Vans

Hyundai has recently introduced a hybrid powertrain option for its popular Staria Load van but does this new petrol-electric technology offer the right mix of performance and economy to win new customers in the mid-size commercial van market?

It was only a matter of time before Volkswagen introduced a factory camper version of its ID. Buzz pure-electric van, and now it’s arrived in the shape of the ID. California Cruise.Offered in short- and long-wheelbase form, the adventurous newcomer is equipped with a host of lifestyle-focused extras, including:2.0m x 1.2m (by 9.0cm thick) folding mattress extending out across the rear seatsLightweight folding table and chair set housed above the mattressVentilation grillesWindow black-out coversOptional panoramic sunroof with light-proof coverNo ‘pop-top’ roof or kitchen unit at this stagePower is supplied by the same rear-mounted single electric motor as the ID. Buzz Pro and Pro+ models, sending 210kW/510Nm to the rear wheels with a 79kWh lithium-ion battery in the SWB and 86kWh pack in the LWB likely to deliver similar range figures of 422km and 452km, respectively.But the electric California Cruise’s signature campsite party trick will surely be its V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality with up to 3.6kW output to power equipment like lighting, cooking gear or a fridge/freezer box that would typically require a petrol generator.Another special feature up the new camper’s sleeve is ‘California Mode’, which keeps the air-conditioning or heating system as well as interior lighting and USB sockets up and running for 48 hours.Volkswagen has positioned the ID. California Cruise as “an important milestone towards an entirely new generation of all-electric campervans, which will be introduced step by step through to 2028.” Pricing is confirmed in the new model’s German home market at €60,761 (~A$98,300) with deliveries scheduled to start in early 2027.For reference, the current local ID. Buzz line-up starts with the SWB Pro at $75,990, before on-road costs and tops out with the LWB-only dual-motor GTX at $106,990, BOC.  CarGuide contacted Volkswagen Australia for comment on the ID. California Cruise’s potential for local sale and a spokesperson told us, "We are continually reviewing our product portfolio for the Australian market."While we recognise the interest in the Volkswagen ID. California Cruise, we are unable to confirm local availability or timing at this stage for Australia." 

Kia has teased its electric Carnival alternative overseas. The brand has provided a glimpse at its new PV7 van ahead of an official debut on 14 September 2026 at the IAA Transportation.  The PV7 is the bigger sibling of the PV5 that launched in Australia this year. It will tackle the Ford E-Transit Custom van as well as the Hyundai Staria Electric people mover. It would shape up as a cheaper alternative to luxury Chinese competition such as the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009 in Australia. Details are scarce at this stage, with Kia only providing a preview before it receives an official unveiling next month. The PV7 is expected to be available in both cargo and passenger configurations, as Kia stated it is adaptable across commercial and lifestyle applications. The PV7 concept was nearly 5.3m long, which is a little longer than the diesel- and hybrid-powered Carnival.From the outside, it sports a rounded front look, similar to the PV5, while it also features an angular headlight design.Its rear headlights are assembled in a vertical shape, with a chrome-look rear bumper. It will be the brand’s second model to use its dedicated all-electric E-GMP.S platform, following the PV5. Kia has not confirmed what will power the PV7, but the PV5 employs a single electric motor producing 120kW and 250Nm. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks. There is no official word on the PV7 in Australia, but it seems likely Kia would be eager to add another electric people mover to its line-up. The PV7 will launch in the UK next year, so it will be built in right-hand drive, smoothing its potential launch here.Kia recently launched the smaller PV5 Down Under, with the cargo variant arriving first followed by the people mover that has just been approved for local sale.An Australian arrival for the PV7 would come after it launches globally in 2027.We can expect more concrete information around the PV7’s Australian future when it’s officially unveiled next month.

Nowadays, Australia may host more car brands than ever before, but we miss out on some very cool models.That’s because of a uniquely regional Australian Design Rule (ADR) requirement that can cost upwards of $5 million to implement for each series.Known as ADR 34/03, it stipulates that three top tether anchorage points must be fitted across each rear-seat position. But it can also create years of delays and blow out business cases due to the subsequent expenses involved.Probably the most disappointing recent example has been the Renault 5 E-Tech.Wooing buyers and critics alike, this award-winning electric vehicle (EV) hatchback has been a smash hit in Europe, melding desirable retro design with cutting-edge yet affordable tech.However, as CarsGuide outlined earlier this year, Renault importer Ateco Automotive may not even bother releasing the 5 E-Tech into Australia because it cannot afford the extra millions necessary for it to comply with ADR 34/03. The maths just doesn’t add up. Such a pity.The same also applies to the Renault 4 E-Tech, a larger and more crossover-style EV wagon that, though not as racy as its closely related 5 E-Tech sibling, possesses family friendly packaging that might make it a more-practical proposition.But all is not lost.Unlike the 5 E-Tech which, despite its diminutive supermini proportions, is only available as a full-fledged five-seater hatch, the 4 E-Tech can be ordered as a two-seater panel van dubbed the Société Van that ditches the back row.Since this eliminates the need to comply with ADR 34/03, it begs the question: why can’t Ateco simply import the 4 E-Tech Société as a commercial vehicle? Post-sale, owners could then add a rear seat if desired, fitted to specification by a vehicle engineering firm in Australia.This was widely done in the 1980s, notably with smaller Japanese cars like the Suzuki 800 hatch (1980), Daihatsu Handivan (1981) and Honda City (1984). Each one was only officially imported as a two-seater van.However, according to Renault Australia General Manager, Glen Sealey, importing the 4 E-Tech Société is unlikely, given the extreme niche that passenger-car-based vans would occupy, adding that the Kangoo commercial vehicle broadly fills a similar role.“We haven't looked at that as a solution, because for us, we've got the Kangoo,” he told CarsGuide at the Renault Master large van launch in Sydney last month.“And that small panel van passenger car market is negligible (in size) … it would be higher cost, for low reward.”This is in spite of the wider Renault brand portfolio actually already offering a number of car-based panel vans in right-hand-drive (RHD) Ireland.“That RHD European market does utilise a typical passenger vehicle for (small panel van) commercial use,” Sealey said.“They do it in the Duster (small SUV). They do with the Sandero (small car). They do it with Megane E-Tech.”Sealey added that companies, not individuals, are buying electric vans in Australia, and they would not go for passenger-car-derived alternatives, that tend to attract individuals running small businesses.“The tradie is not buying electric,” he said. The corporate market is, and the corporate market is buying a larger van.”

Kia's all-new PV5 Cargo van brings sophisticated design and long driving range at an enticing price to Australia's expanding full-electric commercial van fleet, but is it a practical alternative to traditional diesel rivals?

Electric delivery vans are getting cheaper, and there's a bit of an arms race on now to see who can get their EV van on to the market at a sub-$50,000 price-tag. A new brand called Cavan is the latest to weigh in with a van called the C1 which promises a lot for a small outlay. But does the reality of the C1 match the hype? And can you feel where the money has been engineered out of it?

Volkswagen Australia is rapidly expanding its commercial vehicle portfolio with the introduction of a stripped back ‘Runner’ version of its large Crafter van, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powered Multivan scheduled to arrive in mid-2027 and a PHEV version of the compact Caddy van also looking likely for arrival next year.Pitched at $59,990, drive-away, the Crafter Runner Van returns in the current-generation version of VW’s ‘big box’ workhorse, sitting more than $10K under the Crafter 35 MWB Van TDI360 it’s based on ($72,600, before on road costs).Positioned by VW as “optimised for basic needs” the Runner is offered exclusively in (103kW/360Nm) turbo-diesel, front-wheel drive, mid-wheelbase form with changes including:Black rather than a painted front bumperBarn doors without windowsBase seats (two) in synthetic leather (rather than three-across ‘Comfort’ seating)But it retains the technical specs of the Crafter 35 MWB Van TDI360.The Runner’s sliding door aperture is a generous 1311mm, it boasts four-Euro pallet load capacity, a low (570mm) load sill, 2.5-tonne braked trailer towing capacity and a partition with fixed windows and grille.At the same time Volkswagen Australia Commercial Vehicles Head of Marketing & Product Michelle Rowney has confirmed mid-2027 arrival timing for the PHEV Multivan eHybrid.The current T7-generation Multivan eHybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, working in concert with an electric motor to deliver a combined 180kW/350Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and VW’s ‘4Motion’ drive system.It features a 19.7kWh (net) NMC battery for a maximum pure-electric driving range of 93km (WLTP) and a 50kW DC charge rate allows a 10-80 per cent top up in around 26 minutes. AC charge rate is up to 11kW.Zero to 100km/h acceleration is a sprightly 8.9 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h (130 km/h in pure-EV mode).And Ms Rowney has also hinted that the Caddy eHybrid is a strong candidate for local sale, telling CarsGuide, "We're in the planning stages of that."Using essentially the same 1.5-litre petrol engine/electric motor powertrain as its larger Crafter sibling the Caddy extends pure-electric range out to 122 km (WLTP) and also supports 50kW DC fast charging.

It feels like everyone has a VW bus story. Someone’s sister converted their Multivan into a home-away-from-home, Uncle Ern had a pop-top kombi and Macca at the pub has had his since 1982.Which is no surprise because many peoples’ favourite VW has been around, in one form or another, for over 75 years. And this limited ‘Edition’ package has been applied to the most recent, seventh-generation version of the Multivan.Exactly 300 will be available, each costing $79,990, before on-road costs, or $82,990, drive-away as an introductory offer.That price puts it between the short- and long-wheelbase Multivan Life ($77,990 and $80,290 MSRP, respectively) and adds additional standard fruit including a black roof and gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, LED matrix headlights (with dynamic cornering function), darkened (LED) tail-lights, dual-tone synthetic velour and synthetic leather seat trim, heated front seats and the Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display.There’s also puddle lamps, ‘easy open and close’ power sliding doors and tailgate, built-in nav, a 360-degree camera view and a sliding multi-function table.Put the Multivan Edition next to rivals like the Ford Tourneo Titanium ($74,590), Hyundai Staria HEV Lounge ($73,740), Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV ($76,840) and Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer ($89,672), all before on-road costs, and the VW puts up a compelling value-for-money pitch.There are two colours, Pure Grey and Candy White, both with a Deep Black Pearlescent roof and door mirror combination and aside from Edition graphics this limited edition’s fundamental design is unchanged.It’s kind of like an expanded Golf with head- and tail-light treatments in particular clearly connecting it to the current VW family.The Multivan’s close to 5.0m length, near 2.0m width, 1.9 metre height and lengthy 3124mm wheelbase provide a comfortable interior for seven (an eight-seat Life is available). And while the interior has that typical VW look of teutonic efficiency it also feels welcoming thanks in no small part to the synthetic microfibre and synthetic leather seat trim. I’m guessing Shaquille O'Neal would have enough headroom in the Multivan, because at a lowly 183cm tall I had what felt like metres between my scone and the headliner.And it’s the interior layout’s incredible flexibility that makes this VW such a practical multi-passenger proposition.There’s a flat, walk-through floor and we’d need a separate website to detail all the available seating and storage combinations but suffice it to say rails running the length of the Multivan’s floor allow the seats to move easily so they can be adjusted to best accommodate the passengers onboard.With the driver’s and second-row captain’s chair seats set to my position I still have enough space in the third row, although toe room under the seat in front is a little tight. Up to teenage kids will be more than comfortable back there.Storage is everywhere including cupholders, bins and flip-up tray tables but the highlight in the Edition is its sliding multi-function table which can serve as a front centre console but has the ability to slip backwards, rise in height and sprout large tabletop surfaces for the second row. There’s Qi-compatible wireless phone charging up front as well as six USB-C ports and three 12-volt sockets spread across the interior and cargo area which is more than enough to keep everyone happy with fully charged devices. With all seats upright there’s 469 litres (VDA) of luggage space, expanding to 1316L with the third-row folded and a van-like 3672L with the second and third rows removed. The seats are lightweight and slide easily so removing them isn’t as hard as you might think. Maximum braked trailer towing capacity is a useful 2.0 tonnes.A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine sends 110kW/310Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission with the current Multivan riding on VW’s MQB Evo platform which also underpins the Golf and Tiguan.And the Edition feels far more car-like than any of its predecessors. Don’t get me wrong, this is a boxy bus but the way it drives, rides and steers is exceptional.The engine feels responsive and strong, picking up acceleration quickly without a hint of turbo hesitation and works hand-in-glove with the super-smooth auto. The front seats are comfy, ride quality is terrific for this class of car, freeway cruising is effortless and road feel from the steering is good. Even winding B-roads didn’t unduly upset the Multivan’s handling or stopping power.Unsurprisingly, wind noise starts to make its presence felt around the A-pillars and exterior mirrors at around 100km/h, but never to an alarming degree. The Multivan scores a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment to the latest protocols with seven airbags (including a front centre bag) and the Edition boasts a laundry list of ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) crash avoidance tech, the highlights being AEB (auto emergency braking) Park Assist (with front and rear proximity sensors), adaptive cruise, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.There are child seat top tethers on the second row captain’s chairs and across the third row, with ISOFIX anchors on all of those except the centre rear position.  The official fuel economy figure for the Multivan on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle is 6.2L/100km which puts it ahead of all key competitors and translates to a theoretical range of around 1160km. On the roughly 350km launch drive program which took in urban, B-road and freeway running we saw an average of 7.3L/100km, which would translate to a real-world range of around 950km. Not too shabby for a roughly 2.0-tonne bus.The Multivan is covered by Volkswagen’s five year/unlimited kilometre warranty which is now being overshadowed in the mainstream market with many brands at seven-, eight- and 10-year terms. Roadside assist is included for the first year.Servicing is recommended every 15,000km or 12 months with fixed price and pay-as-you go plans available. You’re looking at an average of around $650 per workshop visit over the first five years. Not the cheapest but not outrageous.Volkswagen operates a network of around 180 dealers and service centres across the country.

The big van (3.5-tonne) segment has been stale, made up of competent but older choices. But Renault is changing this with its latest Master. Now in its fourth generation since 1980, the van stalwart lifts the entire class into the 2020s with fresh styling, a completely reengineered platform, new interior and plenty of safety tech upgrades. With lots of awards already won, it's been keenly awaited.

The Fiat Scudo has returned to Australian showrooms after a long absence but does the latest third generation of this European workhorse have the credentials to be a major player in the mid-size commercial van segment?