The Volkswagen Transporter, known as the T6 generation from 2015 to 2019, is a versatile light commercial vehicle that has been a mainstay of European roads for decades. While not always widely available in the United States through official channels, the Transporter has a significant presence as a workhorse vehicle for businesses and tradespeople across Europe and other global markets. The T6 Panel Van, specifically the 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) L1H2 variant, represents a balance of efficiency, practicality, and moderate performance, catering to a broad range of commercial needs. This model is characterized by its front-wheel-drive configuration, diesel engine, and a relatively compact body size within the Transporter range.
Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) L1H2
The T6 generation of the Volkswagen Transporter built upon the success of its predecessors, offering improved refinement, technology, and safety features. The “L1H2” designation refers to the vehicle’s body length and roof height – a relatively standard configuration offering a good compromise between cargo space and maneuverability. The 2.0 TDI engine, a common choice in Europe for its fuel efficiency and torque, powers this variant, making it suitable for both urban deliveries and longer-distance transport.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) L1H2 is a 1.968-liter, inline four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, identified by the EA288 engine code (CXFA, CXHA), produces 150 horsepower at 3250-3750 rpm and a substantial 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler and a diesel common rail fuel injection system to optimize performance and fuel economy. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 10.6 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 176 km/h (109.36 mph). Fuel economy, measured using the NEDC standard, ranges from 5.9 to 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers (39.9 to 35.1 US mpg), with CO2 emissions between 155 and 175 g/km. These figures highlight the engine’s focus on efficiency, a key consideration for commercial operators.
Design & Features
The Transporter T6 Panel Van is a traditional van body style, featuring a four or five-door configuration and seating for two to three occupants. Its design prioritizes practicality and cargo-carrying capacity. The L1H2 variant offers a generous 6700 liters (236.61 cu. ft.) of maximum cargo space, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4904 mm (193.07 in.) in length, 1904 mm (74.96 in.) in width, and 2177 mm (85.71 in.) in height.
The T6 generation introduced several improvements in terms of safety and technology. Standard features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and driver and passenger airbags. The vehicle also incorporates a Start & Stop system to further enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The T6 also features a particulate filter to reduce harmful emissions, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The interior is designed with durability and functionality in mind, offering a practical and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers. The vehicle’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent coil spring, wishbone arrangement at the rear, providing a reasonable balance between ride comfort and load-carrying capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Transporter |
| Generation | Transporter (T6) Panel Van |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) L1H2 |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Van |
| Seats | 2-3 |
| Doors | 4-5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 7.2-7.8 l/100 km (32.7 – 30.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.2-6 l/100 km (45.2 – 39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 5.9-6.7 l/100 km (39.9 – 35.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 155-175 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 176 km/h (109.36 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3250-3750 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / CXFA, CXHA |
| 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 | 1752-2069 kg (3862.5 – 4561.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2800-3200 kg (6172.94 – 7054.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1048-1131 kg (2310.44 – 2493.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 6700 l (236.61 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%) | 2500 kg (5511.56 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 | 2177 mm (85.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3000 mm (118.11 in.) |
| Front overhang | 908 mm (35.75 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 993 mm (39.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 201 mm (7.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |


