Volkswagen Multivan Reviews

Volkswagen's Mulitvan has always been a practical people mover but something important has been missing until this new-generation version came along.

People movers are not just vans anymore. These days they’re less box-on-wheels and completely decked out with all the fancy equipment to make them as comfortable as possible.If you’ve got more than five children, you’ll probably need a people carrier like one of these. And if you’re always moving large, bulky items that’s another good reason to get one. But which is the best? Today we’ve got a people mover comparison lining up two stand-outs, the top-of-the-range Kia Carnival Platinum, costing $64,680, before on-road costs and extras, and the Volkswagen Multivan Comfortline Premium, which is second from the bottom of the range and costs $61,990, before on road costs and extras. The Carnival seats eight people while the Multivan seats seven, they’re both technically 'vans', and are huge inside. But which is the best people mover to suit your needs? Let’s get into it so you can decide! 

The Volkswagen Multivan sticks to its traditional shape while some competitors move more toward an SUV-like vehicle. It's also as customisable on the inside as ever.

The 6.1 update for Volkswagen's Multivan (and Transporter) series vans seemed like an opportunity to celebrate 70 years of the Kombi. Short of actually doing another Kombi (which is, allegedly, coming after a number of false starts), the German giant gives us the Multivan Cruise Edition.

Whether you need a van for work or because you have a large family, it’s about how driving a van makes you feel, ammiright?I was stopped on the street by a complete stranger, a mum with three small boys in tow who said, “do you like your van? My husband wants to buy one but I really don’t know.” Because, I mean, it’s a van. Until you have five kids, you don’t absolutely need one, right?Volkswagen is trying to dispel that theory with its Multivan. It’s cooler, has nicer interiors and draws on VW's old Kombi heritage in the hope you’ll even buy one when it’s not particularly necessary.I drove the Volkswagen Multivan Black Edition this week. At $63,490, before on-road costs it’s almost $15,000 more than a Hyundai iMax. So how different is it? I drove it for seven days with my family to find out.

Richard Berry road tests and reviews the new Volkswagen Multivan Generation Six with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Richard Berry road tests and reviews the 2016 Volkswagen T6 Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch

Volkswagen has spiced up the Multivan with a powerful TSI 350 petrol engine hooked up to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Until now the people carrier Multivan was only offered with diesel engines, so the addition of the petrol engine broadens appeal. The ‘350’ indicates the maximum torque available from the engine.VALUEThe new Multivan TSI350 features the same equipment levels as the TDI 400 (diesel) models in either Comfortline of Highline. Bluetooth is optional on Comfortline and standard on Highline. Our test Multivan was the Comfortline specification starting at $54,990 (before on roads) with the Highline TSI 350 starting at $71,990.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre petrol engine with turbo intercooler and direct injection is a sophisticated piece of machinery that at no times suffers under the 2.1 tonnes of the Multivan. The new engine packs a bigger punch than you would expect from that smallish capacity. This is due to direct injection technology along with a little intercooled turbocharger.There's 150 kW of power on tap with maximum torque of 350 Nm available from a low 1500 rpm. Driveability is excellent. The engine is mounted transversely and sits low over the front wheels. The fact that maximum torque of 350 Nm is on tap over a broad band of 1500 to 4000 rpm means it is never found wanting. There is little turbo lag and torque steer is non existent.DESIGNThe last freshen up in styling came two years back when the commercials adopted the corporate VW appearance with a broad, horizontal grille which is simple, yet effective. We are not a fan of the huge rear cargo door as you need at least two metres of rear clearance for the door and the person opening it. This is because this type of door is needed for the van's role as a cargo holder in the Transporter line.The interior is all about functionality for carrying seven passengers in a 2-2-3 format, plus luggage, in as much comfort as possible. What facilitates this is sliding doors on either side and the second and third rows of seats running on floor rail system. You can have almost as much cargo area as you want - or as little - depending on where you slide the second and third row of seats. Or, you can fold the third row altogether and make it a four seater with a bundle of cargo space.Both the second and third row of seats get overhead consoles with air conditioning and lighting controls. So there's three-zone air-conditioning and four drink holders and three 1.5-litre bottle holders. We like the step inserts provided for passengers in both the front and rear plus the fact they are illuminated. There are 12 v sockets for all three passenger rows and retractable blinds on the side windows for the second and third rows. We also like the grab handles above all passenger doors, as it's a vehicle that you need to climb into.SAFETYThe Multivan seems to have just about every bit of safety apparatus going around - but not one of the most important for a vehicle of this size and use: There is no standard reversing camera on Multivan although there are front and rear parking sensors. As a seven seater you would expect to see this vehicle at hotels, airports and resorts - places that abound in people chaos, including little people.A reversing camera is available as an option. What there is, is impressive: front and side airbags and rear curtain airbags, stability program, ABS brakes, brake assist, anti-slip regulation, hill holder, rear fog lamps, auto locking after take off, electric child safety locks on rear doors and child anchor points on back of rear seats.DRIVINGOne of the things that has not changed with Volkswagen vans is the forward vision from the driving position. It has always been excellent. The interior layout of the instrument panel and dash is very Volkswagen, easy to navigate and use. The seating position is like a pilot's chair in a ship: comfortable with arm rests and support where you need it. The only reservation we had from a driving perspective is the gear lever that comes out from the dash is close to the steering wheel and indicator stalk.Three times in the first two days we knocked the gear shifter into neutral when reaching for the indicator. It didn't happen again after this, so it's something you become accustomed. During our test we recorded 8.3 litres/100 km on the open road and 10.5 litres/100 km around town. For most of the time we were one-up, so this consumption would rise with passengers or cargo aboard.Volkswagen’s DSG transmissions seem to vary a lot - some are uncertain at low speeds, others not - but we found this one performed well at all speeds. It is a lovely combination with the engine and no doubt plays a major part in making the Multivan TSI 350 feel light and lively. Despite its ride height Multivan really has good road manners. Body roll is minimal making for a comfortable ride for passengers. The straight-line acceleration is quite remarkable and this is one van that will not be embarrassed off at the lights. This is a well balance package that rates among the more enjoyable vehicles we have driven this year.VERDICTA must drive for large families looking for seven seats and those needing a commercial passenger vehicle.

You have to drive one kid to soccer, another to dance lessons and a third to swimming, and they’ve each turned up with a friend in tow AND all their gear. Time to call in a bus? Not if you have VW’s Multivan.A roomy seven-seater, the Multivan is an effective people mover that doesn’t drive like a bus. Parking the behemoth Multivan next to a group of rowdy tradies was a tad intimidating during our test drive, but after an impressive two point parallel park, the silenced working heroes gave us the nod of approval.The surprisingly maneuverable Multivan has admirable functionality, flexibility, and comfort – if perhaps less impressive looks.Price and EquipmentThe automatic, Multivan Comfortline TSI350, priced at $54,990, comes with front and rear parking sensors, ESP, ABS, ASR, MSR, EDL, Hill Holder, leather multi-function steering wheel, three-zone climate control air conditioning, alloy wheels, three-year unlimited km warranty, full size alloy spare wheel, retractable sun blinds, sliding side windows, 12-volt sockets, multi-function trip computer, brake pad wear indicator, eight speakers, MP3 and iPhone integration, and cruise control.TechnologyThe four cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine develops 150kW of power and a handy 350Nm of torque. The Multivan Comfortline TSI350 has seven-speed DSG, front wheel drive, and a capable turning radius of 11.9 m. The petrol engine’s official combined fuel economy is 10.1/100km though we found 13.4/100km was the result with a fairly full load.DesignIf you’re attracted to sleek, streamlined vehicles, you’ll be punching below your weight on this one. But if you like vans big and chunky, then you’ll fall in love with the Multivan’s full bodied design. Externally the Multivan isn’t impressing anyone, but it’s what’s inside that counts.The Multivan doesn’t view its passengers as mere lumpen cargo. Dual side sliding doors, sliding side windows in the second row, retractable sun blinds, roof lighting, climate control, and reading lights in back evict the idea of second class seating.Yes, this people mover is definitely built for people . . . who need to be moved. The seating layout of 2/2/3 keeps a large aisle to access the back, doing away with the need to scramble, crawl, and expose too much backside while trying to clamber into the third row.The front seats have height and lumbar adjustment. Second row seats can swivel to face the back row, slide forward or back, or be removed, and have storage drawers beneath them. The third row bench seat can fold and slide forward, giving you the flexibility for transporting people, luggage, and any combination inbetween.The boot is large but so is the door, so you need plenty of room behind you to open it. Unless you’re a family needing an exceptional amount of headroom, the Multivan’s height of 1970mm (and width of 2,283mm including door mirrors) offers plenty of space in both directions.SafetyIt doesn’t have an ANCAP rating, but there are driver, front passenger, and curtain airbags, safety cell with front and rear crumple zones, ABS, ESP, BA, ASR, EDL, Hill Holder, child seat anchor points, and three-point seatbelts for all passengers keep everyone inside the vehicle safe, though a rear view camera as standard would help keep people outside the vehicle a bit safer.DrivingRack and pinion power steering is responsive, and the driver’s seat gives a clear view of the road. The gear lever feels awkward positioned up near the steering wheel, but otherwise the controls are comfortable and easy to use.Independent McPherson struts on the front axle and semi-trailing independent on the rear give a fairly smooth ride. The cabin is very quiet, even at highway speeds.The Multivan has surprisingly good pickup and handling for its size – and little body roll considering the height.Parking is easy using the sensitive front and rear parking sensors and electrical door mirrors (you can opt for the rear camera), though the vehicle’s height will keep you out of lower garages.VerdictThe Multivan caters to all passengers rather than just the front row. Everybody rides in comfort and as a people mover it doesn’t disappoint.

People movers were originally just vans with bench seats like the VW Kombi, introduced in 1950.But people movers have come a long way since then. The svelte lines of the Honda Odyssey are light years from the brick-shaped Kombi.But isn't a rectangular van the most practical shape for moving people and their luggage? VW thinks so and still flies the flag of people-moving vans with the Multivan.It might appear to have the aerodynamics of a shoe box, but it is practical and the new two-litre turbo petrol model overcomes some of the problems associated with big vans such as power, economy and driving dynamics.VALUEPeople movers start at $25,990 for a Kia Rondo and range up to the Mercedes Viano at $79,490. The Multivan TSI350 is at the top end of the field along with the Benz and the flagship Tarago ($71,990).It comes in Comfortline spec for $54,990 with chrome accents, Bluetooth, window blinds, climate control and cruise, while the Highline at $71,990 adds powered dual sliding side doors, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, auto headlights, cabin table, better sound system and 17-inch alloy wheels.The true value comes in the ability to carry seven big adults in absolute comfort, still with plenty of space for luggage and the ability to configure the cabin in myriad ways. VW also has good resale and warranty for this type of vehicle.TECHNOLOGYThe addition of the two-litre turbo petrol TSI350 engine adds some sporty and responsive dynamics while keeping fuel economy relatively affordable. The engine combines a turbocharger with intercooler and direct fuel injection to produce 150kW and 350Nm of torque. It's not as potent a people mover as the V6 Kia Grand Carnival (202kW/336Nm), but married to the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission it's slightly more economical at 10.1L/100km compared with 10.9 for the Kia.SAFETYThere is no ANCAP safety rating for the Multivan, but it comes with six airbags including curtain airbags that cover the whole cabin.Side assist and a rearview camera are optional, however since it is a rectangle, the vehicle extends as far as the eye can see at the windows, so parking and manoeuvring in small areas really is little problem. It also comes with stability control, ABS and brake assist, and there are five child seat anchor points.DESIGNIt's basically a brick on wheels and only Bauhaus fans - the rational and functional art style, not the '70s Brit-punk band - would find it remotely appealing. That's not to say rock bands wouldn't find this appealing. Many a rock band owes their ability to move from gig to gig to a VW Kombi or similar van. Exterior design is reflected inside with VW's typically austere and functional instrumentation. While some people movers such as the Kia have eight seats, the VW has acres of cabin room for seven large adults and greater luggage space. It also comes with long dual sliding doors and a massive tailgate that makes loading luggage and people effortless. Sliding floor rails allow the two second row seats to be moved separately and rotated 180 degrees and the third row bench seat also moves forward and back for maximum versatility.DRIVINGIt leaps off the line with surprising acceleration and a slight chirp of the front wheels. Drivers will also find it turns into corners with startling agility and very little need to deploy the electronic stability program. The engineers can only go so far in counteracting the laws of physics on a tall van, so rapid swerving to avoid an object at speed can cause massive body wobbles. Still, it's responsive and agile for a big van and also very quiet even though the driver is almost sitting over the engine. Doors open and close with a solid clunk and the whole vehicle feels like it could hit a brick wall and come away in better shape.VERDICTForget about the looks. This is a practical van with loads of space, a flexible seating arrangement and now a good balance of power and economy.Volkswagen MultivanPrice: $54,990-$71,990Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 51 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: N/ASpare: full-sizeEngine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo, 150kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; FWDBody: 4.8m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.9m (h)Weight: 2180kgThirst: 10.1L/100km; 236g/km CO2