By Xolile Hopa

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has officially opened pre-orders for the all-new T7 Multivan Caravelle, marking the arrival of the latest generation of one of South Africa’s most recognisable people movers.

Following its debut at the Volkswagen Group Africa Indaba earlier this year, the new T7 Multivan Caravelle arrives as a modern interpretation of the iconic Kombi, a vehicle that has played a role in South Africa’s social and economic landscape for more than 70 years.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 180kW and 350Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed DSG transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

Inside, the T7 Multivan Caravelle comes standard with Digital Cockpit Pro, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless App-Connect, 30-colour ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, electric sliding doors, and an electric tailgate.

The cabin features seven individual seats mounted on a flexible rail system, allowing owners to configure the interior for family, business, or leisure use. A multifunction table further enhances the vehicle’s practicality.

Safety features include IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, Park Assist, Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality.

The new Volkswagen T7 Multivan Caravelle Style is priced at R1,794,000.

The purchase price includes a 3-year/120,000km warranty, a 5-year/100,000km EasyDrive maintenance plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.