2013 Volkswagen Multivan Reviews

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

When you get right down it it's a still a big, square box on wheels with one real purpose in life and that's transporting people.But it's the technology that sets Volkswagen's Multivan apart from the rank and file. This one boasts VW's 4MOTION all wheel drive system, now available in conjunction with its most powerful twin turbo diesel and, for the first time - its the cutting edge 7-speed DSG double-clutch style gearbox.The two are a dynamite combination. Multivan is VW's top of the line passenger van derivative of its commercial Transporter range. But it's not cheap.Our test vehicle, the Multivan Highline 2.0TDI 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION, is priced from a hefty $77,990. That's going to buy a lot of everything else, including one of Benz's Viano vans for around the same price.The Benz however won't have all wheel drive, but the rear drive van does produce more power and torque and boasts slightly better fuel consumption. 4Motion adds $4000 to the price of hte car.If you need to get in and out of some tough spots all wheel drive can be a god send. But bear in mind this is no offroader, not by any stretch of the imagination - although you can jack it up and fit all terrain tyres if required.4MOTION offers better traction in slippery environments like the snowfields and also adds an extra safety dimension to the equation, because a van equip[ed with all-wheel drive will go around corners a lot faster than you might think.Finished in metallic brown or bronze if you want to get technical and sitting on 17 inch alloys with low profile rubber, our shiny test vehicle certainly exuded a level of class that belies its modest origins.Inside, the feel is just as classy as Highline models get leather trim and three-zone climate controlled airconditioning. The 2.0-litre twin turbo four cylinder diesel produces 132kW of power at 4000 revs and 400Nm of torque from a low 1500 revs.Fuel consumption is rated at 8.8 litres/100km for the all-wheel drive model, compared to 8.1 for the front driver, so you pay a penalty for the four-law grip. With an 80-litre fuel tank it has a theoretical range of just over 900km.There's also a more modestly equipped Comfortline model with the same engine priced from $56,990, or a 103kW diesel priced from $49,990. The choice is yours.Multivan seats seven people in a 2 + 2 + 3 arrangement, with a second row of seats that can face backward if required and a third row that slides forward to provide more luggage space. There's also a sliding console box.Access to the rear is via twin sliding doors either side and the doors on our test vehicle were electrically operated and could be opened or closed using the remote control. The Highline model also comes with satellite navigation and an eight speaker sound system as standard.About the only thing missing is Bluetooth for mobile phone connection. On the road it is necessary to be mindful of the Multivan's size and length when negotiating carparks, especially being careful not to turn too sharply or the rear wheels are likely to collect the gutter.As a one-time van driver, it soon becomes second nature. At 4892mm in length it's not as long as you might think, but standing at 1970mm in height, some carparks could well be an issue  but for the most part it should be okay.Our test vehicle had front and rear parking sensor as well as a reversing camera - all of which make parking a vehicle of this size much easier. The rapid fire DSG transmission gets you off the line quickly, with a sport setting as well as the option of changing gears manually.With lots of lovely torque it flies up hills, but a leisurely approach to driving is recommended and produces a better result. The van scores a five-star safety rating, with six airbags and a raft of electronic aids to keep you on the road including electronic stability control.Towing capacity is 2000kg and the boot hides a full size spare.

Think of Volkswagen and many people think of small cars such as the Beetle and Golf. Even the highest-priced Passat from Europe doesn't break $57,000. Yet VW does have vehicles in the prestige market for buyers with around $80,000.It's the Volkswagen Multivan, a seven-seat luxury people mover based on the T5 light commercial vehicle but well sorted and with extensive features. So VW ought to be represented right at the top end of the people-mover list.Ask someone to name the first people-mover van from decades ago and there's a good chance they'll nominate the VW Kombi. But here's a chance to get a new people mover with a touch of luxury.The Multivan in its Highline trim comes with electrically operated sliding doors, a multi-function rear table, satellite navigation (about $4000 extra on lesser models), leather trim, heated front seats, 17-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors plus front and rear fog lamps.A six-stack CD with eight-speaker sound system, cruise control, power windows, 'climatronic' three-zone climate control and swivel seats in the middle row are other touches to make the Multivan even more pleasurable.VW Multivan in this Highline version is available with a choice of petrol or turbodiesel engines and with all-wheel drive that Volkswagen calls 4Motion. The engines are mounted transversely in the front. The petrol unit is the 3.2-litre V6, rated at 173kW of power at 6200rpm and 315Nm torque at 2900rpm. These figures are obtainable when premium (98RON) unleaded petrol is used.The 2.5-litre diesel is VW's five-cylinder unit with intercooler, giving 128kW of power at 3500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2000rpm. With 4Motion AWD either engine has to drive through a six-speed manual gearbox. But in front-wheel drive they come with a six-speed tiptronic automatic.The Multivan Highline 4Motion is priced at $76,990 for the V6 petrol and $73,990 for the 4Motion diesel. The front-wheel-drive diesel automatic is $72,990 or as a V6 petrol, $75,990.