Volkswagen->ke4261 has pulled the covers off its sixth generation of Transporter van. Complete with new styling inside and out, along with a host of new safety features and a crop of new engine options, the T6 prepares for the 2016 model year.

Besides perhaps the Type 1 Beetle, the Transporter is Volkswagen’s most iconic family member. Originally getting its start back in 1950 as the Type 2, the Bus has done everything from deliver packages on local delivery routes to becoming a cultural icon during the 1960s Hippie movement.

Like the original Type 2 T1, the Transporter has continued offering multiple configurations, including a panel version with no side windows and the Kombi with side widows and a removable rear seat, used much like today’s SUVs with the ability to carry both passengers and cargo.

The sixth generation Transporter now carries the torch while also setting the bar much higher. And while it’s doubtful the T6 will lead any cultural movements, it’s nice to know the van’s lineage is full of history.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen T6.

Exterior

Compare the new T6 to the original Type 2 and you’ll see nearly no family resemblance. However, compare the T6 to the outgoing T5 and even the T4, and the similarities start to emerge. The T6 unmistakably builds off VW’s current design language with its horizontal grille flowing into the jeweled headlights. Even the strong body line flowing rearwards from the headlights can be found on other current VW products.

As a whole, the van still maintains its quasi-forward-control design with the driver and front passenger hovering high over the front tires. Though offered in one wheelbase and body length, the T6 still comes with plenty of exterior options. Dual sliding doors can be ordered, along with the full window package. Wheels range from steelies to classy dual-spoke alloys.

Perhaps the most desirable version is VW’s limited edition “Generation SIX” package. It’s based off the Multivan “Comfortline” trim level and offers a throw-back, two-tone paintjob with retro-styled 18-inch wheels. The interior is covered in suede-like material and comes packing all the available safety options.

Interior

Volkswagen has certainly spread its VW design love within the T6. It’s dashboard, steering wheels, switchgear, and shifter look as if they were lifted out of a Jetta. Undoubtedly, fit and finish will be on par with the VW lineup and offer the same smooth feel on high-traffic touch points.

The T6 is offered in four variations that include the base commercial van, the Caravelle, the Kombi, and the Shuttle. For those unfamiliar, the Caravelle model features two rows of rear seats with the middle row facing rearward. The Kombi offers the middle row of seating, but with a cargo hold in place of the third row. The Shuttle version includes all three rows, with each facing forward.

Though the majority of T6 vans will pull working duty as commercial vehicles, VW added plenty of new tech, including a motion-based infotainment system that automatically switches from display mode to input mode when either the driver or passenger put their hand in proximity of the 6.3-inch screen. Niceties such as automatic climate control, power-operated rear doors, a heated windshield, and a speaker system that allows the driver to easily speak to the rear passengers are optional.

Safety features abound as well, and include Adaptive Cruise Control with VW’s City Emergency Braking function. The new function acts automatically to warn and then proactively slow the van down to avoid a crash when under 30 mph. VW’s Driver Alert System monitors the driver’s behavior, and if it detects the driver is drowsy, alters the driver that a break is needed.

Drivetrain

Volkswagen is technically offering two engine options: a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter TDI, however each engine is available in multiple horsepower outputs. The TDI offers four options ranging from 84 horsepower up to 204 horsepower. The engines are based on a separate architecture from the ones found elsewhere in VW’s lineup and are codenamed “EA288 Nutz.” Two choices are offered with the gasoline engine – a 150 horsepower version and one with 204 horsepower. Yes, both the diesel and gas engines top out at 204 horses. There’s no official word on torque ratings for either powertrain at this point.

VW says fuel consumption is reduced by 15 percents across the board.

The new T6 also incorporates some nifty, high-tech features including the new Adaptive Chassis Control. The system offers three ride settings that include comfort, normal, and sort. The adjustable shock absorbers adapt to the different settings, allowing the driver to customize the driving experience.

The van is also available with VW’s 4MOTION AWD system. It includes Hill Descent Assist, a program that controls braking on individual wheels to keep the van’s speed in check. The system also helps with towing. The trailer stabilization function uses the bakes and electronic stability control to keep the trailer from swaying and possibly causing the van to crash.

Prices

There’s no word on pricing at this point, but figure VW will keep the T6’s price close to the outgoing T5. Starting prices there begin at €23,035, or roughly $24,828 as of April 2015.

Competition

Mercedes Vito/Metris

Mercedes’ competitor to the T6, the Metris – or for the majority of the world, the Vito – is also revised for 2016. The van packs a punch, competing with the T6 on all levels, from the base cargo hauler to the swanky passenger version. Unlike the T6, however, the Mercedes only offers one engine option. The 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder is turbocharged and makes 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Prices start at $28,950 for the cargo version and $32,500 for the passenger variant.

Read our full review here

Ram ProMaster City

Also hailing from Europe and available on U.S. shores (unlike the T6), is the Ram ProMaster City. The rebadged Fiat Doblo offers similar accommodations as its competition, including the base cargo version and the higher-spec passenger van. The Ram comes powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder making 178 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Prices start at $23,130 for the cargo van in Tradesman trim and top out n the upper $20,000 range for the Wagon version in SLT trim. Currently the ProMaster City does not offer a third row of seat, leaving its max seating capacity at five occupants.

Read our full review here

Conclusion

Volkswagen might not be resetting trends or recreating a pop culture icon with the new T6 the way it did with the original Type 2, but the revised van does offer plenty of compelling reasons why a business would lay down the cash. A slew of new features not typically found on vans, along with its swanky design and upgraded powertrain top that list.

Set to go on sale in the latter part of 2015 as a 2016 model, the T6 appears to have the right credentials for the job – whatever it might entail.