Overall Rating
4.2/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.6
Comfort & Interior
4.7
Running Costs
3.9
Practicality
4.8
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
When you need to transport seven people regularly without sacrificing comfort or build quality, the choices become surprisingly limited. The volkswagen multivan stands out as one of the few vehicles that genuinely delivers on the promise of premium people carrying, combining German engineering with practical family transport needs.
What sets the Multivan apart is its genuine flexibility rather than token versatility. The modular seating system allows everything from seven individual seats to a cavernous cargo area, making it equally suitable for the school run or moving house. Every passenger gets proper comfort levels rather than being squeezed into afterthought seats, while the high driving position and excellent visibility make it surprisingly manageable for such a large vehicle.
Under the surface, the Multivan impresses with its refined approach to family transport. The diesel engines provide adequate performance with reasonable fuel economy, while the automatic gearbox delivers smooth progress that prioritises passenger comfort over excitement. Build quality throughout feels solid and long-lasting, justifying the premium positioning against more budget-focused alternatives.
Running costs remain sensible given the vehicle’s capabilities, with strong residual values helping to offset the initial investment. If you regularly need maximum space without compromising on comfort or quality, the Multivan deserves serious consideration as one of the most capable vehicles in its class.
What's the Volkswagen Multivan Like to Drive?
Under the bonnet, the Volkswagen Multivan offers a range of efficient engines suited to its people carrying duties. The 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine provides strong low end torque that makes light work of fully loaded journeys. Acceleration proves adequate rather than exciting, with the focus firmly on smooth and refined progress.
The DSG automatic gearbox works seamlessly with the diesel engine, delivering smooth shifts and effortless cruising. On the motorway, the Multivan feels composed and stable, with minimal wind noise despite its upright stance. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sporty handling, which suits the vehicle’s intended purpose perfectly.
Steering is light and manageable around town, making parking easier than you might expect from such a large vehicle. The high driving position provides excellent visibility in all directions. While not designed for enthusiastic driving, the Multivan handles competently and inspires confidence on winding roads.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L TDI turbocharged diesel
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Power Output
150 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
38 mpg
- Boot Space
- 469 litres
- Safety Rating
- 5 stars Euro NCAP
- Climate control, DSG automatic, Modular seating
Inside the Volkswagen Multivan: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Volkswagen Multivan and you’ll immediately notice the high quality materials and excellent build quality throughout. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all major controls falling easily to hand. Seat comfort is excellent in all positions, with good support for longer journeys.
Space is the Multivan’s greatest strength, with genuine accommodation for seven adults rather than just token rear seats. The middle row offers exceptional legroom and headroom, while even third row passengers enjoy decent comfort levels. Climate control reaches all seating areas effectively, keeping everyone comfortable regardless of weather conditions.
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, with numerous cup holders, charging points, and storage compartments. The overhead storage compartments provide secure space for smaller items without cluttering the passenger areas. Ambient lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere during evening journeys.
The multivan excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volkswagen Multivan?
The Volkswagen Multivan’s running costs reflect its premium positioning but remain reasonable given its size and capability. Fuel economy figures are respectable for such a large vehicle, with the TDI engine returning around 35-40 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Motorway cruising can achieve even better efficiency when driven with restraint.
Insurance costs tend to be higher than smaller family cars but remain competitive within the premium MPV segment. Annual road tax is reasonable thanks to the relatively clean diesel engine options. When considering how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk, the Multivan’s strong residual values help keep monthly payments manageable.
Maintenance costs follow typical Volkswagen patterns, with service intervals that are reasonable for family use. The widespread dealer network ensures convenient servicing, though premium parts prices mean maintenance won’t be the cheapest. Overall running costs are fair given the vehicle’s capabilities and build quality.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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volkswagen multivan
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Mercedes-Benz V-Class
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Ford Galaxy
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £42,500 | from £47,000 | from £33,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L TDI 150hp | 2.0L diesel 163hp | 2.0L EcoBlue 150hp |
| Power | 150 bhp | 163 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 36 mpg | 42 mpg |
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Practicality
|
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| Boot Space | 469 litres | 410 litres | 300 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Modular seating system, Premium interior, Seven seat capability, Sliding doors | Luxury interior, Smooth ride, Premium badge, Advanced safety | Lower price point, Good fuel economy, Car-like handling, Seven seats |
Is the Volkswagen Multivan Practical for Everyday Use?
Practicality is where the Volkswagen Multivan truly excels, offering unmatched flexibility for families and businesses alike. The modular seating system allows numerous configurations, from seven individual seats to a large cargo area with all seats removed. This flexibility makes the Multivan suitable for everything from family holidays to moving house.
Boot space varies dramatically depending on seating configuration, but even with all seats in place, there’s reasonable luggage capacity. With seats folded or removed, the Multivan can swallow enormous amounts of cargo. Multiple tie down points and storage solutions help secure loads safely during transport.
Access is excellent thanks to sliding rear doors and a low loading height. The wide door openings make it easy for passengers to enter and exit, while parents will appreciate the easy access to child seats in the middle row. For those considering used volkswagen cars, the Multivan represents the brand’s commitment to practical family transport.
“We bought our Multivan two years ago when we needed to transport our three children plus grandparents regularly. The flexibility has been incredible – we can configure it for people or cargo depending on our needs. The ride quality is excellent, and everyone comments on how comfortable the seats are, even on longer journeys. The technology works brilliantly, keeping the kids entertained while the safety systems give me confidence in busy traffic. Fuel economy is better than expected for such a large vehicle. Yes, it was expensive initially, but the quality is obvious in every detail. Our previous Galaxy felt cheap in comparison, and this feels like it will last for many years.”
The Volkswagen Multivan delivers on its promise to provide premium people carrying capability with genuine family friendliness. Its flexible interior, quality construction, and refined driving experience create a compelling package for those needing maximum space without compromising on comfort.
Running costs are reasonable given the vehicle’s size and capabilities, while strong residual values help protect your investment. The comprehensive equipment list and excellent safety credentials add further appeal for family buyers.
If you regularly need to transport seven people or require maximum cargo flexibility, the Multivan deserves serious consideration. It successfully combines German engineering excellence with practical family transport needs, creating one of the best vehicles in its class.