The Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Kombi 2.0 TDI, specifically the 199 horsepower (Hp) version equipped with a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and a long wheelbase (L2) with a high roof (H2), represents a significant iteration in Volkswagen’s long-running commercial vehicle lineage. Produced from 2018 to 2019, this variant catered primarily to the European market, where the Transporter is a ubiquitous sight as a van, shuttle, and even a recreational vehicle base. While not officially sold in the United States during this generation, the T6 Transporter embodies Volkswagen’s commitment to practicality, efficiency, and a relatively refined driving experience within the light commercial vehicle segment.
Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Kombi: An Overview
The T6 generation of the Transporter, launched in 2015, continued the tradition of a versatile panel van and passenger carrier. The “Kombi” designation denotes a multi-passenger configuration, bridging the gap between a pure cargo van and a full-fledged people mover. The 2.0 TDI engine, in its 199 Hp guise, offered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making it suitable for both urban deliveries and longer-distance travel. The L2H2 configuration – long wheelbase and high roof – maximized interior space, appealing to businesses and families needing substantial cargo or passenger capacity. This model year saw improvements in emissions control to meet increasingly stringent Euro 6d TEMP-EVAP standards.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Transporter T6 Kombi 2.0 TDI (199 Hp) DSG L2H2 lies a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, identified by the EA288 / CXEC engine code. This engine utilizes a bi-turbocharger setup with an intercooler, delivering 199 Hp at 3800-4000 rpm and a substantial 450 Nm (331.9 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400-2400 rpm. This broad torque band provides strong pulling power and responsive acceleration. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), the powertrain delivers smooth and efficient gear changes. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.2 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in 8.7 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 197 km/h (122.41 mph). Fuel economy figures, measured using the NEDC standard (and equivalent WLTP figures), range from 6.8 to 7.4 l/100 km (34.6 – 31.8 US mpg, 41.5 – 38.2 UK mpg, 14.7 – 13.5 km/l).
Design & Features
The Transporter T6 Kombi maintains the classic van silhouette, characterized by its boxy shape and practical design. The L2H2 configuration provides a generous interior volume of 7800 liters (275.45 cu. ft.) with the seats folded. The vehicle is a four or five-door van, accommodating between four and nine passengers depending on the seating configuration. Key features include a front-wheel-drive layout, independent suspension on both the front (McPherson strut) and rear (wishbone), and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. Safety features, crucial for a vehicle often used for transporting passengers, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The T6 also incorporates a Start & Stop system and a particulate filter to reduce emissions, complying with Euro 6d TEMP-EVAP standards. The vehicle’s dimensions are 5304 mm (208.82 in) in length, 1904 mm (74.96 in) in width, and 2170 mm (85.43 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 3400 mm (133.86 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Transporter |
| Generation | Transporter (T6) Kombi |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (199 Hp) DSG L2H2 |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Van |
| Seats | 4-9 |
| Doors | 4-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8-8.6 l/100 km (29.4 – 27.4 US mpg, 35.3 – 32.8 UK mpg, 12.5 – 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1-6.8 l/100 km (38.6 – 34.6 US mpg, 46.3 – 41.5 UK mpg, 16.4 – 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8-7.4 l/100 km (34.6 – 31.8 US mpg, 41.5 – 38.2 UK mpg, 14.7 – 13.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 179-193 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d TEMP-EVAP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 199 Hp @ 3800-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1400-2400 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft. @ 1400-2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / CXEC |
| 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 | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1927-2274 kg (4248.31 – 5013.31 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2800-3200 kg (6172.94 – 7054.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 873-926 kg (1924.64 – 2041.48 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 7800 l (275.45 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 | 5304 mm (208.82 in.) |
| Width | 1904 mm (74.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2297 mm (90.43 in.) |
| Height | 2170 mm (85.43 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3400 mm (133.86 in.) |
| Front overhang | 908 mm (35.75 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 993 mm (39.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 202 mm (7.95 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 13.2 m (43.31 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
The Volkswagen Transporter T6 Kombi 2.0 TDI (199 Hp) DSG L2H2, while not a common sight in the US, represents a well-engineered and practical vehicle that served a vital role in the European commercial vehicle market. Its blend of performance, efficiency, and versatility made it a popular choice for businesses and families alike.
