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VW Multivan Review

OUR TEST CAR: 2011 Volkswagen Transporter (T5 Facelift) Multivan 2.0 TDI 140 4Motion

 
VW Multivan - Page - 2
This chapter really reveals the contrasting nature of this car. We've said it before and we'll say it again: this is an MPV. You get much more space and refinement than you'd expect, but the suspension is a bit firm for this part of the test drive.

However, we can see how a softer suspension setup would've allowed the body to travel enough in order to turn the whole experience into a nautical one, so we prefer things this way.

Not only do you get all the space in the world, but you can also configure your universe. Once you've set up all the galaxies, stars, comets and so on, you can enjoy your journey. The vehicle we tested came with a three-zone roof-mounted aircon system, so the rear passenger also receive thermal attention, albeit a little brutal, since it came from above their heads.

The fact that the suspension is pretty firm might chop a bit of the physical comfort, but certainly ads psychological one, as you're never scared through the bends.

The interior illumination is good throughout the entire cabin and, just like its ads suggest, the car is good for both an office attire and a scuba suit.

We tested the Confortline (we don't know if VW intended to introduce this pun) version, which brought nice touches, albeit not too many, such as a leather-finished steering wheel, front seats with lumbar support and aluminum trimming, which we were surprised to discover, was better than in many hot hatches.
If you're looking for a diesel engine in the Transporter range (considering the torque and fuel consumption aspects, you really wouldn't want a petrol), you only have one displacement to "choose" from: 2 liters. However, there are plenty of power levels available: 84, 102, 140 and 180 hp.

We went for the 140 hp version, with the engine being mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (we'd recommend the DSG double-clutch gearbox though).

This version of the powerplant has enough grunt for all the occasions and keeps the turbo lag at a decent level, while the gearbox comes with ratios that keep a good balance between efficiency and acceleration, allowing you to keep up with the traffic and overtake without too much trouble.

The vehicle we tested also came with VW's 4Motion four-wheel-drive system, which really does it's job, both on and off the road. You do feel that it is the front axle that's wearing the pants here, but the job is done. In our test car's case, things were a bit boosted, as we had the option to lock the rear differential.

We took the vehicle pretty far off from the asphalt's borders and we were pleased by its abilities. Yes, you won't get proper off-roading assets, but considering the package that this is part of, things look and feel good.
We tested the Comfortline equipment level, which is the middle-range one, bringing a decent amount of goodies. We have to tell you that this is the chapter where the vehicle's utilitarian nature is least well hidden.

There aren't any real toys, with the only entertainment-destined part being the RCD310 audio system, which covers the basics, such as being able to read MP3 language and offering a decent sound quality through its eight speakers.

The three-zone automatic climate control system manages to keep the entire cabin under... control. However, the rear passengers need a certain amount of time in order to find a way of not having the wind blowing in their faces, as the system uses roof mounted air outlets.

We also got a leather wrapped steering wheel (shared with other VW cars, such as the Passat), a multifunctional center display, which included a function that tels you when to change gear in order to maximize efficiency,lumbar support for the front seats, retractable window covers, a multi-functional table, electric windows and others.

One of the optional goodies that we really enjoyed was the second sliding door. We also found the locking rear differential, the parking sensors and the multifunctional wheel as being extremely useful.

All in all, the Multivan we tested wasn't too refined from the goodies' point of view, but it offered a decent level that managed to not distract our attention from the assets of the car.
Just like us, the EuroNCAP doesn't only enjoy testing cars, but also vans. Thus, the accident replicators decided to have a go at bashing the Multivan against a wall. They tested the T5 back in 2008, before the range was facelifted, but since the revamp didn't bring any important structural changes, it's safe (no pun intended) to assume that the rating can also be used for the current version of the car.

The vehicle received a four-star rating, with the passenger compartment remaining stable during the frontal impact. However, certain parts of the dash represented a risk of injury to knees and femurs of of the front seats occupants and the passenger's chest was compressed more than the driver's one.

Due to the fact that the head airbag is only offered as an option, the pole test was not performed, but the car did receive the maximum number of points for the side impact.

As for the pedestrian protection, the car wasn't quite friendly with human beings coming its way from the exterior.

On the road, the Multivan feels safe to drive, mainly thanks to its car-like handling and brakes that you can rely on. The ESP is now standard, with the vehicle our test car's four-wheel-drive system really giving you confidence to push it as hard as you need.
We went to test a van, but we came back with conclusions about an MPV.  We admit that the Multivan impressed us partially because we met it with rather low expectations, but the car does have solid (in both literal and figurative senses) assets.

Driving a Multivan is one of the best ways of taking up to six passengers with you on a journey for which the length is irrelevant. And don't think that this car will make the aforementioned journey longer, as it offers decent driving dynamics.

The interior of the Multivan makes you feel like a Creator, as you have your own universe to configure and there isn't one, but two Big Bangs, with one on each side.

However, even though the Multivan manages to replicate road cars' character, it can never offer a fun experience. Not alone and not on the road.

The real drawback of this car however is its price. The Multivan does offer good value for money, but you're still going to prepare yourself for paying over EUR30,000 (USD41,000) - quite a good deal over in some cases- for a good configuration. As for out play-happy test car, the price went as high as EUR46,000 (USD63,000)

What's that, what do we mean by "not alone and not on the road?" Well, since it's so spacious and versatile, you'll be able to fill it with friends and then things go to a whole new level (we would also recommend it for managers planning team building activities) and as for the latter part, the impressed us off-road, where the hefty ground clearance and the 4Motion four-wheel-drive system gave us a lot of thrills, even though not as many as you'd receive in a proper off-roader.

And all we had to do in order to park the car in front of the hotel (yes, we did use it for a road trip) was to give it a quick wash. Subsequently, it seemed like the best business shuttle in the world standing next to luxury cars in the parking lot.

It's such a shame that the Transporter isn't imported in the US. This is due to the fact that it is classed as a light truck, which brings 25 percent heftier import taxes (this is known as the chicken tax, something we've previously talked about).
THE END
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autoevolution Sep 2011
61
History
7
Exterior
5
Interior
7
In the city
3
Open road
6
Comfort
7
Tech facts
6
Gadgets
6
Safety
6
Conclusion
8
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