Volkswagen has seized the opportunity of a mid-life facelift to simplify its lineup of T5 model vans, including new engines and extra features for its Multivan and Caravelle people movers.
The upgrades also extend to the Transporter range of commercial vehicles.
For people mover buyers (families, hotel and tourism operators) the result is a range of sharply priced, well-appointed German quality vehicles that is most impressive.
What You Get
Volkswagen knows a thing or two about vans – it’s ‘Kombi’ lineup has been around since the 1950s and is a true automotive ‘icon’. The two people mover models are the well-appointed Multivan and the nine-seat Caravelle – both are manufactured in Hanover, Germany.
New for 2010 are some styling changes, extra equipment and two new diesel engines.
Both Multivan and Caravelle are priced from $49,990 making them excellent value-for-money.
The Engine
The highlight of the new engine lineup is a twin-turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre TDI. With 132kW of power at 4000rpm and peak torque of 400Nm from 1500 rpm, this diesel pearler is available in Multivan driving through a seven-speed direct-shift (DSG) automatic transmission to either the front wheels, or all four wheels with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION system. Fuel consumption is 7.8l/100kms.
Also available and standard in the nine-seat Caravelle is the single-turbo 2.0-litre TDI offering 103kW/340Nm (replacing a 96kW version in the previous lineup). In both models, drive is to the front wheels via the seven-speed DSG gearbox.
This is the same powerplant Volkswagen fits to its Passat sedan and Tiguan SUV. Fuel consumption is 7.7l/100kms.
Car Showroom tested both versions in a drive route around Newcastle and while the bi-turbo is a stunner, the single-turbo diesel also delivers handy acceleration and nice levels of refinement.
The Interior
Volkswagen has covered the spectrum of people mover requirements with the luxuriously appointed Multivan (seating for seven) and the more robust nine-seat Caravelle.
The Multivan is available in two model grades – entry-level Comfortline and the leather-equipped Highline. Both over individual second row seats that swivel and a third row bench seat that slides.
Highline models ooze sophistication, style and practicality – as well as the leather seats, the interior boasts real wood trim, velour floor mats, Climatronic auto air-conditioning and an adjustable table between the second row seats.
Both versions include passenger compartment roller sun-blinds, footwell lighting and a tonneau cover for the luggage compartment.
New instrumentation is part of the facelift package and now includes a gearshift indicator light to promote fuel-saving driving as well as white background lighting. Air-conditioning switches have been simplified.
And the seats are new with increased back and lateral support. While the driving position is elevated and provides a commanding view, careful adjustment, combined with reach/rake adjustment for the steering wheel (new model) delivers a set-up passenger car drivers will soon like.
Those sliding/folding rear seats provide an excellent load area with a very low lip, but - like all people movers - when fully loaded with adults, the luggage area gets a bit tight. However if you can’t fit people plus cargo into one of these Volkswagens, perhaps you should be considering a bus, not a people mover.
A reversing camera is included in the optional RNS 510 radio navigation system. The standard CD audio system has eight speakers and is MP3 compatible.
Exterior & Styling
Lots of detail styling upgrades have been included – the most noticeable being the clear glass headlights and fog lights, which are also static turning lights. Multivan gains body-colour bumpers and extra chrome trim.
At the rear, the only change is new taillights while new side mirrors are more aerodynamic and incorporate the aerial system for radio, telephone and GPS signals.
Wheels are either 17-inch steel or alloy with different model-specific designs.
On The Road
Volkswagen had lots of different models for us to drive and, having driven a number of T5 vans over the years, we were particularly keen to try the new bi-turbo range-topping Multivan Highline. We weren’t disappointed – this is a seriously nice people-mover.
That twin-turbo diesel is rapid, refined and a marked step up for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Combine the 132kW with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive and the seven-speed DSG…well Benz’ 110kW, 5-speed Viano has come real competition.
Ride and handling is certainly the best in this segment - some of the poor secondary roads we encountered around Newcastle were easily absorbed.
The single-turbo 103kW Multivan Comfortline model also stacks-up well. While it doesn’t have the ‘boot-in-the-back’ grunt of the bi-turbo, it’s still plenty fast enough and also refined and quiet.
Likewise the Caravelle. If you need seats for nine, you absolutely must consider this hardy Volkswagen with its German quality and high-standard engineering.
Challenges
Depending on the model, you’re looking at 2241kgs – 2375kgs, so these Volkswagens are no lightweights. At the very limit – like all people movers – that’s a fair bit of weight over the front axle and you do notice a degree of understeer (push) and some thumps when crossing train tracks and the like.
Verdict
There’s lots of families in the Car Showroom team so we know what works in people movers. For that reason, we’ve long been fans of both Volkswagen products (Multivan and Caravelle).
The German build quality remains first-rate and the driving dynamics remain amongst the best in class.
Alternatively, if your business is airport shuttles, hotels or limousines, the luxury of the Multivan Highline and convenience of the Caravelle should prove very appealing.
The Competition
With its new $49,990 sticker price, the comprehensively-equipped Volkswagen Multivan asks a lot of questions of Toyota’s $51,750 Tarago and Mercedes-Benz’ $71,884 Viano.
Conversely, Hyundai’s excellent iMax ($36,990 and $39,990) stacks-up competitively against the Volkswagen Caravelle. What price German engineering and build quality?
Likes:
Volkswagen quality; stunning twin-turbo diesel; well equipped; value-for-money
Dislikes:
A little harsh over bumps
