in the roof and offers windows to admire the view from Credit: Volkswagen 9 The sleeping area is spacious and wide enough to sleep two Credit: Volkswagen 9 The interior has been built with comfort in mind Credit: Volkswagen 9 The van comes in three different versions, which vary in price Credit: Volkswagen 9 It comes in different colours, including sky-blue and crimson Credit: Volkswagen 9 The seats swivel to create a lounge area Credit: Volkswagen
The Irish Sun
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic car brand launches its 1st ever hybrid campervan in UK with ‘mini-kitchen' & sliding chairs ahead of peak season
AN iconic car manufacturer has launched its first-ever hybrid campervan available for UK customers. Volkswagen, famous for the adorable VW camper, has stepped into the 21st century with the plug-in home on wheels. Advertisement 9 The California eHybrid 4MOTION is stylish and offers travellers comfort on the go Credit: Volkswagen 9 It is the first plug-in hybrid campervan from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Credit: Volkswagen The California eHybrid 4MOTION has been branded as the "ideal companion for every adventure" and is expected to arrive in the UK in the coming months. It combines electric power with a petrol engine, making it perfect for long journeys. The electric motor and 1.5 TSI engine deliver an output of 180kw. It also holds a 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery that provides up to 54 miles of green travel. Advertisement read more on campervans Whilst the outside is stylish, the inside is an Aladdin's cave of gadgets, and the creators have clearly had comfort at the forefront of their minds. The front seats swivel to create a lounge, and the Coast and Ocean models have a small kitchenette with a single-ring gas hob, cutlery drawer, and storage module. It also features twin sliding doors and a built-in tablet. The dash-mounted gear lever also provides enough space for a walk-through cabin. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive For cosy nights, all models come with a raised bed in the roof. The seats can also be lifted out to free up room for longer items like surfboards, snowboards, bikes or extra luggage. I turned my Ford Fiesta into a 'flat bed' campervan for £15 - I went to Wales & slept on a mattress topper from Facebook The Beach also has traffic-sign recognition, park assist, and a rear-view camera. Volkswagen has announced that the 4MOTION will be available to buy through any UK Van Centre. Advertisement Buyers can choose from three trim levels, which include Beach Camper, Coast, and Ocean. The van doesn't come cheap, with a starting price of £71,295 for the Beach Camper. The Coast trim is £78,495 and the highest spec Ocean model is £85,395. 9 The bed is in the roof and offers windows to admire the view from Credit: Volkswagen Advertisement 9 The sleeping area is spacious and wide enough to sleep two Credit: Volkswagen 9 The interior has been built with comfort in mind Credit: Volkswagen 9 The van comes in three different versions, which vary in price Credit: Volkswagen 9 It comes in different colours, including sky-blue and crimson Credit: Volkswagen Advertisement 9 The seats swivel to create a lounge area Credit: Volkswagen 9 The kitchen has a single gas hob and sink Credit: Volkswagen
