VW Multivan review: what the car critics say
Not much bigger than a normal car, it’s easy to park and a cinch to drive

With interest in vans rocketing, they are increasingly being designed for families (a market already well established in the US) said The Sunday Times. VW claims its Multivan has all the capabilities of a full-size van with the comfort and handling of a car. It has a cavernous interior, yet it’s built on the same chassis as the Golf. Its footprint is not a lot bigger than a normal car, it’s easy to park and a cinch to drive.
The Multivan is available as a traditional 2.0TDI diesel capable of 0-62mph in 11.6secs, but there’s also a 1.5 or 2.0 TSI petrol and a 1.4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, What Car? said. The eHybrid has an official electric-only range of just over 30 miles, but its tiny 45-litre petrol tank limits range on long trips. VW has ditched manual transmission, and most models have a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
It’s has a better finish inside than most vans, but the digital cockpit has a frustrating and unintuitive ten-inch touchscreen, said Top Gear. The gear selector is dash-mounted, freeing up cabin space, but if you’re regularly seating seven, it’s worth upgrading to the 200mm longer L2. The heated seats recline and fold and can be rearranged or removed entirely to increase boot space from 469 litres to 3,672 litres.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
UK price from £43,258; volkswagen-vans.co.uk
In pictures: VW Multivan
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Mickey 17: 'charming space oddity' that's a 'sparky one-off'
The Week Recommends 'Remarkable' Robert Pattinson stars in Bong Joon-ho's sci-fi comedy
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
EastEnders at 40: are soaps still relevant?
Talking Point Albert Square's residents are celebrating, but falling viewer figures have fans worried the soap bubble has burst
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
What will the thaw in Russia-US relations cost Europe?
Today's Big Question US determination to strike a deal with Russia over Ukraine means Europe faces 'betrayal by a long-term ally'
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
6 spa-like homes with fabulous bathrooms
Feature Featuring a freestanding soaking tub in California and a digital shower system in Illinois
By The Week Staff Published
-
Tessa Bailey's 6 favorite books for hopeless romantics
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Lyla Sage, Sally Thorne, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Mountains and monasteries in Armenia
The Week Recommends An e-bike adventure through the 'rare beauty' of the West Asian nation
By The Week UK Published
-
Manouchet za'atar (za'atar-topped breads) recipe
The Week Recommends Popular Levantine street food is often enjoyed as a breakfast on the go
By The Week UK Published
-
Becoming Led Zeppelin: an 'exhilarating' documentary
The Week Recommends First authorised documentary captures the legendary rock band's energy – but avoids their 'nearly mythic destructive arc'
By The Week UK Published
-
Eimear McBride picks her favourite books
The Week Recommends Irish novelist shares works by Christa Wolf, Edna O'Brien and Bram Stoker
By The Week UK Published
-
Amandaland: Lucy Punch dazzles in 'glorious' Motherland spin-off
The Week Recommends Joanna Lumley reprises her role as Amanda's 'exquisitely disparaging' mother
By The Week UK Published
-
6 refreshing homes in Miami
Feature Featuring a home previously owned by concert pianist Ruth Greenfield in Spring Garden and a wraparound balcony in Coconut Grove
By The Week Staff Published