Best T6 option for towing up to 2 tons & loaded van?

[RMOffroad]

Hi all, I’m going to be buying a late 2020/21 T6 kombi van for towing a rally car & box trailer etc & need recommendations as to reliability and towing performance.
I’ve been warned against the higher horse power bi-turbo models due to reliability issues but is this more on earlier models with the egr cooler issues? The 150 brake version with a remap on the engine & DSG box has been recommended by a local specialist.
Would be looking at the DSG version in all models, is the gearbox up to towing over long distances?
Also if the high hp versions are reliable, is the 4motion worth the money for towing stability? It would make access into some service pits easier as these could be fields, but there is usually a tractor to assist & if the 4x4 system is heavy on fuel then it may not be worth it….
Any recommendations or experiences would be welcomed!
Rick

 

[DaveD]

If you're towing 2 tonnes you can't expect great fuel economy out of any vehicle.
There is a small fuel penalty with the 4Motion system but it could potentially save you a lot of hassle, I tow a trailer on fields regularly and wouldn't be without 4Motion.
The 150hp version will comfortably tow 2 tonnes, but obviously the 204 version would find it easier, but would be a bit thirstier, the choice is yours!
There are many thousands of the higher output engines out there and if you buy one with a good service history there's no reason why it wouldn't be reliable.

 

[teamfly]

I've done a fair bit of towing with mine .
Mapping the 150 makes a huge difference , especially towing . Pendle or revo .
Mine have all been manual , & up & down the gears a lot before maps . Great tow vehicle

 

[JOG]

California 150 bhp DSG. No issues towing 2 tonne. I don’t have 4motion which is the only addition I’d have although I have had no issues without it

 

[dubber36]

I did a long trip yesterday with the Scirocco on a trailer. That was just a smidge over 2000kg.

Mines a Superchipped 150 DSG. It tows really nicely and copes well with steep hills. I averaged 28mpg, which I didn't think was too bad. As I've said before, aerodynamics take as much toll on performance as weight. The van is already punching a big hole through the air. It's acceleration that uses most of the extra fuel. Once it's rolling you're not fighting against much more drag than a solo van, so cruising at 60mph I don't see the 204 being of that much benefit.

 

[Dannyb6467]

I've had a 204 4motion and towed 1000s of miles without a single issue. Now got a 199 4motion and still towing miles and again not a single issue. Fuel consumption is roughly the same for both hp,s...mid 20s. Better towing and fuel consumption with a Discovery but use the Dub as a day van and sleeper so it is what it is.

 

[Salty Spuds]

I tow a 1900kg twin axle boat/trailer combo with a 204/DSG/4mot. Done thousands of miles, Croatia/Portugal/Spain. Never missed a beat & plenty of torque. I had 8 Discoverys before the T6, the Disco4 id still the best towing vehicle available imho, but the T6 isn’t far behind. I can get around 30mpg if I’m sensible with the right foot, I used to get 22 from the Disco. The only thing missing from the T6 is a low box, but you can’t have everything.

 

[Salty Spuds]

I tow a 1900kg twin axle boat/trailer combo with a 204/DSG/4mot. Done thousands of miles, Croatia/Portugal/Spain. Never missed a beat & plenty of torque. I had 8 Discoverys before the T6, the Disco4 id still the best towing vehicle available imho, but the T6 isn’t far behind. I can get around 30mpg if I’m sensible with the right foot, I used to get 22 from the Disco. The only thing missing from the T6 is a low box, but you can’t have everything.

Ps. Forgot to mention that the van is also a fully loaded camper conversion too.