Volkswagen has re-imagined what a super-large People Carrier can be. Jonathan Crouch drives the Multivan.

Ten Second Review

At a stroke, Volkswagen's Multivan redefines what you can expect a really large People Carrier to be. This seven-seat Caravelle replacement sheds its predecessor's commercial vehicle roots and is the only model in the segment not to be based on a van. Yet it's supremely spacious and flexible for families.

Background

For a long time now, really big People Carriers have really had to be based on mid-sized vans. But here's one, Volkswagen's Multivan, that isn't. Yes, even though it's called a 'Multivan'. If you're not confused yet, you might be by the time you take on board the fact that Volkswagen has three models filling this space in the market. Apart from this one, an MPV version of the Transporter T6 van is still available, the Transporter Shuttle, for those wanting a basic old school minibus. Those of a more futuristic mind set meanwhile, can ask their dealer about the all-electric I.D Buzz, which is also roughly the same size. But we're here to talk about the Multivan, which is the replacement for the long-running Caravelle, the change of name designating both the reinvention of this model and the fact that it no longer shares its engineering with the Transporter van. Instead, this seven-seat model gets the extended version of Volkswagen's familiar MQB platform, as used by larger group SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Skoda Kodiaq.

Driving Experience

All of Volkswagen's popular engines feature here. Most Multivan customers choose the 2.0-litre 150PS 2.0-litre diesel. But if you can stretch to it, a good alternative is the now-improved 245PS eHybrid 4MOTION AWD plug-in petrol model, which now has a 59 mile battery range - enough for many school runs and shopping trips. An extra 100kg of weight means this PHEV variant isn't especially quick, but can be driven electrically at up to 80mph. The conventional petrol alternative is the 204PS 2.0-litre TSI version, but that isn't going to be cheap to run. Around town and on narrow country roads, the Multivan feels the prodigious size that it is, but as advertised, it's much more car-like than the old Caravelle. Potholes and speed humps no longer send tremors through the body structure because that chassis is now so much stiffer. Plus the suspension set-up's been optimised and is available with extra cost Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping if you want it. Roll through the bends has been reduced by about 25% and the steering is far more direct, though doesn't have much feedback. Should you be running late for the school run, you can actually even drive with a bit of enthusiasm and you sit a little further back than in the old Caravelle, in a driving position that's less upright.

Design and Build

You might think that the switch to a car rather than a van platform would make Volkswagen's largest MPV a little smaller. In fact, the opposite is true. It's wider and longer than the old Caravelle (and sits lower). To be specific, it's 1,941mm wide and 1,903mm tall and, in standard-shape SWB form, 4,973mm long. There's an even bigger extended wheelbase LWB version that's 5,173mm long. Style-wise, the Multivan looks, well, much less like a converted van, helped by its smart full-width grille and sharp LED headlights. Plus you can have the split two-tone paint finishes that typified so many previous Caravelles. But what Volkswagen thinks will really sell larger families this model is its more flexible interior with its new modular seating system. All the seats are now individual chairs which sit on three rails running the length of the cabin. The seats are now 25% lighter, making them easier to remove and reposition (especially compared to the old 90kg rear bench). Unfortunately, the middle seats no longer swivel on their bases, so if you want to turn them to face those at the very rear, you'll have to unclip them, lift and turn them round. Up front, because Volkswagen has removed the conventional handbrake and gear lever, there's no centre console, but if you miss that, the passenger cabin sliding table can be pushed right up to the front to function as one. There's a smarter multi-function steering wheel through which you view a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. Infotainment is taken care of by a 10-inch centre screen. With all the seats in place, boot capacity is 469-litres on the SWB model and 763-litres with the LWB version. Maximum load space with all seats folded on models without a sunroof is rated at 3,672-litres for the SWB model and 4,005-litres for the LWB version.

Market and Model

As with the old Caravelle, you'll only be able to get a Multivan at a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer. Certain Volkswagen car dealerships can place the order for you though: to find your nearest one - or locate your nearest Volkswagen Vans stockist - you'll need to go to the Volkswagen-vans.co.uk website. Customers have a choice of two trim levels - 'Life' and 'Style' - plus two vehicle lengths and four powertrains - that 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel, plus two petrol powerplants, a 2.0 TSI 204PS powertrain and the 1.4 TSI 245PS eHybrid 4MOTION PHEV. Prices start from around £48,000 for the 2.0 TDI diesel variant you'll probably want. Think around £55,000 for the eHybrid. Those are figures for the standard body length; it's £1,350 more if you want the 'Long' version. Seven seats are standard, but there's the no-cost option of a '2-2-2' six-seater layout. Even on the entry-level 'Life model', the specification's pretty generous including 16-inch alloy wheels (17-inchers on the eHybrid), seven seats, two sliding doors, a 'Digital Cockpit' instrument display screen and a 10-inch centre infotainment monitor. 'Style models', which start at around £60,000 for the SWB 2.0 TDI model, include the brand's piercing 'IQ.LIGHT' LED matrix headlights, plus customers also get the 'Discover Media' navigation system, Park Assist, electric sliding doors and a tailgate with an easy open feature, plus 17-inch alloy wheels. Safety-wise, 'Front Assist' autonomous braking and 'Lane Assist' feature, among many other standard items. 'Style'-spec also gets Volkswagen's 'Travel Assist' set-up, which facilitates Level 2 automated driving, the system capable of taking over the steering, braking and acceleration of your Multivan at speeds up to 130mph. The driver activates the system by pressing a separate Travel Assist button on the multifunction steering wheel.

Cost of Ownership

You won't be expecting an MPV of this size to be particularly cheap to run, but Volkswagen hopes to surprise you here. The base 1.5 TSI petrol unit manages up to 35.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 180g/km of CO2. The 2.0 TDI diesel improves that to 43.5mpg and 170g/km which, in combination with the 58-litre fuel tank, facilitates a range of around 620 miles without refuelling. For the 2.0 TSI petrol model, the figures are rather different - bests of 31.4mpg and 203g/km. The Plug-in eHybrid petrol version's worth a look; it offers up to 156.9mpg on the combined cycle if you take account of the all-electric driving range - and a tax-busting 41g/km of CO2. Finally, there's the warranty. Volkswagens of any kind are limited to three years of cover, but with a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle (which is what the Multivan is classed as), the mileage limit in this period is raised from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's also three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance also included with no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and the Multivan is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion body warranty.

Summary

This Volkswagen's name is perhaps unfortunate given the switch away from commercial roots, but this Multivan nevertheless resets the segment standard for what a really large People Carrier can be. Expect ride and handling on a different level from this model's LCV-based rivals - and far more car-like cabin too. You'd still consider a Mercedes V-Class in this sector if luxury was everything, but the Multivan could save you so much over one of those that you might be able to justify having it with the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain that no other MPV in this segment can offer. It'll all be a different world for customers graduating on from a Caravelle - and not before time. It's long overdue for cars in this class to significantly raise their game - and that's just what's happened here.

Body Glass

Windshield wiper intermittent control with rain sensor

Heated windscreen

Heated rear window with window wiper and washer system

Rear wiper

Laminated safety glass windshield, heat and sound insulating

Additional interior noise reduction measures

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Traction control

Front disc brakes

Electronic stability control (ESC) and Electromechanical brake booster

Electronic Stability Programme

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Automatic post collision braking system

Hill hold assist

Carpets/Rugs

Reinforced carpet floor covering in passenger compartment

Carpet mats in cab

Communication

Voice control system including Alexa web app

We connect preparation

Mobile phone interface

Driver Aids

Driver alert system

Lane change system with side assist including blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert and exit warning system

Semi-automated driving assistance

Lane keeping system Lane Assist

Adaptive cruise control with C2X including front assist and city emergency braking system

Power assisted steering

Dynamic road sign display

Driver Convenience

Electrically-operated tailgate opening and closing function (Easy open), operated via foot movement under rear tailgate

Tailgate

eCall emergency system

Driver Information

Travel assist

Discover media pro navi system with 10" colour touch incl DAB+radio/appconnect for apple carplay/android auto/streaming and internet/gesture control

Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25" colour display with adaptable display includes navigation map display, telephone contact images and audio information

Emergency assist

Driving Mirrors

High gloss black exterior mirror housing

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors

Break away auto dimming rear view interior mirror

Embellishment Trims

Dark woodgrain optic decorative inserts

Entertainment

2 USB-C ports in front and 4 USB-C ports in passenger compartment

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured exterior door handles

Stainless steel tailgate trim

Glossy black painted radiator grille with 2 illuminated chrome trims

Chrome trim decorative strip mid-way on side and rear

Exterior Lights

LED rear combination lamps

Advanced high beam control dynamic light assist for LED matrix headlamps

LED 3rd brake lamp

Surround lighting in door area and tailgate with logo projection in door area

Dynamic headlight range control with dynamic cornering light

Automatic headlight control with welcome home lights

IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps with LED separate daytime running light

Front fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Climatronic 3 zone air conditioning with additional control panel in passenger compartment

Interior Features

Storage compartment under the 2nd and 3rd row seat and two waste bins

Stainless steel pedals

1 x 12V sockets on the dash panel

Height and longitudinal adjustment steering wheel with gear shift paddles

Slidable multifunction table/centre console with 3 cup holders

12V socket in passenger compartment

Load compartment partition to 20kg with bag hooks and luggage net

Multifunction leather steering wheel with tiptronic

Illumination lockable glovebox compartment

Grab handles on A pillar for access, on driver and front passenger side

Luggage compartment lid power latching with unlatching from inside

Interior Lights

LED luggage compartment lighting X 2

30 colours ambient interior lighting and tailgate surround lighting

Packs

Easy open package - Multivan

6 seat conference package - Multivan

Safety

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

Seat belt warning for the drivers and all passengers seats if unfastened

Electric childproof lock

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Single tone horn

Side and curtain airbags for driver and front passenger, curtain airbags for outer seats in rear, centre airbag in front

3x3 point rear seat belts

Seats

Armrests on inner side of 3rd row seats

ISOFIX (including i-size) and top tether in all seats in 2nd and 3rd rows

Single passenger seat

Height adjustable seats

Front and rear head restraints

Removable armrests for front seats with power adjustable lumbar support and folding table for 2nd row passenger seats

Security

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection

Start/stop button on centre console

Central locking system with interior control and safe lock

Keyless advanced with keyless entry

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror, ticket holder on driver side with airbag warning label on sunvisor and B-pillar

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 172

HC: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 176

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 172

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO2 (g/km): 141

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 16.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

CC: 1968

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.8

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - High: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Low: 34.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 44.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.5

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

AdBlue: No

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 28E

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 69

NCAP Safety Assist %: 87

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Series: Style [6 Seat]

Coin Description: TDI

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.6

Top Speed: 118

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Power - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Wheel Style: DUNDROD

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R17

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R17

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4973

Width: 1941

Wheelbase: 3124

Width (including mirrors): 2246

Height: 1907

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Max. Loading Weight: 708

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

No. of Seats: 6

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58

Minimum Kerbweight: 2142

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2850

Max. Roof Load: 100

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Body Glass

Privacy glass - 90% tint

Fixed window in the left sliding door

Fixed window in the right sliding door

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic chassis control includes drive mode selection

Dynamic chassis control (DCC) with lowered suspension includes drive mode selection

Entertainment

Harman Kardon sound system with 13 speakers, 840W total power output with digital 16-channel amplifier

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Fixed panoramic glass sunroof 90% tinted

Special solid paint

Front/rear mudflaps

Two tone paint

Pearlescent paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Auxiliary heater

Interior Features

Bi-colour leather upholstery with inserts and seat bolsters in leather look

Savona bi-colour leather upholstery with inserts and seat bolsters in smooth leather look

Net partition

Packs

Trailer assist plus pack with Trailer hitch - Multivan

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Starlight blue

Metallic - Copper bronze

Metallic - Fortana red

Metallic - Energetic Orange

Metallic - Indium grey

Metallic - Mono silver

Metallic - Florida beach blue

Metallic - Reflex Silver

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pure grey

Paint - Special

Special solid - Candy white

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone - Mono silver/Energetic orange

Two tone - Candy white/Starlight blue

Two tone - Deep black pearlescent/Fortana red

Safety

Fire extinguisher

Proactive passenger protection system

Seats

Ergo Comfort seats with active seat ventilation, power driver + passenger seat and driver seat memory and massage function

Ergo comfort seats with power driver + passenger seat and driver seat memory and massage function

Heated front and outer rear seats

Security

4 remote control folding keys

Service/Warranty

Service plan - Covering 2 services under 1 year plan

Towing

Retractable towbar with electric release

Trim - Cloth

Artvelours bi-colour cloth - Raven black/Sand with microfleece inserts and seat bolster in smooth leather look

Trim - Leather

Savona bi-colour leather - Raven black/Sand with inserts and seat bolsters in smooth leather look

Bi-colour leather - Raven black/Sand with inserts and seat bolsters in leather look

Wheels

235/50 R18 All season tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" Halmstadt black diamond turned surface alloy wheels

18" Toshima silver alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit and Jack

19" alloy spare wheel with original equipment tyre

18" alloy spare wheel with original equipment tyre

17" alloy spare wheel with original equipment tyre