It’s more than an appearance package.
The Volkswagen Transporter has been a very popular van in Europe. While we’ve seen a lot of camper conversions in the past, this conversion is straight from the source. It’s also not a camper conversion, but something more fun.
The T6.1 Sportline is exactly what its name implies. While the basic formula is to add cool wheels and red trim, it also goes above and beyond to make the Sportline a sporty van inside, out, and underneath. The Sportline’s suspension is modified to lower the van by 30 millimeters (1.18 inch). A body kit adds a custom front fascia, and side bars to enhance the drop. course the roof spoiler is mandatory, and the wheels have gloss black 18-inchers rear and front.
The Sportline interior features Nappa honeycomb leather seats with suede trim. The interior is packed full of tech, including a digital cockpit that’s a first for either the panel van or the Kombi. The front seats have been heated and the sound system has been upgraded. A Discover Media nav system and suite of driver-assist system include adaptive cruise, emergency brake, front/rear parking sensors and a rearview cam.
VW offers a sport version of this sporty model. The Sportline Black Edition adds a darker tint to the windows for Kombi models and matte black side bars. It also offers an exclusive, but unnamed, color for the wheels. Black Edition decals can be added to the vehicle, and the nav system has been upgraded. However, this is not a cosmetic group. For some improved moves, the Black Edition gets Eibach coilover suspension.
You won’t find power upgrades. The Sportline comes standard with the Transporter’s 2.0-liter TDI engine, which produces 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts). The Sportline’s power is distributed through a seven speed DSG transmission. VW claims that the Sportline can travel 100 km/h (62 miles/h) in just 8.9 seconds.
The Sportline is available in panel and Kombi models, as well as short or long wheelbase versions. Prices start at PS42,940. The Sportline Black Edition starts at PS49,450. It is only available in short-wheelbase format. Although the Transporter is a forbidden fruit in the US, order banks are open in March for customers across the pond. Delivery is expected to take place in July.