New Volkswagen Multivan 2022: Caravelle’s successor obtains PHEV Car News

The new Volkswagen Multivan has been unveiled, marking one of the most significant reinventions for the company’s largest minivan in 71 years of history.

Volkswagen ditched the Caravelle name to reflect the complete reinvention of the MPV and the fact that it no longer shares its foundations with the Transporter commercial van. It is now effectively a stand-alone model, with the commercial Transporter model soon to be replaced by a successor built by Ford, paired with the Transit.

Instead, the seven-seater has upgraded to an extended version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which is also used by Seat Tarraco, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan.

This switch paves the way for a series of benchmark technological, stylistic and ergonomic improvements, while also allowing the MPV to adopt its first-ever plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Multivan eHybrid combines a 148bhp supercharged 1.4-liter petrol engine with a 114 hp electric motor on the front axle for a combined output of 215 hp, while a 13 kWh battery under the floor allows electric operation only on “short city trips. “- Volkswagen has suggested a maximum range of the electric vehicle of about 31 miles.

1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines are also available, plus a 201bhp diesel will join the lineup next year.

While the PHEV has its own six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DSG), conventional gasoline variants use a familiar eight-speed element.

Along with the mechanical revisions, the seven-seater was completely redesigned, with stylistic nods to the 1985 T3 generation Transporter among its features.

Typically, it’s available in a horizontally split two-tone livery, but a full-width grille and sharp LED lights clearly set it apart from the outgoing Caravelle.

As standard, the Multivan is 1941mm wide, 4973mm long and 1903mm high (a 5173mm long extended wheelbase option is also available), making it slightly taller than the T6 generation model. . It is claimed that the improved aerodynamics also improves efficiency.

Volkswagen claims the Multivan is “more flexible and spacious than ever” inside, highlighting a new modular seating system and a multifunctional table. The five rear seats can be fully removed, while the second row can be rotated to create a social seating arrangement.