Volkswagen Multivan T7 2022, the transition before the ID Buzz
The nostalgic hold their breath with each new generation of Volkswagen Transporter / Caravelle / Multivan / Eurovan / Type 2. Good news, after years of different names in almost every market, Volkswagen is finally repatriating everything under the name Multivan and brings him into the XXIe century with the first optional plug-in hybrid drive.
For this seventh generation, Volkswagen plays both conservatism and audacity with the design of the Multivan. We recognize him immediately and he leaves no doubt about his origins. After all, Volkswagen can’t play too much with its appearance, this is one of its most iconic vehicles. Faithful to the last four generations, the general appearance remains very boxy. However, following the trend of the latest versions, the illuminating elements are getting thinner.
Attention is drawn to the configuration of the windshield which stretches forward enough to allow the return of another window in the A pillar. We are still far from the “18 Windows”, but the reference is direct. There is a lot of attention up front with a hood that is flatter than ever before and the integration of LED headlamps now very characteristic of Volkswagen. History of making a link with electric vehicles ID, we even see a transverse light strip in the grille. In profile, the typical two-tone paint job is even better seen with a clear separation determined by the body line that goes around the vehicle.
At the rear, we follow a similar approach with more compact lights. With this approach, we can see that the Multivan is wider and less high than its predecessor. It is also the occasion to underline that this Multivan T7 is currently reserved for the passenger versions. The vans remain, for the moment, in the T6 generation.
Inside the cabin, Volkswagen provides a highly practical and functional environment for seven people, at least in the configuration shown. As always, we are multiplying the tips for the comfort of the occupants. The automaker maintains that the seats are now 25% lighter. Therefore, it is easier to handle them. Good point since it is always possible to turn the central seats on 180 degrees.
What is likely to seduce more than one is the integration of a table adjustable in height and variable configuration. This is not the first time that this accessory has been seen in this type of vehicle, but the execution is particularly interesting in the Multivan.
In terms of mechanics, Volkswagen arrives with two approaches, a traditional and a decidedly more modern. At the opening of the range, two 4-cylinder gasoline engines were available with outputs of 134 and 148 horsepower. However, the most interesting version will undoubtedly be equipped with the eHybrid plug-in hybrid mechanics. We are talking about a 4-cylinder 1.4 liter 148 horsepower assisted by an electric motor of 85 kilowatts allowing a combined total of 215 horsepower. In all cases, we are talking about a DSG automatic transmission, with double clutch, 7 speeds for conventional engines and 6 speeds for the eHybrid.
For the moment, Volkswagen remains quite discreet on certain key information such as electric range or even the size of the battery. All the automaker claims is that the Multivan will be able to make short city trips in electric mode.
Needless to say, North America will not be entitled to the Multivan T7. The last time we got this van was between 1993 and 2003 under the name Eurovan. In our case, we will have to wait for the Electric Buzz ID expected by the end of 2022.
