Multivan, Transporter, California, Caravelle...by whichever name you best know Volkswagen’s quite iconic lines of vans, buses, and campers, there’s a new version, and this is it.
Dubbed the T6.1, you’d be forgiven for thinking it represents a relatively small update over the existing T6. Indeed, there’s the usual light sprinkling of newness via a bolder grille, new driver-assistance systems (including self-parking, trailer assist, and a stabilization system for crosswinds), and much connectivity, highlights being digital dials and wireless smartphone link-up.
But there’s bigger news: Alongside a bunch of 2.0 TDI diesels (topping out at 196hp) there’s now a fully electric version, developed with the help of tuning and motorsport specialists ABT and possessing 110hp. With the option of a humongous 77.6kWh battery, it can travel roughly 400km on a single charge. Though we suspect that’ll fall depending on how you drive it and how heavily you load it.
We also suspect the electric version might have a less aggressive grille—perhaps no grille at all—and we’ll see it closer to the T6.1’s on-sale date in the latter half of the year.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
