By Otsile Kadiege

After numerous teasers, spyshots and being spotted testing in South Africa, Volkswagen has finally lifted the veil off the 7^th generation of their people mover – the Multivan. The Wolfsburg based automaker promises a fresh design, more flexible interior, improved connectivity, and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid option which the South African market is likely to miss out on.

Exterior design

The Multivan sports a design which pays tribute to the DNA of its predecessors. Its A-pillars have been redesigned to improve visibility, while unique front and rear light signatures as well as integrated rear spoiler give it a fresh look. The Multivan is fitted with LED headlights as standard but can be upgraded to interactive IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights, which offer a permanent full beam, without blinding oncoming drivers and dynamic cornering to provide precise illumination during bends. The IQ.LIGHT system also features an illuminated LED lateral bar in the radiator grille as a further element of the daytime running lights.

The new Multivan ditched the Transporter’s platform in favor of Volkswagen Group’s versatile MQB platform. It measures 1,941mm wide, 4,973mm long, up to 1,903mm high, and has a wheelbase of 3,124mm. There will also be a longer version measuring 5,173mm. The model is available two-tone colour options with wheels up to 19-inch, and available in three specifications, namely “Multivan”, “Life”, and “Style”.

Interior and technology

Inside, the Multivan’s cockpit has been completely redesigned. It features a steering wheel similar that’s similar to the Golf 8 and a shift-by-wire gear selector which is located on the dashboard. The Multivan is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen. All infotainment systems can be combined with a Harmon Kardon sound system developed specifically for the Multivan.

 As standard, the Multivan features an infotainment system called ‘Ready 2 Discover’, which includes an integrated eSIM to deliver online safety and convenience features. Volkswagen claims the 7-seater Multivan is more flexible and spacious than ever, with a new modular, lightweight seating system, an innovative table and an optional panoramic roof.

Safety and driver assistance systems

The new Multivan features more than 34 driver assist systems enhancing safety, comfort, and convenience. As standard, the Multivan is fitted with Front Assist area monitoring system, which includes City Emergency Braking, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and the Lane Assist system. Other new systems include Car2X, side protection, cross wind assist, turn-off assist and an exit warning system.

The Volkswagen Multivan also debuts IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, which allows semi-autonomous driving by combining the predictive Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist to make long-distance journeys safer and easier. Also available on the new Multivan is Area View, a real 360-degree representation of the vehicle using four cameras, visible on the 10-inch infotainment display, to making parking and manoeuvring as safe and easy as possible.

Powertrains

The front-wheel drive Volkswagen Multivan, which has a towing capacity of up to 2,000kg, is available with two four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines, namely a 1.5-litre TSI 100 kW and a 2.0 TSI 150 kW. A four-cylinder turbo diesel, with a power output of 110 kW, will join next year. All of these are twinned with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard.