The Volkswagen Multivan will change the Caravelle individuals provider and combines plug-in hybrid power with a bold brand new design.

Icon might be perhaps one of the most overused terms in the automotive business, but it is totally appropriate in terms of explaining the Volkswagen Caravelle. Having a lineage that extends back again to the first VW that is split-screen bus in 1950, the Caravelle is among the world’s many recognisable MPVs. Certainly, VW’s method of developing the Caravelle closely mirrors the approach Porsche has brought along with its icon that is own 911. Each brand new generation appears strikingly just like the past one, but beneath the epidermis you will find going become some major modifications.

Enter stage appropriate, the Caravelle T7 – or, as VW now wishes us to call it, the Multivan T7.

Why the true title modification? Well, in accordance with VW, the Caravelle happens to be offered a brand new title in the united kingdom to mirror the whole overhaul of its predecessor. That is understandable but in addition a confusing that is little the all-new Multivan does not uses the Transporter van platform. Rather, the model that is all-new on the basis of the VW Group’s MQB platform, which underpins the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Skoda Kodiaq and lots of other cars. The change to the MQB platform ensures that the Multivan must be more car-like to operate a vehicle than ever before and also will enable VW to supply a plug-in hybrid variation called the eHybrid.

The eHybrid’s engine set-up is much just about exactly the same as everything you have aided by the Volkswagen Passat GTE, generally there’s a 148bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol motor supplemented by a different 114bhp electric motor. Creating a blended production of 215bhp, the eHybrid should feel punchy that is pretty when driving. There is no term yet in the all-electric range, but we’d estimate that the little 13kWh battery pack should offer around 20 kilometers of zero-emissions travel. A range of 1.5 or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol machines can also be available, while a 201bhp diesel will get in on the line-up the following year. These ‘traditional’ interior combustion machines will feature VW’s familiar seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, as the eHybrid advantages from a bespoke six-speed DSG product.

The seven-seater also features an all-new exterior design that blends styling highlights from the Mk8 Golf (note the wraparound front LED light bar) with stylistic cues from its predecessors – most notably the 1985 T3-generation Transporter with its distinctive horizontal beltline, and a two-tone paint scheme inspired by the original VW bus along with the mechanical revisions. As standard, the Multivan measures 1941mm wide, 4973mm long and 1903mm high (though a 5173mm-long extended-wheelbase choice is additionally available), this means it really is somewhat bigger general compared to the T6-generation Transporter. Enhanced aerodynamics are reported to boost effectiveness.

You will find big changes in the Multivan, having an all-new modular sitting system and table that is multi-function. VW claims they make the Multivan “more flexible and roomy than in the past” – the seats when you look at the 2nd row can be spun around to create a social seating arrangement additionally the table are relocated between some of the sitting rows. The dining table as well as the five rear seats also can be eliminated entirely if you’d like to turn your Multivan into, well, a van. VW has also highlighted that by removing the centre console – made possible because of the elimination of a main-stream handbrake and gearstick – the Multibus now features an appartment flooring through the entire inside, offering the beds base variation 469 litres of boot room, expanding to 1844 litres utilizing the rearmost seats eliminated.

The dashboard has already established a makeover to create the Multivan more closely in accordance with VW’s passenger cars that are latest. There’s now a brand new multi-function steering wheel, a 10.25in digital display and a 10.0in central touchscreen as standard, while optional upgrades come with a head-up display, cordless phone-charger and Harman Kardon speakers. Whenever we sampled exactly the same touchscreen system when you look at the Mk8 Golf, we struggled having its confusing menus, lack of real buttons and technical problems, therefore hopefully we will see some improvements because of the time the Multivan strikes dealers.