The Volkswagen Transporter, known as the T6.1 following a significant facelift in 2019, represents the latest iteration of a commercial vehicle lineage stretching back to the original Type 2 of the 1950s. This particular version, the Kombi Crew Van 2.0 TDI (90 Hp) L1H1, is primarily a European market vehicle, serving as a versatile panel van and people carrier. While not widely sold in the United States, the Transporter has a global reputation for reliability, practicality, and adaptability, fulfilling roles ranging from tradesperson transport to family leisure vehicle. The T6.1 update brought styling revisions, enhanced technology, and improved efficiency to the already popular T6 platform.
Volkswagen Transporter T6.1: Overview
The T6.1 generation of the Volkswagen Transporter, launched in 2019, is a comprehensive update to the T6 model. The “T” designation signifies its place in the Transporter’s generational lineage. The “6.1” indicates a substantial refresh rather than a complete redesign. The Kombi Crew Van body style offers a blend of cargo capacity and passenger comfort, typically seating five to six occupants. The “L1H1” designation refers to the vehicle’s wheelbase and roof height – L1 denoting a shorter wheelbase and H1 indicating a standard roof. This configuration makes it a manageable size for urban environments while still providing a useful load space.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 2019-2021 Volkswagen Transporter Kombi Crew Van 2.0 TDI (90 Hp) L1H1 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, identified by the engine code EA288 / CXGD. This inline-four cylinder engine produces 90 horsepower at 2750-4250 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1250-2500 rpm. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to optimize performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 17.5 seconds, and the vehicle has a maximum speed of 152 km/h (94.45 mph). While not designed for outright speed, the engine prioritizes fuel economy and durability, offering a combined fuel consumption of 6.3-6.9 l/100 km (37.3 – 34.1 US mpg). The engine also incorporates a Start & Stop system and a particulate filter to reduce emissions, meeting Euro 6d TEMP-EVAP-ISC emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 maintains the classic van silhouette, characterized by its boxy shape and practical design. The Kombi Crew Van configuration features a versatile interior layout, with seating for up to six passengers and a dedicated cargo area behind the rear seats. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4904 mm (193.07 in.) in length, 1904 mm (74.96 in.) in width, and 1990 mm (78.35 in.) in height – provide a balance between maneuverability and interior space. Key features include a robust chassis, independent suspension on both front and rear axles (McPherson strut front, wishbone rear), and disc brakes on all wheels. Safety features, standard for the period, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The T6.1 facelift brought updated front-end styling, including a revised grille and headlights, as well as interior enhancements such as improved infotainment systems and driver assistance technologies. The vehicle offers a maximum load capacity of 823-843 kg (1814.4 – 1858.5 lbs.) and a trunk (boot) space of 3500 liters (123.6 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Transporter |
| Generation | Transporter (T6.1, facelift 2019) Kombi Crew Van |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (90 Hp) L1H1 |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Van |
| Seats | 5-6 |
| Doors | 4-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5-8.1 l/100 km (31.4 – 29 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7-6.2 l/100 km (41.3 – 37.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3-6.9 l/100 km (37.3 – 34.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 166-182 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 152 km/h (94.45 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 21.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 2750-4250 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1250-2500 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / CXGD |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1957-2177 kg (4314.45 – 4799.46 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2800-3000 kg (6172.94 – 6613.87 lbs.) |
| Max load | 823-843 kg (1814.4 – 1858.5 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3500 l (123.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 13 l (3.43 US gal | 2.86 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4904 mm (193.07 in.) |
| Width | 1904 mm (74.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2297 mm (90.43 in.) |
| Height | 1990 mm (78.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3000 mm (118.11 in.) |
| Front overhang | 906 mm (35.67 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 998 mm (39.29 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 201 mm (7.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 308×29.5 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 294×22 mm |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16; 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |



