Volkswagen Multivan receives efficient diesel powertrain

• New 2.0-litre TDI engine available
• Up-to 620 miles of driving range
• On sale now starting from £44,410

The new Volkswagen Multivan is now available with a fuel-sipping diesel engine, with prices starting from £44,410. This new powertrain is best-suited for high-mileage drivers who were previously limited to thirsty petrols or the economical, yet expensive 1.4-litre hybrid model.

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Diesel versions of the Multivan are on-sale now in entry-level Life trim; or in top-of-the-range Style guise for around £3,500 extra. Both of these can also be specified in either short or long-wheelbase configurations.

The diesel powertrain consists of a 2.0-litre TDI engine, already seen in various other Volkswagen models such as the Golf. This produces 148bhp and is only available with an eight-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Although VW is yet to release MPG figures, the brand claims a maximum driving range of 620 miles from a single tank of fuel.

While it doesn’t have many direct rivals, the Multivan competes for sales with models such as the Mercedes V-Class and Ford Galaxy, as well as electric full-sized MPVs like the Citroen e-SpaceTourer and Peugeot e-Traveller.

2022 Volkswagen Multivan: prices and specifications

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The van-based MPV starts from £43,160 for the entry-level petrol engine in Life trim. Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, electrically latching dual sliding side doors, a 10-inch infotainment screen and VW’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit dial cluster. Standard safety features include Front Assist and Lane Keep Assist.

Style trim costs from £58,130, but allows buyers to specify the larger 201bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine. The standard equipment list grows too, with VW’s IQ. LIGHT LED matrix headlights and 17-inch alloys, fully electric side doors, sat nav, park assist and a powered tailgate. 

Design

From the outside, the Multivan shares styling cues with the brand’s ID.3 and ID.4 electric models, plus the latest versions of the Golf and the Caddy MPV. 

The nose features a slim front grille, together with a pair of air intakes split across the front bumper. The LED daytime running lights are joined by a full-width light-bar, which leads to a continuous metal crease along the sides. At the back, a pair of LED headlights are fitted, along with a rear spoiler and a wide opening tailgate. 

Interior, technology and practicality

The interior features an updated seven-seat layout over the old Caravelle. There are now five individual chairs that are 25% lighter than before, making them easier to set up. All of the seats can be moved back and forth, and the two rearmost rows can rotate by 180 degrees. A stowable table is located in the middle of the cabin. Thanks to the inclusion of an electric handbrake, the Multivan has a completely flat floor, helping to improve interior space. 

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Onboard technology includes a 10-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital dial cluster. Both of these screens are contained within a single trim housing, similar to the design seen in the latest Golf. A multifunction steering wheel is also standard, along with a touch-sensitive control panel for the stereo and climate functions. 

Standard safety equipment is similar to other VW MQB models, with road sign and lane assist, a 360-degree camera and VW’s IQ. Drive Travel Assist, which is capable of controlling the throttle, steering and brakes at motorway speeds with supervision from the driver. Car2X connectivity is also fitted, a system that allows communication with other vehicles to warn of slow traffic or accidents ahead. 

The Multivan is available in two sizes, measuring 4.97m and 5.17m respectively. Boot space for both models is 469 litres, extending to 1,844 and 1,850 litres with the rearmost seats removed. Remove both rear rows of rear seats and storage increases to 3,672 litres, extending further to 4,054 litres in the longer model.

Engines

Besides the new diesel offering, buyers can also specify their Multivan with a choice of two petrol engines and a range-topping plug-in hybrid. The entry-level 1.4-litre TSI petrol is only available in the Life trim level, producing 134bhp. This engine officially returns fuel economy of up to 35.5mpg, and CO2 emissions starting from 180g/km.

The 2.0-litre TSI engine becomes available in the midrange Style trim level. This engine produces 201bhp, officially managing fuel economy of up to 31.5mpg and CO2 emissions starting from 203g/km. Both of the regular petrol engines are equipped with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox as standard, and front-wheel drive.

At the top of the engine range, the Multivan eHybrid is available across all trim levels. This powertrain combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and an electric motor with a 17.3kWh battery, producing 215bhp. According to VW, the eHybrid is capable of around 29 miles on electric power, and fuel economy of up to 157.3mpg with emissions starting from 41g/km. The eHybrid is equipped with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Read our list of the best MPVs to buy this year.