The Ultimate Volkswagen Transporter T6.1

By James Hughes

The Volkswagen Transporter T6.1, released in 2019, is essentially a facelift of the hugely successful T6 model – a van we owned and modified for over four years. With the T6.1 we wanted to build something even more versatile and better suited to both daily duties and our work at Avon Tuning.

Our van is a Long Wheel Base (LWB) Kombi 4Motion DSG, giving us a great all-round platform. The DSG gearbox is superb, delivering smooth shifts whether on the motorway or crawling in traffic. With seating for up to six people, it’s perfect for carrying the team to events, while the removable rear seats create a huge load space when needed. The 4WD system with optional diff lock means we can drive into fields and across uneven terrain without worrying about getting stuck – especially handy when our Engineers are carrying out Agricultural Remapping as part of Avon Tuning Heavy Duty.

 

Room For Improvement

On paper, the 204 PS twin-turbo 2.0 CR TDI sounds impressive, but in reality the performance is underwhelming. Compared to the older T6, it feels flat, unresponsive, and particularly sluggish when towing. Standard ride height also looks awkward and affects the overall handling, while inside the cabin is particularly noisy – making phone calls on the move almost impossible.

 

Step One: Refining the Interior with Apple County Customs

The first stop on our modification journey was Apple County Customs, who carried out a host of essential upgrades:

  • Full sound deadening throughout - dramatically reducing road noise, making conversations and handsfree calls far easier.
  • Insulation and carpet lining in the load area - improves comfort and appearance.
  • Installation of a leisure battery with split charge system and 2000w inverter - ideal for powering equipment at events.
  • Diesel heater with app control - pre-warming the van on cold English mornings.
  • Internal LED lighting - better illumination in both cab and load areas.

These changes made the van far more comfortable and practical from day one.

VW Transporter T6.1 Apple County Customs

Step Two: Sharpening the Look and Handling

With our previous T6, we fitted 20" wheels with low-profile tyres and OEM Sportline springs. It looked sporty, but ride comfort was terrible. This time we approached things differently.

On the T6.1 we installed Bilstein B14 Komfort coilovers set to a 40mm drop, paired with 17" OZ Rally Raid Graphite wheels and 235/65/17 General Grabber AT3 tyres. The results have been transformative:

  • A sporty, lowered stance without compromising towing or off-road driveability.
  • Ride comfort is hugely improved and the Bilsteins soak up bumps, yet control body roll brilliantly.
  • High-profile tyres provide extra comfort, confidence in corners, and protect against kerb damage.
  • The Grabbers offer surprisingly little road noise and handle on & off-road terrain brilliantly.

The ‘Komfort’ spec coil overs are tuned to absorb bumps without the harshness you might expect from a lowered setup. Even with the van lowered by around 40mm, the ride feels composed, settled, and far more enjoyable on longer trips.

 

Step 3: Extracting Better Performance with the Dimsport Rapid TPM Tuning Module

The Bosch MD1CS104 ECU in the T6.1 is factory locked, preventing traditional remapping. Our solution was the Dimsport Rapid TPM Tuning Module, for which we developed a custom loom (as no official kit existed for the T6.1). After extensive dyno and road testing, we optimised the boost and fuel settings to achieve an additional +30 hp and +50 Nm over stock.

The difference is night and day - pulling away from junctions is effortless, overtaking no longer requires planning, and towing heavy loads is far more relaxed – the gearbox holds higher gears thanks to the extra torque, avoiding unnecessary revving.

 

Dimsport Rapid TPM VW Trans

 

Step 4: Fixing Throttle Response – Dimsport FR Pedal Module

The one area still lacking was throttle response. Stock mapping heavily dampens pedal input, making the van feel hesitant, particularly when pulling out of junctions with a trailer in tow.

To fix this, we added the Dimsport FR (Fast Response) Pedal Module. Installed between the accelerator pedal and OEM wiring, it lets us fine-tune pedal sensitivity via a Bluetooth app. After testing, we found the perfect setting – instantly sharper throttle response, more intuitive DSG behaviour, and much safer manoeuvres. Together with the Dimsport Rapid TPM, the van has gone from feeling flat and sluggish to genuinely responsive and enjoyable.

 

Why We Chose The Dimsport Rapid TPM? 

  • Non-invasive tuning: No ECU removal or flashing required 
  • Fully reversible: Return to stock easily if needed 
  • CAN BUS & SENT protocol support: Advanced control for modern engines 

 

Step 5: Breathing New Life with Forge Motorsport Intake

Forge Motorsport approached us to help test their new Intake Kit (FMINDK48) for the Transporter range. With the Dimsport Rapid TPM Module switched off (stock power), the Forge kit didn’t add measurable gains. But once we turned on the TPM Module, the OEM airbox became a restriction – the Forge intake unlocked further performance, showing +12.5 BHP and +20 Nm on our in-house 4-wheel drive dyno, with peaks of +23 hp and +44 Nm in the mid-range.

Aside from the numbers, the Forge kit transformed the driving experience dramatically! Throttle response improved further, and the induction noise added some well-needed character - deeper engine tone at idle, plus amplified turbo whistle and chatter under load. Not everyone will love the soundtrack, but we absolutely do. 

forge intake vw transporter t6

Final Thoughts

Our VW Transporter T6.1 project has turned what was a capable but flawed van into something special. With comfort, drivability, off-road confidence, and meaningful performance gains, it’s now perfectly suited to our lifestyle and work at Avon Tuning.