VWt

big nose strikes again

Over six generations, from the Split Screen models through to the refined and efficient T6.1, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has sold nearly 12 million units worldwide, so it’s fair to say it knows what customers are looking for in a Van. And, having seen a few of the new ’6.1 models around, I have to admit they seem a pretty neat package. Finally, VW has caught up with other manufacturers regarding electronics and interactivity, as the ’6.1 features all the latest gizmos and gadgets. And, while initially I wasn’t a fan of the taller grille on the front end, it’s growing on me and I think it’s one of the better looking medium-sized Vans on the market right now. Okay, it’s quite different to the T5 and T6 front ends we’ve grown to love,…

vwt

VWt Kelsey Media Cudham Tithe Barn Berry’s Hill, Cudham Kent TN16 3AG EDITORIAL Editor: Paul Knight Email: paul.knight@kelsey.co.uk Art Editor: Initial G Sub Editor: Mike Pye Contributors: Mark Walker, Lee Cant, Aaron ‘Algoo’ Good, Andy Saunders, Gordie Woollacott, Peter Simpson, Jolly Jim ADVERTISEMENT SALES Ben Foster, Director 01366 728 488 / 07976 256 205 ben@hillviewmedia.com Keith Foster, Director 01366 728 488 keith@hillviewmedia.com Amy Wattam-Foster, Senior Sales Executive 01366 728 488 amy@hillviewmedia.com AD PRODUCTION Jo Foster, Production Manager 01366 728 488 jo@hillviewmedia.com MANAGEMENT Chief Operating Office: Phil Weeden Chief Executive: Steve Wright Chairman: Steve Annetts Finance Director: Joyce Parker-Sarioglu Retail Distribution Manager: Eleanor Brown HR & Publishing Operations manager: Charlotte Whittaker Senior Print Production Manager: Nicola Pollard Print Production Manager: Georgina Harris Print Production Controller: Kelly Orriss Audience Development Manager: Andy Cotton Subscription Marketing Manager: Debra Hagger Events Manager: Kat Chappell…

the lowest…

If we told you that the main protagonist in this story was convenience, you’d probably think we’d all lost the plot. There’s probably not a vehicle on the road more inconvenient than a T5 with 45mm clearance between terra firma and its jacking points! But then, there’s nothing more powerful than the truth, and that is Pete Emami-Jones swapped his 4x4 pick-up truck in 2012 for a more ‘convenient’ 2008 T5 Panel Van, in a stroke saving himself the hassle of removing the tools of his builder trade from the back of the truck every night. Pete: “There’s nothing wrong with all the other Vans out there, but VW just has that whole reliability and well built thing going on that I was always going to go down that route. “Even before…

california 6.1 beach gets a fresh mini kitchen

If you can’t decide whether you need a Camper or a Day Van, the re-styled California T6.1 Beach Camper might be just your thing. The idea behind the Beach Camper range is to offer the perfect multi-purpose vehicle, or Van in this case (MPV). Day Van by day, with various seating options available, and Camper by night, when the top is popped and the full-width rear bench transforms into a double bed. VW even throws in a mattress for added comfort. Nothing new there, you say, except in the new T6.1 revision there’s also a mini kitchen unit, cleverly built into the side panel, which stows out of sight when not in use but offers tea, coffee and dinner making opportunities when pulled out. Attach the stow-away table and voilà! Instant dining…

leighton lv-1

VW Van sales, servicing and customisation specialist, Leighton Vans in Rotherham, is proud to unveil its all-new LV-1 20in alloy wheel – created specifically for Volkswagen Transporters. This fresh, 10 double spoke wheel has been designed specifically to complement the lines of VW’s T6 Transporter range, offering a stylish, sporty aesthetic. LV-1 wheels are available in matt bronze, gloss black or gloss black with machined face finishes, in widths of 8.5 and 10in. Load rated to 860kg, they’re enough for a fully loaded T32 4Motion, and with a 5 x 120 PCD and the correct offset, they’ll bolt straight on and transform the look of any Transporter. Price: from £1,295 per set (also available in bundles with Uniroyal Rainsport 3 tyres From: www.leightonvans.co.uktel. 0114 283 8484…

in box

Rookie road trippers Hey VWt!I recently bought a ’95 T4 Camper conversion and decided to dive straight in at the deep end with a week-long tour of France with my wife for our first trip. We just booked a ferry and landed in France at 5am with no plan whatsoever, and it was quite literally the best thing we’ve ever done. While we didn’t have a plan, we had spent a few days studying a map and had worked out that a tour of Brittany would be nice. We found loads of campsites en-route and even tried an Aire on one night, which was cheap and cheerful. Thank god for the Carrefour supermarchéchain, though, as we soon realised we were missing some essentials (can opener, pillows, gaffer tape, scissors… you name it). Oh, and…