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 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) L2H3, was primarily marketed in Europe and other regions outside of North America. The Transporter serves as a versatile panel van, passenger carrier (Kombi), and platform for various commercial applications, competing with models like the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Citroën Dispatch. The L2H3 designation refers to the vehicle’s body length and roof height, indicating a long wheelbase and high roof configuration, maximizing cargo and passenger space.
Volkswagen Transporter T6.1: Overview
The T6.1 generation, launched in 2019, wasn’t a complete redesign but rather a comprehensive update to the T6. It brought improvements to technology, safety features, and styling, aligning the Transporter with modern standards. The Kombi variant specifically caters to those needing a blend of passenger and cargo capacity, often used for shuttle services, tradespeople requiring both workspace and seating, or families seeking a spacious and adaptable vehicle. The 2.0 TDI engine option provided a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for typical commercial duties.
Engine & Performance
The Kombi 2.0 TDI L2H3 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, designated EA288MAR / DNAB. This engine produces 110 horsepower at 3,100-4,250 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,350-3,100 rpm. Power delivery is managed through a five-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 15.8 seconds, with a top speed of 155 km/h (96.31 mph). Fuel economy is rated between 6.2-7.4 l/100 km (37.9 – 31.8 US mpg), depending on driving conditions and the testing standard (NEDC/WLTP equivalent). The engine incorporates a diesel particulate filter and a Start & Stop system to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, meeting Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 17.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Transporter T6.1 Kombi L2H3 is a four or five-door van with seating for between four and nine passengers. Its body style is characterized by a practical, utilitarian design, prioritizing functionality and cargo space. The L2H3 configuration offers a substantial cargo volume of 9300 liters (328.43 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded or removed. Key features include a robust chassis, independent suspension on both axles (McPherson struts at the front and a wishbone setup at the rear), and disc brakes all around. Safety features, typical for the period, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The high roof provides ample headroom, while the long wheelbase maximizes cargo length. The vehicle’s dimensions are 5304 mm (208.82 in.) in length, 1904 mm (74.96 in.) in width, and 2477 mm (97.52 in.) in height. Ground clearance is 202 mm (7.95 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Transporter |
| Generation | Transporter (T6.1, facelift 2019) Kombi |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) L2H3 |
| Start of production | 2020 year |
| End of production | 2022 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Van |
| Seats | 4-9 |
| Doors | 4-5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 7.2-8.1 l/100 km (32.7 – 29 US mpg, 39.2 – 34.9 UK mpg, 13.9 – 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 5.6-6.9 l/100 km (42 – 34.1 US mpg, 50.4 – 40.9 UK mpg, 17.9 – 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 6.2-7.4 l/100 km (37.9 – 31.8 US mpg, 45.6 – 38.2 UK mpg, 16.1 – 13.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 163-194 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.7 kg/Hp, 56.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3100-4250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1350-3100 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1350-3100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288MAR / DNAB |
| 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 | 1946-2274 kg (4290.2 – 5013.31 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2800-3200 kg (6172.94 – 7054.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 854-926 kg (1882.75 – 2041.48 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 9300 l (328.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 22 l (5.81 US gal | 4.84 UK gal) |
| 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 | 5304 mm (208.82 in.) |
| Width | 1904 mm (74.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2297 mm (90.43 in.) |
| Height | 2477 mm (97.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3400 mm (133.86 in.) |
| Front overhang | 906 mm (35.67 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 998 mm (39.29 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 202 mm (7.95 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 13.2 m (43.31 ft.) |
| 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 |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16; 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
