2015-2016 Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van 2.0 TDI (180 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H2

The Volkswagen Transporter, known as the T6 generation from 2015 to 2016 in this configuration, is a versatile panel van that served as a cornerstone of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ lineup. While not widely sold in the United States due to the popularity of American-made vans and pickup trucks, the Transporter held a dominant position in the European commercial vehicle market. The T6 represented a significant evolution of the Transporter lineage, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and increasingly sophisticated technology. This particular variant, the 2.0 TDI (180 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H2, combines a powerful turbocharged diesel engine with all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch transmission, making it suitable for both urban deliveries and longer-distance transport.

Volkswagen Transporter (T6) Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION DSG: An Overview

The T6 Transporter built upon the success of its predecessors, offering improved fuel economy, enhanced safety features, and a more refined driving experience. The “L2H2” designation refers to the van’s body length and roof height – a longer wheelbase and higher roof providing increased cargo capacity. The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, coupled with the DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission, provided enhanced traction and driving dynamics, particularly beneficial in challenging weather conditions or on uneven terrain. This model was primarily aimed at businesses and tradespeople requiring a reliable and capable commercial vehicle.

Engine & Performance

Powering the T6 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION DSG is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, designated the EA189 / CFCA. This engine produces 180 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. The bi-turbocharger setup, combined with an intercooler, contributes to both strong low-end torque and sustained power delivery. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 91.5 hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The DSG 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provides quick and smooth gear changes, optimizing both performance and fuel efficiency. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.7 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in 10.2 seconds. The van has a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system and a particulate filter demonstrates Volkswagen’s commitment to reducing emissions, meeting Euro 5 standards with CO2 emissions ranging from 211-219 g/km.

Design & Features

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 Panel Van is a traditional van body style, offering a practical and functional design. It features 4-5 doors and can accommodate 2-3 occupants. The L2H2 configuration provides a substantial cargo volume of 7800 liters (275.45 cu. ft.), making it ideal for transporting goods. The van’s dimensions are: length 5304 mm (208.82 in), width 1904 mm (74.96 in) including mirrors 2297 mm (90.43 in), and height 2170 mm (85.43 in). The wheelbase measures 3400 mm (133.86 in). The T6 incorporated several safety features for its time, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system enhances stability and control, particularly in adverse conditions. The van’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent coil spring, wishbone arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride even when heavily loaded. The van has a kerb weight ranging from 1932-2249 kg (4259.33 – 4958.2 lbs.) and a maximum permissible weight of 2800-3200 kg (6172.94 – 7054.79 lbs.).

Technical Specifications

Brand Volkswagen
Model Transporter
Generation Transporter (T6) Panel Van
Type 2.0 TDI (180 Hp) 4MOTION DSG L2H2
Start of production 2015
End of production 2016
Powertrain Architecture Internal Combustion engine
Body type Van
Seats 2-3
Doors 4-5
Fuel consumption (urban) 9.4-9.7 l/100 km (25 – 24.2 US mpg)
Fuel consumption (extra urban) 7.2-7.5 l/100 km (32.7 – 31.4 US mpg)
Fuel consumption (combined) 8-8.3 l/100 km (29.4 – 28.3 US mpg)
CO2 emissions 211-219 g/km
Fuel Type Diesel
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 10.7 sec
Acceleration 0-62 mph 10.7 sec
Acceleration 0-60 mph 10.2 sec
Maximum speed 182 km/h (113.09 mph)
Emission standard Euro 5
Weight-to-power ratio 10.7 kg/Hp
Weight-to-torque ratio 4.8 kg/Nm
Power 180 Hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque 400 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft.)
Engine layout Front, Transverse
Engine Model/Code EA189 / CFCA
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 16.5:1
Number of valves per cylinder 4
Fuel injection system Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration BiTurbo, Intercooler
Valvetrain DOHC
Engine oil capacity 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt)
Kerb Weight 1932-2249 kg (4259.33 – 4958.2 lbs.)
Max. weight 2800-3200 kg (6172.94 – 7054.79 lbs.)
Max load 868-951 kg (1913.61 – 2096.6 lbs.)
Trunk (boot) space – maximum 7800 l (275.45 cu. ft.)
Fuel tank capacity 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 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 All wheel drive (4×4)
Number of gears 7
Type of gearbox automatic transmission DSG

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 2.0 TDI 4MOTION DSG L2H2 represented a well-rounded package for commercial users, combining practicality, performance, and efficiency in a robust and reliable platform.

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