New Volkswagen Multivan T7 debuts with plug-in hybrid technology

KUALA LUMPUR: After a long wait, Volkswagen Europe has finally pulled the wraps off the all-new Multivan T7 that serves as a replacement for the ongoing Caravelle van. It gets a fresh design, improved tech, a new plug-in hybrid engine, and most importantly a new name to reflect the complete overhaul of its predecessor. 

For the new iteration, the automaker also ditched the old Transporter architecture in favour of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.

The exterior design of the new Volkswagen Multivan falls somewhere between the brand’s ID models and Golf. This is because it features a slender grille on the front that is teamed up with LED headlights, a smooth nose, and clean body panels. At the rear, we can notice new horizontal tail lights. Also new are the narrowed A-pillars for better forward visibility and a large glass for a spacious feeling interior.

Let’s have a look at the VW Multivan T7 dimensions, the van measures 4973 mm in length, 1941 mm in width, 1903 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3124 mm. This reflects plenty of space for seven passengers in the cabin. As for cargo, the van has 469 litres of space when all three rows are in place. However, folding down the second and last row expands the space up to 3672 litres. Want more space? No worries, an extended model will also be on offer that measures 5173 mm in length. This version can carry up to 4053 litres with one row in place.

On the tech front, the Multivan cabin gets a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, head-up display touchscreen controls, 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging tray. It is provided with an integrated eSIM which means the van can be always connected. Elsewhere inside, the Multivan has an electric parking brake and shift-by-wire DSG twin-clutch transmission as standard.

Safety features on board include autonomous emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, and surround-view camera setup.

Powering the new Volkswagen Multivan T7 is a plug-in hybrid setup called eHybrid. It combines a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-pot mill and a 85-kW electric motor generating a total 215 hp. A 13-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is positioned under the floor to provide emissions-free city driving. Well, the range figures have not yet been disclosed by the automaker. Other than this, a choice of 1.5 or 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines will also be available.

Volkswagen has yet to announce the Multivan price and availability details. 

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