Review of the Volkswagen Multivan

The Volkswagen Multivan is the kind of vehicle that takes versatility to a whole new level. A seven-seater MPV with a range of configurations available, it's an ideal choice for both families and businesses. 

Rivals to the Multivan include the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota Proace Verso, and Ford Tourneo Connect.

Our Volkswagen Multivan review covers:

• Boxy exterior with slick front end 
• Versatile interior with seven seats 
• 469 litres of boot space 
• Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines 
• Three trim levels 

Pros:

• Comfortable to drive 
• Nice interior 
• Versatile with loads of seating options

Cons:

• You can't fold the seats flat
• Infotainment can be tricky to use

The Volkswagen Multivan is a successor to the Caravelle, and you can tell this from its exterior. It builds on the foundations of the Caravelle and adds a few modern features to its boxy design. You'll get slim headlights, smooth lines, and a sporty-looking rear end. 

Okay, there's quite a lot to digest here about the Multivan, so strap in. Stripped back to the basics, the Multivan is a seven-seater MPV with a 2-2-3 layout. However, it stands out from its rivals because each seat is individual, meaning there's plenty of adjustment available. 

You get a boot space of 551 litres, which is bigger than both the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq. The fun doesn't stop there; it also comes with a height-adjustable boot floor and low-loading lip, helping to ease the pain in the knees and back when loading and unloading. 

Climb inside the Multivan, and you'll think you're sitting in a car, not an MPV. Volkswagen has actually included many of its car features in the cabin. There's a small steering wheel, wood trim on the dashboard (on Style trim), and an abundance of soft-touch plastics. 

Every Multivan comes with a 10-inch infotainment system, the same one used in Volkswagen passenger cars. It includes sat-nav, smartphone mirroring, and a full range of connected services. It's a decent system, but the sheer number of touch-sensitive controls can make it tricky to use on occasion. 

Three trims are available: Life, Style, and Energetic. 

Life comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, two sliding doors with power latching, a digital cockpit, a 10-inch infotainment system, and lane assist. 

Style has 17-inch alloys, LED matrix headlights, a discover media navigation system, park assist, and an easy-open tailgate. 

Energetic has 18-inch alloys, a Harmon Kardon sound system, privacy glass, and a panoramic glass roof. 

The Multivan has three engines: a petrol, a diesel, and a plug-in hybrid. All have front-wheel drive. 

The petrol engine is a 2.0-litre TSI that returns 204hp. It has a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 9.4 seconds. 

The diesel is also a 2.0-litre unit, but drops power output to 150hp and gets to 62mph in over 11 seconds. Fuel economy is better than the petrol, coming in at around 42mpg. 

The powertrain with the most interest will be the plug-in hybrid. Combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an 85kWh electric motor, it produces 218hp and has an all-electric range of up to 30 miles. It also massively boosts fuel economy, with Volkswagen claiming up to 157mpg. 

It also is the quickest powertrain available, reaching 62mph in nine seconds and maxing out at 118mph. 

Using a 3.6kW wall charger, the plug-in hybrid can fully charge in just over three and a half hours.

As you'd expect from an MPV, the Multivan feels a bit bulky on the road, but it's still a really good vehicle to drive. Around town, the Multivan is pretty straightforward to drive, and we'd recommend the plug-in hybrid. You get a great field of view from behind the wheel, and the handling is light, and the suspension is good. 

It will be slightly tricky to park the Multivan because of its size, but this is where the range of driver assistance systems comes in handy. 

As you increase the speed, it's still a comfortable van to drive. Although reaching cruising speed can be slightly tiresome, especially with a full van, once there, you can churn out the miles without a care in the world. If using the Multivan as a long-distance cruiser, we'd recommend the diesel engine. 

Prices for the new Volkswagen Multivan start from £46,704.00 OTR* or to lease from £570.46 per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Multivan? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.