While Volkswagen is saying goodbye to the Caravelle, they are also bringing in a brand new T7 Multivan. The bus is the king when it comes to people-moving vehicles and the Caravelle was how VW held that segment for a long time. Now, there is a brand new design on a completely different platform, but it isn’t getting rid of its history. Much of the design draws inspiration from previous T model Transporters
A new platform changes a whole lot for the Volkswagen Multivan.
With the two-tone paint, this new Multivan comes almost makes us think of the ID Buzz, but we imagine there will be many single-tone models and that shape is undeniably much like the Volkswagen Caravelle. The biggest change, however, is the switch from the Volkswagen Transporter platform to the MQB one. This platform is the same that underpins the latest Polos, Golfs and Tiguans.
With it, the Multivan has a longer wheelbase, wider body and a lower profile. The rest of the biggest changes all happen inside.
The Multivan gets nodular seating with loads of options.
The MQB platform have Volkswagen more space to work with more options for features inside the T7 Multivan. This all starts with the modular seating arrangement that can fit up to seven passengers. The seats are all around 25% lighter than the Caravelle’s and that second row can rotate up to 180-degrees. So, everyone is the back can all face each other.
The second third row of seats used to be one big bench but now is three individual seats. This helps with removing them to change the 469-litre boot into a 1844-litre storage space.
This next feature is the most creative part of the new Multivan.
The smart table, a completely adjustable table with three cup holders and a storage bin, this little table can be moved back and forth to reach any of the seating rows. So right from the passengers in the third row of seats and even to become the centre console between the two front seats. It can also be removed for extra interior space.
The rest of the Volkswagen Multivan interior features.
We can’t forget the rest of what the interior has to offer. Up front, the driver gets to benefit from a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. An optional head-up display makes a nice addition.
There are a few more options features that you won’t miss but are nice to have.
- Electrically-operated tailgate.
- Panoramic glass roof with safety glass.
- Power sliding doors.
A first-time plug-in hybrid option among the engine choices.
There are four engine options being given to the Volkswagen T7 Multivan, all of which come mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
Kicking the range off is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 100 kW. Following that is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 150 kW. For the diesel fans, Volkswagen is offering a 2,0-litre TDI with 110 kW.
Finally, there is the plug-in hybrid under the eHybrid name. This makes use of a 1.4-litre TSI engine and an 85 kW motor to make a combined effort of 160 kW.
There are more than 34 driver-assist systems in this bus that will allow semi-autonomous driving. Along with that, there are several safety features like City Emergency Braking, Dynamic Road Sign Display and the Lane Assist. The rest are all geared toward driving comfort.
