Volkswagen Multivan seven-seater evaluation: a side-by-side inspection
In the October 2016 issue of Wheels magazine, Australia's leading car publication since 1953, the Volkswagen Multivan was featured, showcasing its transformation from a utilitarian commercial vehicle to a versatile multi-purpose family transporter.
The journey began in 1950 with the launch of the Volkswagen Type 2, a light commercial vehicle designed primarily as a van, pickup, or cab chassis. Over the decades, it evolved, expanding its appeal beyond commercial use with the addition of various body styles and camper van conversions.
By the 1980s, the "Multivan" variant emerged, emphasising passenger comfort and multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) capabilities. This evolution continued into the 21st century, with the Multivan firmly establishing itself as a modern MPV, blending practicality with improved comfort and amenities suited for passenger transport.
Under the hood, the Multivan is equipped with a 1968cc 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, TDI engine, producing 103kW of power and 340Nm of torque. The vehicle boasts a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 13.4 seconds, a 0-400m time of 19.0 seconds @ 119.0km/h, and a test fuel consumption of 9.7L/100km.
The Multivan's interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring second-row chairs that swivel 180-degrees and can be removed, as well as clever touches such as bottle storage under the dashboard and power outlets in the third row. The third-row seating is particularly beneficial when your kids are big or if you plan to use the third row frequently.
The vehicle's exterior maintains a boxy design, reminiscent of its commercial vehicle roots, but it also boasts sliding side doors, which are approved of. The Multivan's base model is priced at $49,990, including forward collision warning, city emergency braking, and a rear-view camera. High-end models, priced over $80,000, seem reasonable given their features.
However, the Multivan, despite its high-end pricing, struggles to compete with modern designs due to its close resemblance to a commercial vehicle. The vehicle's weight is 2174kg, but the cargo capacity is not specified in the article.
The Multivan's tyres are Goodyear Marathon 215/60R16C 106T, and it is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The test price for the Multivan, including metallic paint and other features, is $51,580. The 80-120km/h time is 10.5 seconds, and the 3-year resale value is estimated at 60%.
The Multivan's history reflects Volkswagen's adaptation of the Type 2 platform from a practical utility vehicle to a multi-faceted family and leisure transporter over more than seven decades. This transformation began with the invention of the MPV concept in the 1950s with the Volkswagen Kombi van.
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