Volkswagen has revealed more details about the Irish specs and pricing for its new Multivan, which is due to arrive here next spring.
Rather than being based on the commercial VW Transporter model like its Caravelle predecessors, the Multivan is based on Volkswagen’s ‘MQB’ passenger car architecture that it shares with cars such as VW Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq. That should make the new model a little more civilised.
Exterior
The new model will be available in “Multivan”, “Life” and “Style” specification grades, while short and a long versions will be available, the latter measuring 5.17m in length - though both models share the same wheelbase. In the longer model, with the seats folded down, there’s 4,053 litres of luggage capacity.
From the outside, the Multivan looks particularly eye-catching in the optional two-tone paint and features a sliding door on either side. If so optioned, the rear hatch can be electrically opened with a flick of a foot. Wheel sizes up to 19 inches in diameter are available.
Interior
There’s plenty of tech inside with a digital instrument cluster as seen in other models like the VW Golf and a ten-inch infotainment screen. Optionally (though as standard in Style spec), that infotainment screen can display a top-down 360-degree view of the car to help with parking.
The Multivan features up to a possible 20 driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go technology, emergency braking and stability control for in the event of a sudden swerve.
Seating is for up to seven people, and the rail system on the floor and the reduced weight of the seats compared to previous models’ makes for greater flexibility when it comes to configuring the Multivan to the owner’s preference.
A panoramic glass roof is optional.
Engines
For starters, a plug-in hybrid model combining a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 13kWh battery and an 85kW electric motor will be available offering 218hp for low-emissions driving.
That will be joined next year by a 150hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
Both engines are attached to dual-clutch DSG automatic gearboxes — a six-speed unit in the plug-in hybrid and seven-speed in the diesel.
Irish deliveries
Scheduled to arrive in spring 2022, pre-orders for the new Volkswagen Multivan are open now with prices starting from €56,435 on the road.