Kia Carnival put on notice: 2025 Volkswagen Multivan price and details revealed as it gears up to tackle popular family haulers

Volkswagen Australia has announced its new-generation Multivan people mover will arrive early in 2025 ready to compete with Kia’s segment-leading Carnival.

Volkswagen said the new Multivan will land in Australia during Q2 next year.

It will initially be available in one form: the TDI 350 Life, which can be had with a short wheelbase (SWB) for a list price $75,990 or long wheelbase (LWB) for $78,990.

The difference in dimensions sees an increase of the SWB’s overall length from 4973mm to 5173mm in the LWB. 

Volkswagen said a Style grade will join it in 2025, along with another powertrain.

The Multivan is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit making 110kW and 360Nm. 

The Life is typically the entry grade into Volkswagen's ranges and Style often sits above that in the line-up and offers more premium touches and features.

All new Multivans will be seven seaters, but unlike the competitors seating is extremely versatile with multiple combinations and layouts possible for passengers and cargo.

Standard features on the TDI 350 Life include 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, power tailgate, 10.0-inch media screen, a digital instrument cluster and leather-clad steering wheel. 

All new-generation models typically represent a significant change to the models they supersede, in the case of the Mutlivan this is especially true. The new vehicle has now been built on what is a car and SUV platform that also underpins Volkswagen’s Golf and Tiguan.

“The Multivan has always been about offering amazing practicality and comfort, and the all-new generation further extends that approach on the same platform as a Golf or Tiguan,” said Volkswagen Commercial vehicles director Ryan Davies. 

“This vehicle is engineering led, loyal and new customers are buying into a level of refinement, packaging intelligence and seating versatility never before seen among people movers."

Volkswagen will be hoping to steal some of the sales and limelight away from the Kia Carnival with Multivan, but won’t be able to beat it on price. Currently the Carnival starts at $50,150 for the entry grade petrol variant and extends up to $76,210 for the top-of-the-range hybrid version.

It might not be able to go as low in price, but Volkswagen will compete with versatility and choice not just in the Multivan itself but in the more van-like models to come in the form of the Transporter cargo carrier and fully electric ID. Buzz retro Kombi coming soon.

“Within 12 months we will also offer this seven seat Multivan alongside a five and seven-seat fully electric ID. Buzz and commercial ID. Buzz Cargo, plus the all new Transporter and Caravelle,” said Mr Davies. 

“No other brand will offer such powertrain choice, nor will they have such a new range to offer.”