Thanks for such a candid and comprehensive review. I have watched dozens and yours is one of the most comprehensive and covers real world scenarios better than most. Particularly like giving it some round the corners to assess the handling. The only addition I would make is while I really like the hybrid there are some big constraints on the build due to vehicle weight limit - add too many fancy options and you start to hit a wall e.g. no towbar and sunroof with a hybrid 7 seater.
VW also used “van” for their Golf SV - “Sports Van” - which replaced the Plus. The side view with door open (@36:10) looks almost Citroenesque (CX) with its rear wheel covers!
Indeed they did Adrian though the van bit was only used Europe I think? I did originally think the thumbnail pic should be withe door open but realised it looked like a totally different car so closed it. Might have drawn more people in if looked so unconventional maybe?!
@@volkswizard Europe only, yes. Great car the SV, never talked about, underrated, drives just as well as a Golf, limousine-like rear passenger space. And with 2.0 TDi DSG I’ve had 72 mpg on a 150 mile run 🙂
That's a very cool thing - VW picked thr wrong name though, "Multivan" does it a disservice. It's cool & funky, in a way that an SUV never will be - there's "something" about a high spec (dare I call it this) van! Personally, if I had a big family (or regularly transported items) I'd happily own one. Needs more bolstered seats & a premium sound system (& arguably bigger wheels) for me though (although I'm probably missing the point🤣). Go on, VW - give us a "Multivan GTi"......!!
And the rear suspension arms are set low and exposed unlike the T6.1. That means this car's off-road capability as a T7 California campervan will be limited. That may explain why they don't offer an AWD option. Looking ahead to the new Transporter I see that AWD & diff-lock will be offered on the Trail version with manual transmission. That would make a better campervan than this and hopefully VW will build one. That would make 3 Californias in the van line-up.
It will be interesting when the Buzz comes on sale, since there is a fair overlap between the hybrid version and the electric Buzz ….. not only in terms of price and size but they will both be the “new kids on the block”. Will the Buzz trash the sales of the Multivan? They must both have been expensive for VW to develop?
Multivan Hybrid uses an existing drivetrain so I doubt that took much work apart from revised springs and dampers to allow for extra weight. But developing the Multivan from scratch would have been costly, however it's the same as Golf/T Roc etc vs ID.3/4, electric doesn't suit everyone so having an ICE model with a hybrid option as well covers all bases. I think Multivan (with conventional ICE drivetrain) is a good chunk cheaper tham ID Buzz too. I get the feeling Buzz is being used as a real cash cow for VW, can't see how it can cost anything like as much as a Multivan hybrid which gives you 2 means of propulsion in one package and seems proper VW quality throughout, something I cant say about ID.3 / ID.4
I actually enjoyed this review! Firstly, it's a VW, and secondly, I'm not interested in buying one but am interested in the vehicle. 😂 Keep up the good work Andrew
Don’t forget that there’s still a T6.1 Multivan on sale with a 200hp 4x4 TDI. Guess that’ll be retired when a faster T7 with awd comes out. The current commercial vehicles lineup is quite confusing
Hybrids really should be the pathway we should be taking for the next 10-20 years, especially with regenerative technology, would provide the range people want, the security of not running out of electric charge and reduce fuel consumption. Full EVs are not ready for prime time, neither is the power grid, with talk of brown outs and rolling blackouts due to not enough capacity, again due to the idiotic green agenda "let's go all solar and wind" at any cost, how do they expect people to charge their EVs! Yes, there's been a few hybrids, but it's baffled me how the powers that be have forced the rapid switch from combustion engine to electric, with the help of vehicle manufacturers reducing both engine size and fuel tank capacity to narrow the range gap between combustion and electric, I remember the Polo once came with a 45L tank, and they silently reduced it to 40L a few years back, that 5 litres really made the difference sometimes, before the stunted 1.0 litre engine came in, I could eak out 500 miles with motorway driving. I wasn't keen on the Multivan to begin with, it's still not a van though, but by the end of the video, I kinda like it.
Well done andrew a really good, comprehensive review on the multi van I do like them they remind me of the old Volkswagen vans and they do look very good in the two tone I am not convinced of the light/dark interior staying clean with multi purpose use or private hire but it looks great It will be a good replacement for the touran and caravelle and it seems like a lot of thought has gone into the design like many Volkswagen the cost mounts up with the options though should be lovely to drive based on the golf and have a good ride and handling
Daniel, It's a surprisingly well resolved car considering it's all new, VW can still do this although infotainment is identical to Golf 8 with similar issues so not all perfect
For me the multi van and ID Buzz are VWs best offerings now. Still not keen on white plastic interior but otherwise very practical and well thought out. #gettingold
The Caravelle T6.1 is much better in room efficiency, the seats in the Multivan are for children only. It is a big step backwards for VW to loose the T6.1, because of the joint venture with Ford. The Ford Toureno. Custom made in Turekey with a VW Emblem should replace it in 2025. Very Bad decission from former VW CEO.
Great content Andrew - love a two tone van with this blend of engineering- having driven a Transporter in early 2000s they even made me a VW fanboy as they just sit on the road so well - V5 torque and TD models as work had fleet - so practical 👏
That's interesting Malcolm as I drove a T5 I think in early 00s with no load on a windy motorway and it was terrifying the way it bobbed about! That's what put me off vans, sounds like you had a better experience:)
@@volkswizard ours were for transporting clients with disabilities so had wheelchair lift at rear with reinforced floor so a lot of weight plus it was in an urban Sydney environment- in comparison the Toyota vans with narrow wheelbase were scary even at town speeds
Good to see you casting your eye over something other than performance VAG products . My son in law interested in this vehicle as they need more space/practicality .So I have sent him the link and he much appreciated your in-depth review .
Thanks for sharing robtt, glad it was useful. Unfortunately it's going to me the last niche VW model I review for the time being as the time involved to film this doesn't justify the very low view count. I will still review non-performance VWs that sell in big like normal T Rocs and Polos and even Golfs and see how that goes.
I’m sure I nicked that from somewhere. I wonder if ID Buzz has better aerodynamics as very important for EV range. Or maybe just a bigger heavy battery than ID.3?
Great video, really enjoyed your review ,Just ordered one last month, life, long, TDi, grey, with electric sliding door plus other thing, £53,000 with £1700 discount and 3 yrs free service. 6 to 9 month wait.
It’s a good car Gerry. It’s not for everyone but much like T Roc Cabrio it achieves what it sets out to do. I just wish the user interface was causing less negative publicity as it detracts from the great work VW are doing right now
Sometimes I do wish I grew up a BMW fanboy as their exciting products keep on coming non stop and their buyers are full on social media users but it is what it is. This will be the last experiment video to see if my audience is interested in more than perfornance VWs as clearly they aren't.
Thanks for such a candid and comprehensive review. I have watched dozens and yours is one of the most comprehensive and covers real world scenarios better than most. Particularly like giving it some round the corners to assess the handling. The only addition I would make is while I really like the hybrid there are some big constraints on the build due to vehicle weight limit - add too many fancy options and you start to hit a wall e.g. no towbar and sunroof with a hybrid 7 seater.
Glad it was helpful Alex 👍
VW also used “van” for their Golf SV - “Sports Van” - which replaced the Plus.
The side view with door open (@36:10) looks almost Citroenesque (CX) with its rear wheel covers!
Indeed they did Adrian though the van bit was only used Europe I think? I did originally think the thumbnail pic should be withe door open but realised it looked like a totally different car so closed it. Might have drawn more people in if looked so unconventional maybe?!
@@volkswizard Europe only, yes. Great car the SV, never talked about, underrated, drives just as well as a Golf, limousine-like rear passenger space. And with 2.0 TDi DSG I’ve had 72 mpg on a 150 mile run 🙂
That's a very cool thing - VW picked thr wrong name though, "Multivan" does it a disservice.
It's cool & funky, in a way that an SUV never will be - there's "something" about a high spec (dare I call it this) van! Personally, if I had a big family (or regularly transported items) I'd happily own one. Needs more bolstered seats & a premium sound system (& arguably bigger wheels) for me though (although I'm probably missing the point🤣).
Go on, VW - give us a "Multivan GTi"......!!
The Multivan name has been used for years in other regions for things like a caravelle/transporter (can't recall which!)
A decent sized solar panel on the roof would help to keep some sort of usable miles in the hybrid battery
And the rear suspension arms are set low and exposed unlike the T6.1. That means this car's off-road capability as a T7 California campervan will be limited. That may explain why they don't offer an AWD option. Looking ahead to the new Transporter I see that AWD & diff-lock will be offered on the Trail version with manual transmission. That would make a better campervan than this and hopefully VW will build one. That would make 3 Californias in the van line-up.
It will be interesting when the Buzz comes on sale, since there is a fair overlap between the hybrid version and the electric Buzz ….. not only in terms of price and size but they will both be the “new kids on the block”. Will the Buzz trash the sales of the Multivan? They must both have been expensive for VW to develop?
Multivan Hybrid uses an existing drivetrain so I doubt that took much work apart from revised springs and dampers to allow for extra weight. But developing the Multivan from scratch would have been costly, however it's the same as Golf/T Roc etc vs ID.3/4, electric doesn't suit everyone so having an ICE model with a hybrid option as well covers all bases. I think Multivan (with conventional ICE drivetrain) is a good chunk cheaper tham ID Buzz too. I get the feeling Buzz is being used as a real cash cow for VW, can't see how it can cost anything like as much as a Multivan hybrid which gives you 2 means of propulsion in one package and seems proper VW quality throughout, something I cant say about ID.3 / ID.4
Do dealers sell single seats for row 2 centre?
Hi, can you confirm whether, the 2nd row of seats can turn around and face the back 3 seats please. Thanks.
Only with extra cost conference package
How about a slot in the roof liner to slide parcel shelves into? Like a big sim card. Wonder if anyone does that?
26:58 the T7 hybrid only 6 gears :( the diesel and petrol have 7...
Can the third row be moved forward to replace the two 2nd row seats?
yes it can
I actually enjoyed this review! Firstly, it's a VW, and secondly, I'm not interested in buying one but am interested in the vehicle. 😂
Keep up the good work Andrew
Did we get also 4x4 Version late on?
Don’t forget that there’s still a T6.1 Multivan on sale with a 200hp 4x4 TDI. Guess that’ll be retired when a faster T7 with awd comes out.
The current commercial vehicles lineup is quite confusing
I couldn't see that on the UK configurator so assumed it had been dropped here
@@volkswizard ah interesting, Germans seem to still love the T6.1 Multivan.
Save a little money and go for the better looking T6 215bhp 4motion.
Why is this not pushed as an airport shuttle bus? Sounds perfect for those short circuit journeys if there is a charge point at base stop.
You can use it for anything I guess, hence the 'Multi' in the name!
Do they still do a Business Van? The one with the Phaeton Interior. No Phaeton now so I guess not.
What is the gas/diesel tank capacity again?
45 to 60 litres depending on engine type - the hybrid (as tested) will be the smallest tank due to battery taking up some room
Hybrids really should be the pathway we should be taking for the next 10-20 years, especially with regenerative technology, would provide the range people want, the security of not running out of electric charge and reduce fuel consumption.
Full EVs are not ready for prime time, neither is the power grid, with talk of brown outs and rolling blackouts due to not enough capacity, again due to the idiotic green agenda "let's go all solar and wind" at any cost, how do they expect people to charge their EVs! Yes, there's been a few hybrids, but it's baffled me how the powers that be have forced the rapid switch from combustion engine to electric, with the help of vehicle manufacturers reducing both engine size and fuel tank capacity to narrow the range gap between combustion and electric, I remember the Polo once came with a 45L tank, and they silently reduced it to 40L a few years back, that 5 litres really made the difference sometimes, before the stunted 1.0 litre engine came in, I could eak out 500 miles with motorway driving.
I wasn't keen on the Multivan to begin with, it's still not a van though, but by the end of the video, I kinda like it.
Brilliant review, love the Vw content , cant wait for the I D buzz , love Vw and Audi . Love the channel, thanks William
Thanks William👍
I have the long version of this in black looks incredible and very usefull got the big wheels first but definitely got the smaller ones after
Well done andrew a really good, comprehensive review on the multi van I do like them they remind me of the old Volkswagen vans and they do look very good in the two tone
I am not convinced of the light/dark interior staying clean with multi purpose use or private hire but it looks great
It will be a good replacement for the touran and caravelle and it seems like a lot of thought has gone into the design like many Volkswagen the cost mounts up with the options though should be lovely to drive based on the golf and have a good ride and handling
Daniel, It's a surprisingly well resolved car considering it's all new, VW can still do this although infotainment is identical to Golf 8 with similar issues so not all perfect
Brilliant review
Thanks MegaRetr, much appreicated 👍👍
For me the multi van and ID Buzz are VWs best offerings now. Still not keen on white plastic interior but otherwise very practical and well thought out. #gettingold
crap. in previouse mulitvan you can make bed of back seats... that was such amazing thing
The Caravelle T6.1 is much better in room efficiency, the seats in the Multivan are for children only. It is a big step backwards for VW to loose the T6.1, because of the joint venture with Ford. The Ford Toureno. Custom made in Turekey with a VW Emblem should replace it in 2025. Very Bad decission from former VW CEO.
Great content Andrew - love a two tone van with this blend of engineering- having driven a Transporter in early 2000s they even made me a VW fanboy as they just sit on the road so well - V5 torque and TD models as work had fleet - so practical 👏
That's interesting Malcolm as I drove a T5 I think in early 00s with no load on a windy motorway and it was terrifying the way it bobbed about! That's what put me off vans, sounds like you had a better experience:)
@@volkswizard ours were for transporting clients with disabilities so had wheelchair lift at rear with reinforced floor so a lot of weight plus it was in an urban Sydney environment- in comparison the Toyota vans with narrow wheelbase were scary even at town speeds
I'm a VW fan but no way is this better looking than a transporter. For the price it looks abit cheap
Seriously thinking of getting one of these...
Mines coming in March.
Hi mate just a quick question would you buy a 2.8v6 four motion golf or just buy a mk 4 R32 ??
Keep dreaming...
@@polopowered keep dreaming I've had mk 4 gti and a mk 5 R32 I'm looking to but another now so don't know why you've put keep dreaming strange !!!
Keep dreaming...
Mk4 R32 is overpriced so I’d go for a top spec low mileage V6 4motion for well under 1/2 R32 money
@@polopowered looking at your tacky footage it is you who's dreaming my friend!!!!!
Good to see you casting your eye over something other than performance VAG products . My son in law interested in this vehicle as they need more space/practicality .So I have sent him the link and he much appreciated your in-depth review .
Thanks for sharing robtt, glad it was useful. Unfortunately it's going to me the last niche VW model I review for the time being as the time involved to film this doesn't justify the very low view count. I will still review non-performance VWs that sell in big like normal T Rocs and Polos and even Golfs and see how that goes.
Great, detailed and informative review! 👍👌😎 Arnie 😁
Thanks Arnie 🙌🏻
Great review. why do people by SUV's when you can have this?
That is a VERY good question. It has even a more "commanding" driving position than most SUVs so that is no excuse
Aerodynamics of a Brick 😆 stick that on the Poster VW
I’m sure I nicked that from somewhere. I wonder if ID Buzz has better aerodynamics as very important for EV range. Or maybe just a bigger heavy battery than ID.3?
It's NOT a VAN so what IS it? It's a disappointment.
Hoping for a facelift refresh in 2 years' time, to make it into something that is any good.
Great video, really enjoyed your review ,Just ordered one last month, life, long, TDi, grey, with electric sliding door plus other thing, £53,000 with £1700 discount and 3 yrs free service. 6 to 9 month wait.
Worth the wait 👍👍
Great price, I was looking at a California beach here in Ireland, 95k euro😢
Fab review
Thanks Colin👍
50k for a van!!!
It’s not a van!😆
Good review Andrew, interesting vehicle, will appeal to plenty of people looking for that practicality and seating wrapped in quality VW apparel 👍
It’s a good car Gerry. It’s not for everyone but much like T Roc Cabrio it achieves what it sets out to do. I just wish the user interface was causing less negative publicity as it detracts from the great work VW are doing right now
@@volkswizard totally agree Andrew and I dont think the UI is bad really. Comments probably coming from BMW 116i drivers still living with their mum 🤣
The whole car inside is plastic and very expensive, I don't see quality.
Exterior is nice the wheels also is crap.
Most cars are plastic but non-all quality is the same - just like a souvlaki
detailed and considered real world review. your content is very good👍😎
Thanks Gary S, all I can ask for 👍🤗
Pushing video content on you channel must be hard these days as VW are dull and junky now
Sometimes I do wish I grew up a BMW fanboy as their exciting products keep on coming non stop and their buyers are full on social media users but it is what it is. This will be the last experiment video to see if my audience is interested in more than perfornance VWs as clearly they aren't.
Power sliding doors ? Is that like millionaire’s doors?
Soon to be converted into a campervan by the 'Scene' Sheeple. What overpriced tat.
I hope they stick to T4/5/6
Boring