I've had my first 24hrs with our new T6 SWB TSi and I am thoroughly impressed.
I had no intention of buying until Nov/Dec and had accepted that on my budget I'd be 'settling' for a low mileage 102 or slightly higher mileage 140/150 diesel. I say settle because the van replaces a rapid petrol turbo estate I've had from new for the last 11yrs and absolutely loved, I really wanted to avoid diesel for all of the obvious reasons and I frankly don't really mind lower mpg for the better driving experience you get from a great turbo'd petrol engine. The van I bought was 3-4k over my budget and it was my wife who said if it's what you want then get it !!
It returned 33 mpg during delivery motorway miles and since then on local roads, town driving, some stop start and a couple of blasts along 'the mad mile' just so I knew when the boost and torque were coming in, it's done 29mpg.
First is very short, things are decidedly fun from second to fourth, keeping it above 2100 and under 4500 it fair flies along with smooth, precise and dare I say it snappy manual changes (I am an auto fan but not a DSG fan), it's worth saying that it is also very quiet inside despite it only containing a pair of factory swivel captains chairs, not even any ply in there. That peaky performance may change a little when it gradually becomes a day/camper, glass and tailgate tinting are done in a few weeks as is a removable tow bar and reverse camera.........if it gets too heavy then there is always Pendle outside of warranty, roof, bed and pod will be done by xmas fingers crossed.
What somewhat made my evening yesterday was a neighbour coming round, a lovely retired gearhead with pots of money who buys a new Corvette and a new 7 Series every year but told me he really wanted a T6 from Leighton Vans with the 300hp tune after he saw them at a supercar meet racing around the circuit and keeping up.......
Here's to many more happy years with a petrol turbo.