What's the difference?
Volkswagen’s new-generation Multivan is the brand’s family-oriented bus, and having just been to its Australian launch the people mover feels more high-end and somehow more practical than ever. But something has changed and it’s only now that it feels as though the final piece of the Multivan puzzle has been found and this van is complete.
Volkswagen’s entire vehicle range is mind-bogglingly big. From hatchbacks, wagons and SUVs to vans and buses, they all have two things in common - a high-quality feel and practicality. The Multivan has always adhered to this theme, as well.
Now, the new-generation Multivan has arrived and it’s clear Volkswagen has stuck to the same recipe of premium and practical, but there’s been a big change in the way it drives thanks to the decision to stop building the van on a truck-like platform and start building it on one used for cars.
You can read more about this below or watch my reaction to piloting the Multivan in my video.
Keep reading for more on the new-gen Multivan.
Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.
But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.
It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.
The Australian launch of the new generation Multivan was confined to the Life grade with the 2.0-litre diesel engine. Later in 2025 the Style grade will arrive bringing a hybrid powertrain and even more features. We’ll be able to test both more thoroughly once we have them in the CarsGuide garage.
From this first drive, however, it's clear that while slightly pricier than its Kia Carnival rival the new generation Multivan is more practical than ever, and now that it rides on a car platform, far better to drive.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.
A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.
It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.
Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.