Volkswagen Transporter T6

New Volkswagen Transporter BlueMotion now available to order

The sixth-generation Volkswagen Transporter has been on sale for a while now, but the new range has been missing a BlueMotion variant. That omission has now been addressed. Van buyers can now order a Transporter BlueMotion at VW Van Centres.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

A standard Volkswagen Transporter T6. Not the BlueMotion version.

BlueMotion badging signifies the most efficient version of a Volkswagen car or van. VW says that the T6 Transporter BlueMotion offers combined cycle fuel consumption of 51.4mpg versus 47.9mpg for the equivalent standard model. CO2 emissions fall from 153g/km to 145g/km.

They’re not huge savings, but are potentially worthwhile. However, buyers wanting a Transporter BlueMotion have a very limited choice in terms of specification. The BlueMotion model is available in just one variant, with the following core specification:

  • Short wheelbase panel van
  • 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine
  • 2.7 tonne gross vehicle weight

The van’s efficiency gains over the base Startline model are the result of a number of changes, including:

  • Aerodynamically improved wheel spoilers (not sure what these are — plastic wheel trims?)
  • Lowered suspension
  • Modified gear ratios
  • Low friction tyres
  • Cruise control
  • Speed limiter @ 62mph

Confusingly, these changes are added to what VW describes as “the standard BlueMotion Technology modifications which come as standard on all T6 models”. These include Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

Tantalisingly, Volkswage says that the Transporter BlueMotion has a payload of 839kg, which is “up to 121kg more” than the short wheelbase T26 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS five-speed manual. Reading the list of changes above, it’s hard to see where a 121kg saving might have come from.

If I had to guess, I’d say that the majority of this weight saving might come from the removal of a spare wheel and related tyre change kit. I’ve not confirmed this with VW. But I would if I was buying. I’d imagine it could be a make-or-break factor for some buyers.

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