PREVIEW

FUTURE FACING

Volkswagen has finally unveiled the all-new T7 Multivan, revealing a new path for its multifunctional passenger van (MPV). No longer a member of the Transporter family, the Multivan now stands on its own. It celebrates the newfound freedom with a broad range of tech, from semi-autonomy to plug-in hybrid power. The result is the future of Volkswagen multi-passenger vans and camper looks bright.

In separating it from the Transporter, Volkswagen Commercial switches the Multivan over to the MQB platform that underpins a wide variety of passenger vehicles from the Polo to the Atlas.

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The move kicks off a three-headed Volkswagen Bulli strategy that will see the T7 Multivan, Transporter T6.1 and upcoming ID. Buzz all sold alongside each other. The all-electric ID. Buzz range (this page) will include both cargo and MPV models with a totally flexible interior and full self-driving capabilities.

Styling-wise, the Multivan finds a natural fit between the boxier T6.1's dimensions and the ID. Buzz concept's retro-future curves. Its bonnet gets shortened and rounded from the previous generation, while its raked windshield further lightens the two-box divide while improving visibility.

Volkswagen does away with the oversized grille of the T6.1, replacing it with a smoother body-colour frontend with several levels of grille perforations. The new grille design pays homage to the smooth-faced rearengined Bullis of the past and successfully finds a middle ground between the ID. Buzz and Transporter T6.1. Full-width front lighting and classic two-colour body paint further accentuate the look of the new Multivan.

VW leaves full electrification to next year's ID. Buzz and instead assigns a plug-in hybrid option to the Multivan for the first time. The "eHybrid" powertrain pairs a 109kW 1.4-litre engine with a 84kW electric motor for up to 158kW of combined output to the front axle. The Multivan eHybrid can commute through the city on zero-emissions electric power before going the distance with its gas-supported range. The 13-kWh lithium battery comes integrated below the floor, and the charging hatch is on the front fender.

Volkswagen will also offer 99kW 1.5-litre and 148kW 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder front-wheel drives initially, adding a 109kW turbodiesel to the options list in 2022. The plug-in powertrain runs its dual-source power through a bespoke six-speed DSG gearbox, while the other engines rely on a seven-speed DSG.

The Multivan comes loaded with some of the latest tech, offering more than 34 standard and available driver-assistance systems. A highlight of the suite, allnew IQ. Drive Travel Assist combines adaptive cruise control and lane assist into a semi-autonomous ride that lightens the driver's load between 0 and 210 km/h. The standard tech features package includes lane assist, frontal area monitoring with city emergency braking, and dynamic road sign display.

The tech continues inside the doors, where a 10.3-in digital cockpit sits to the left of a 10-in infotainment touchscreen, the new DSG shift-by-wire controls between them. A head-up display is available optionally, as is wireless inductive smartphone charging and a glass roof.

Volkswagen already detailed how it's axed the threeseat rear bench of the outgoing Multivan in favour of three individual seats. The new seats add flexibility in removing and rearranging seats into configurations from two-seat cargo van to seven-seat passenger van. The seats are up to 25 percent lighter for easier handling, and the two second-row seats can swivel 180 degrees into a vis-a-vis setup. With all the second- and third-row seats removed, the Multivan offers 3672 litres of cargo space in its standard 497cm long iteration and up to 4053 litres in 517cm version. The 497cm van has 469 litres of space behind the third row and up to 1,850 litres behind the second row.

One downside of the switch from third-row bench to individual seats is that the Multivan loses the lightcamping capability it had with the folding bench that dropped down into a bed. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles confirmed the loss, saying that engineers are working on a "good night" package to return comfortable overnighting capabilities to the Multivan's bag of tricks.

The lack of bed is a shame because a multipurpose van with everyday driving capabilities, plug-in hybrid efficiency and semi-autonomous cruising sounds like the perfect vehicle for the hordes of stir-crazy neo road nomads currently gobbling campers of every style and size faster than manufacturers can build them. But full Multivan camper packages with kitchens and additional equipment should start showing up not long after the van's launch, letting road-trip and camping enthusiasts enjoy everything the new Multivan has to offer, including the longer floor rail system and new multifunctional table.

Volkswagen plans to launch the new Multivan later this year. In the UK it will replace the Caravelle, but at this stage there's no news about arriving Down Under. Still, it’s the shape of things to come and proof VW is serious about hi-tech and hi-efficiency across its commercial range – and that’s a future well worth facing.