Volkswagen T6 Transporter revealed

Volkswagen's sexier, higher-tech and cheaper sixth-generation Transporter has made its world debut in Amsterdam overnight, just as the German giant said it would when it released a teaser sketch last month.

Commercial van versions of the all-new T6 Transporter, which replaces the 11-year-old T5 and marks the 65th anniversary of the Volkswagen van, are due on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year, with people-mover and cab/chassis ute derivatives to follow next year.

Australian pricing won't be revealed until closer to launch but, in Germany, where orders will open in the next few days, starting prices are lower than before at €23,035 ($A32,056) for the Transporter 62kW TDI Euro 5 and €29,952 ($A41,704) for the Multivan Conceptline 62kW TDI Euro 6.

Key highlights of the new Hanover-built Transporter include sharper design, a more premium interior, improved dynamics via the option of an adaptive chassis, more convenience with power seat and tailgate options, better efficiency with standard idle-stop, greater convenience via new radio-navigation systems with online services, and more safety via VW's latest driver aids.

Immediately recognisable as a Transporter, Volkswagen says the T6 design is sharper, more precise and higher quality thanks to lines, beads and edges that run the entire length of the vehicle.

"The entire body now has the appearance of being all one piece, as if milled from a solid block," states a VW media statement.

Once again three derivatives form the van family: the basic Transporter commercial, the flagship Multivan people-mover and, in between, the Caravelle multipurpose vehicle, which will be available for the first time in Highline spec.

A new range of Euro 6-compliant 'EA288 Nutz' TDI turbo-diesel engines will be offered in some markets, transversely mounted and angled forwards by eight degrees. Each displaces 1968cc and outputs include 62kW, 75kW, 110kW and 150kW. The 2.0-litre petrol engine range delivers either 110kW or 150kW.

It's not clear if the 2014 Tristar concept's powertrain – combining all-wheel drive with a 150kW/450Nm 2.0-litre diesel and seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission – will be available.

Combined with idle-stop as standard, VW claims the new engines are 15 per cent more efficient, saving a litre of fuel per 100km on average across the range.

All 4MOTION all-wheel drive models will be available with Hill Descent Assist and of course there's traction/stability control with trailer stabilisation.

In terms of comfort and convenience there is the option of a new adaptive chassis control system with comfort, normal and sport modes for the electrically adjustable shock absorbers, plus Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC).

There's also an electric tailgate that in its most basic form offers power closing, but comes with a fully automated function.

New safety features include optional radar-operated 'Front Assist', which warns of an imminent collision. Combined with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the system can slow the vehicle to a stop, while a 'City Emergency Braking' feature provides collision avoidance at speeds of under 30km/h.

There's the 'Automatic Post-Collision Braking System' as standard, but further options include 'Light Assist' automatic high-beam, 'Driver Alert System' drowsiness detection and electronic voice enhancement, which can amplify the driver's voice for rear-seat occupants via the sound system.

All T6s will be fitted with a Bluetooth hands-free system and the 6.33-inch monitor employs proximity sensors that switch the system from display mode to input mode when front passengers move their hands close to the touch-screen, which offers USB and SD media storage.

In Europe, the 'Discover Media' and 'Discover Media Plus' navigation systems will be equipped with Car-Net's Guide & Inform services.

In Germany, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will mark the launch of the T6 with the 'Generation SIX' special-edition, which is unlikely to be offered in Australia.

Based on the Multivan Comfortline, it features tinted windows, LED headlights and tail-lights, fog lights with cornering lamps, a chrome package and the choice of four two-tone paint finishes (red/white pictured) with colour-coordinated dash highlights and 18-inch retro-style 'Disc' alloy wheels in two designs.

Naturally, the Gen SIX special comes fully loaded with electronic aids such as ParkPilot front and rear, Side Assist with electric folding mirrors, cruise control and Adaptive Cruise Control, plus the Composition Media radio system, Climatronic climate-control, heated seats, Alcantara seats in a specific two-tone design, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and gearshifter with contrast stitching, and fabric floor mats with contrasting edges.

The Transporter has been Germany's top-selling van in Germany for decades, with the T5 finding two million customers globally since 2004 and around 12 million VW vans being sold in the past 65 years.