Volkswagen is launching the new Multivan, and it comes to Ireland in spring 2022 with a starting price of €55,435.
The German vehicle manufacturer boasts that it provides greater comfort and safety, an innovative interior, and is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time.
Built by its VWCV (Commercial Vehicles ), the new Multivan is the first vehicle from that division to use the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB ) platform. The Multivan heritage can be traced back 70 years and seven generations to the legendary T1.
Now, heralding what it describes as a new era for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the latest version is defined by the addition of an electrified powertrain. It offers up to 4,053 litres of flexible luggage space and a towing capacity of 2,000kg.
Volkswagen says the new Multivan is perfect for busy families, active lifestyles, and equally suited as a business MPV.
With space for up to seven seats, this Multi Utility Vehicle is available in Multivan, Life, and Style specifications.
The exterior seems to take its styling cues from its iconic predecessors - short overhangs, a long wheelbase, optional two-tone paint and a horizontal character line, that its says, pays homage to the iconic T3.
There are sliding doors on either side and there is a roof-edge spoiler at the back.
All round visibility
The new Multivan differentiates itself from its Multivan 6.1 predecessor with a side window in the A-pillar, which Volkswagen says increases all-round visibility. Wheel sizes are now up to 19 inches in diameter. The base version is a little longer, wider and lower, while retaining its acclaimed cabin space. It measures 4,973 mm long (+69 mm ), 1,941 mm wide (+37 mm ) and up to 1,903 mm high (-47 mm ). The long version measures 5,173mm long and has an identical 3,124 mm (+124 mm ) wheelbase. VWCV seems to have made great advances with the aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.3.
Volkswagen says the modern interior is equipped with a digital cockpit, touch sensitive controls and the 10-inch infotainment system with online services ‘We Connect’ and ‘We Connect Plus’ (will be free for a limited period ). Meanwhile, a space saving shift-by-wire gear selector accompanies the standard DSG dual clutch gearbox and electronic parking brake. Rear seats come with practical fold-down tables and are up to 25 per cent lighter, making it easier to re-arrange them or remove them altogether. Standard features include the Car2X (local warning system ), front assist with city emergency braking, swerve support with new turn-off assist, dynamic road sign display, lane assist and cruise control. IQ drive travel assist combines predictive adaptive cruise control and lane assist to offer a semi-automated driving experience that enhances mid- to long-distance driving.
The new eHybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine 150HP (160 kW ) with an 85kW electric motor and 13kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined output of 218HP (160kW ) and zero on-road emissions driving on short trips.
Next year it will be joined by a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine (TDI ) with a power output of 150HP (110kW ).
Pricing for the TDI version, which is due later in 2022, will not be available until closer to launch. The Multivan comes with dual clutch DSG gearboxes, six-speed in the eHybrid and seven-speed in the TSI/TDI versions.
