What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

1st Report

The ID. Buzz Cargo may be grabbing the lion’s share of the headlines, but sitting beside it in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ line up is another highly sophisticated vehicle: the new Multivan.

The Multivan replaces both the Sharan MPV and the Transporter-based Caravelle in the Volkswagen range and as its name suggests, it’s versatile.

Strictly speaking, it is not a straight-up commercial vehicle as it is spawned by the MQB platform that rolls out the manufacturers’ passenger cars as well as the Caddy Cargo compact van. The Multivan could be seen as a rival to top-end MPVS, such as the Vauxhall Vivaro Life, Mercedes-Benz V-Class or even the BMW X7 but as an indication of where Volkswagen places it in the market, if you want to try one out you’ll have to go to a VW Van Centre rather than to one of the brand’s car dealerships.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers the front-wheel drive only Multivan with four powertrains, including, for the first time in a VWCV model, a plug-in hybrid engine. The Multivan eHybrid pairs a 1.4 TSI petrol 150hp engine with an 85kW electric motor to produce power output of 160kW (218hp). VWCV claims it has a pure electric range of up to 50km (31 miles). The eHybrid is married to a six-speed DSG gearbox and the electric charging point is located on the right-hand side of the front wing. 

The Multivan is also available with two four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines: a 1.5 TSI 136hp and a 2.0 TSI 204hp unit, which is the one I opted for. 

A 2.0 150hp four-cylinder turbo diesel joined the range last year and these engines are all twinned with the brand’s long-serving seven-speed DSG gearbox. 

The Multivan’s 3,124mm wheelbase supports two lengths, Standard and Long, which is the one tested here. The longer version has a low-slung, stretched out appearance but, like its shorter sibling, seats up to seven occupants. The long version measures 5,173mm bumper to bumper.

Multivan prices range from about £43,000 for the 1.5 TSI 136hp Life model to more than £60,000 for the 1.4 TSI eHybrid 218hp Energetic model with long wheelbase.

Specification on the entry-level Life model includes 16in alloys, seven seats, two sliding doors with power latching, the Digital Cockpit plus 10in infotainment system and front assist and lane assist its standard items.

Style models, which start at circa £58,000 for the SWB 2.0 TSI 204hp model, introduce the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, the Discover Media navigation system, park assist, electric sliding doors and tailgate with easy open feature, and 17in alloys.

The special edition Energetic is available only with the 1.4 TSI eHybrid 218hp powertrain. Additions include a Harmon Kardon sound system, privacy glass, 18in alloys, and panoramic glass roof.

First impressions are that the Multivan has made a big step up compared to the Caravelle and could make a compelling choice for businesses needing to transport executives in comfort and style. Its versatility means it could also serve as the family people carrier outside of working hours while converting into a capable load-lugger with the second and third row seats removed.

Report card: Desirability = 5/5

For executive transport with lashings of corporate comfort the Multivan is hard to beat.

Volkswagen Multivan Style Long 2.0-litre TSI 204hp 7spd DSG  

Mileage 9,797mls