Everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Kombi

• Is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good car? 
• Who is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good car for?
• Is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good first car?
• Is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good family car?
• Is there a Volkswagen Transporter Kombi hybrid model?
• What’s it like to drive? 
• Reviewer’s opinion
• What does it look like?
• What is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi like inside? 
• Tech features
• Price and specs
• Which is the cheapest Volkswagen Transporter Kombi?
• How much does the rest of the range cost?
• Similar Cars to the VW Transporter Kombi

The aptly named VW Transporter Kombi models are available locally in three configurations. If you're a lover of the van life, will this people-mover from Volkswagen fulfil your needs? Let's take a look!

In this article:

Is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good car? 

The VW Transporter Kombi models are great cars. They are safe, well-equipped, and practical. The Volkswagen Transporter range comprises commercial vehicles as well as the Transporter crew bus range, but the Kombi offers more passenger-friendly features. In this article, we’re focusing solely on the Transporter 6.1 Kombi models.

Who is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good car for?

The Transporter Kombi is great for larger families or guest house/hotel owners who need a stylish and comfortable shuttle for patrons.

Is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good first car?

Despite its large dimensions, the Transporter Kombi is easy to drive thanks to a small turning circle and light steering, as well as many onboard assistance systems, but it’s out of the price range of most new drivers.

Is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi a good family car?

It’s ideal for families of all shapes and sizes because it’s comfortable, convenient, and safe. If you can’t quite stretch to R791 700, which is the price of the most affordable VW Transporter 2.0TDI 81kW Kombi SWB Trendline, why not look at the more affordable new Caddy Kombi (from R420 700) instead?

Alternatively, if you need more seats, the Volkswagen Transporter 2.0TDI 81kW crew bus LWB 10-seater is priced at R678 400.

Is there a Volkswagen Transporter Kombi hybrid model?

No, and no plans to bring one to SA just yet.

View the latest used Volkswagen Transporter Kombi models for sale in South Africa

What’s it like to drive? 

Reviewer’s opinion

…when I needed to overtake someone it was a quick and effortless enough. The 110kW 2.0TDI Transporter Kombi (with 340 Nm) completes the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in just over 10 seconds, and the 7-speed DSG gearbox does a fine job of keeping the four-cylinder pot on the boil. The high placement of the gearbox is very convenient as well.

What surprised me the most was the Kombi’s tiny turning circle which makes parking and the odd U-turn a complete cinch. The latest-generation T6.1 Kombi gets new electromechanical steering, and VW’s second-generation chassis control system can also be specified for more agile handling.

– Ané Albertse, AutoTrader

What does it look like?

The Volkswagen Transporter Kombi’s styling is typical of a van, with the front end sporting the usual stylish Volkswagen cues.

Exterior

What is the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi like inside? 

The interior is solidly-built and uncluttered, and there is a myriad of storage cubbies and recesses. The armrest for the front passenger is something you would miss if it weren’t there.

Interior

Tech features

Tech features in the Kombi include the following:

• USB C-ports
• Composition Colour radio system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Crosswind Assist and Park Distance Control
• Post-Collision braking system
• Tyre pressure monitor

Price and specs

Which is the cheapest Volkswagen Transporter Kombi?

The price of the most affordable VW Transporter 2.0TDI 81kW Kombi SWB Trendline is currently R791 700. (October 2022 pricing.)

How much does the rest of the range cost?

The Transporter 2.0TDI 110kW Kombi SWB Trendline is priced at R821 500 while the even more powerful 2.0BiTDI 146 kW Kombi SWB Trendline Plus 4Motion is priced at R988 600.

*Pricing correct at the time of publishing (October 2022) and subject to change without notice.

Competitors

Similar Cars to the VW Transporter Kombi

Opel Zafira Life

Hyundai Staria

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Ané AlbertseAné was bitten by the motoring bug at a very young age. Her mom recalls her sitting in her stroller as a 3-year old, naming every car that came past. She was working as a freelance motoring journalist for publications such as Rapport and City Press, when AutoTrader nabbed her for good. She lives in the Western Cape with her two kids and two cats.View News & Reviews