Since its inception, the Volkswagen Transporter, better known as a Kombi, has been the freedom seekers’ chariot of choice. It has also become the coolest, most iconic van on the road. Originally cheap, cheerful and mechanically simple, it was a…
Since its inception, the Volkswagen Transporter, better known as a Kombi, has been the freedom seekers’ chariot of choice. It has also become the coolest, most iconic van on the road. Originally cheap, cheerful and mechanically simple, it was a travelling box that could fit anything. Times have changed and over six generations, the humble German delivery van has become the most sophisticated vehicle in its class.
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The New T6
The Volkswagen Transporter is now the ultimate aspirational campervan base vehicle, well ahead of the comparatively crude and unrefined Toyota HiAce, and is in effect a cargo-carrying, luxury European wagon.
Early Transporters had good ground clearance and decent traction thanks to the air-cooled engine’s weight over the rear driving wheels. They could get down tracks and onto beaches, and quite often bring you back without the aid of a tow rope!
When the third generation T3 was introduced in the mid ‘80s, Volkswagen offered a Synchro version with drive to all wheels. Not a serious 4X4 due to the absence of a transfer case and low-range gear ratios (except an extra-low first gear), they were surprisingly capable machines that quickly developed a loyal following. The Synchro moniker gave way to 4Motion with the arrival of the T5 and the system has been highly refined over the years, making the latest T6 versions ideal for everything from muddy suburban sports fields to snow-covered alpine roads, bush tracks and beach jaunts.
Our test vehicle was the latest T6 4Motion from Sydney-based manufacturer Frontline and it had the ‘Adventurer’ layout, one of four offered. Eschewing traditional white, Frontline chose Luminous Orange with black accents from a new colour palette that now includes eye-catching options such as Cherry Red, Grape Yellow and Acapulco Blue.
Headlights aside, changes in the highly-anticipated T6 aren’t exactly obvious. New features are mostly more than skin deep, with an emphasis on safety and driver comfort. Included are a driver-alert system, multi-collision braking system, rear parking-distance control, driver and front passenger side-curtain airbags, and driver’s seat height adjustment and seat lumbar support. Also included
is a Composition Colour audio system with colour touch screen, aux/USB/SD input, CD player
and four speakers.
Power-wise there are two options for the 2L turbo-diesel engine: 103 kW/340 Nm and 132 kW/400 Nm. However, choosing 4Motion AWD means it only comes with the more powerful version. Yeah!
Inside The Van
Frontline’s Adventurer is what they call a rear bed-seat layout. The rear seat accommodates two for travelling, and in conjunction with the cab seats, makes this a four-seat people-mover. Given the rear seat folds to make a bed (very quickly), there’s only sleeping for two, leaving the other two to sleep elsewhere.
Almost all the cabinetry is along the driver’s side and includes two wardrobes, several drawers and a basic kitchen with an under-bench 80L, 12V compressor fridge and an under-bench microwave oven.
One option is for the two-burner methylated spirit stove to be set in the main bench or – as in this case – in a swing-out cabinet behind the front passenger seat. There are pros and cons for each, but the extra cabinet provides a bit more storage and also means the cooker – which being a metho stove has a tendency to work slowly – can be used inside or outside the camper. The front passenger seat swivels, but the cooker cabinet behind it can impede that slightly.
Storage is surprisingly good, while the area under the bed is fairly open and will hold a couple of large plastic containers. If you tick the option box, it will also accommodate a Porta Potti. A cold water outdoor shower is fitted at the rear and an optional tailgate tent will provide necessary privacy. Optional hot water comes from an engine heat-exchanger. Internal power is courtesy of a 100 AH deep cycle battery that’s more than up to the task in such a small vehicle, while you can plug in USB devices for charging too.
VERDICT
I had a 1974 T2 Kombi pop-top camper that was also bright orange. Colour and heritage aside, this T6 Adventurer couldn’t be more different. It’s capable, comfortable, looks a million bucks and brings cool back to campervans. It’s also a brilliant drive.
