Volkswagen Transporter given GTI treatment
Sportline version of Volkswagen van in Europe has lowered suspension and looks to matchA darker, sportier version of the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 has launched in Europe, bringing a whole new GTI-inspired exterior and extra street cred to the German brand’s delivery van.
An answer to the MS-RT Ford Transit Custom 340L DCiV, which has been available in Australia through an independent outlet, the new Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 Sportline comes equipped with a unique front bumper, rear spoiler and side skirts, and rides on gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels.
The sportier version also has revised suspension that reduces its ride height by 30mm, while illuminated side bars are placed either side.
Inside the cabin, Volkswagen says comfort hasn’t been compromised, bringing Nappa leather and suede trim upholstery with honeycomb stitching and Sportline logos.
A Black Edition version of the Sportline has also been developed, adding matt black side bars, Eibach coil-over suspension, tinted rear windows and special decals, while the interior features a larger 9.2-inch infotainment unit.
The Sportline is based on the top-spec Highline version of the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 range, which only recently landed in Australia.
Standard equipment includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, digital radio, a digital cockpit, LED headlights with auto high beam, as well as a reverse camera and front and rear parking sensors.
An anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring is also standard.
Every Sportline model is powered by the Transporter’s flagship 150kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which comes paired to seven-speed DSG auto.
This is enough for the Sportline to sprint to 100km/h from standstill in 8.9 seconds, VW claims.
Pricing starts from £42,940 in the UK for the short-wheelbase version, or £43,795 for the longer-wheelbase variant, which equates to a smidge over $A76,000 and $A78,000 respectively.
Sadly, Volkswagen Australia has no plans at this stage to introduce the GTI-inspired Sportline in this market, leaving buyers who want extra bling and sporting credentials for their Transporter to look towards the aftermarket for answers.
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