- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
Exemplary German minivan
The Volkswagen Multivan is a minivan based on the Transporter, a light commercial vehicle produced in various versions. The first Multivans were based on the third generation of the 1984 Transporter (T3). Therefore, the countdown of generations starts from the third generation. Currently, Israeli buyers can purchase the sixth generation of the minivan after the restyling of 2019 (as of 2021).
The third generation
The T3 itself was produced from 1979 to 1992 and was the last generation to have rear wheel drive. The Multivan was produced from 1984 to 1990, featuring water-cooled engines. The minivan used many new technical solutions, including a toothed steering rack, a front double wishbone suspension with coil springs, a rear axle with oblique levers and coil springs, as well as a spare wheel located on a special mount under the nose of the car.
The Multivan was roomy thanks to the fact that the car’s wheelbase and length were increased by 60 mm compared to its predecessor, and it became 12.5 cm wider than its predecessor. The floor of the rear part of the body was lowered by 40 cm relative to the ground level, as a result of which the interior space increased by about 10 cm (interior height: 1,465 mm, high roof van: 1,880 mm). The car was a bus with windows, with up to 9 seats and improved interior trim.
The fourth generation
It was produced from 1990 to 2003. The Volkswagen T4, on which the 4th generation Multivan was based, was the first to have a front engine and front-wheel drive (later all-wheel drive) transmission. The rear suspension was compact and had coil springs above the rear wishbones to reduce floor loading and loading height. In this generation, the development of the range of luxury models, including the Multivan, continued. The Caravelle, California and our hero started being more different from the Transporter base utility modification. The T4 series has become the most widespread throughout Europe.
The fifth generation
It was produced from 2003 to 2015. The Multivan again received a front-wheel drive layout with a transverse engine. The gearshift lever was moved to the dashboard. The Multivan differed from conventional Transporters by chrome stripes on the body. This generation introduced a number of technical innovations for the first time: all diesel engines were now equipped with unit injector, direct injection and turbocharger. The models with 5 and 6-cylinder engines were equipped with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
The sixth generation
Production began in 2015, and in 2019, the entire range was restyled, including the Multivan. The 2015/2016 Multivan is 4,904 mm long, 1,904 mm wide and 1,970 mm high. The wheelbase reaches 3 meters. After the restyling, a longer version has appeared. The Multivan Long minivan is 5,304 mm long and has a wheelbase of 3,400 mm (the overall dimensions of the ‘simple’ minivan have not changed). The restyled cars are distinguished by narrower headlights and an enlarged radiator grille. The interior has undergone radical changes, becoming more functional and acquiring the electromechanical power steering. Its use has expanded the list of auxiliary electronics such as a lane keeping assist system and a parking assistant. There are six wheel rim designs to choose from. The color range has six new shades, as well as seven two-tone combinations.
The interior is perhaps the most interesting thing in the restyled minivans, as it is transformable: the second row seats rotate 180 degrees, they and the third row can be folded and the car can be used as a cargo van for transporting such large loads as furniture. The table in the center of the cabin can be used as a surface for work or eating, and it can also be folded and placed between the two seats in the second row (Highline version). The new Volkswagen Multivan minivan received only one two-liter turbocharged diesel engine, but in two boosting variants (150 and 199 hp). The car is front-wheel drive with a 7-speed DSG and an independent suspension.
There are two trim levels for Israel: Comfortline and Highline. Such features as a digital dashboard, adaptive cruise control and parking autopilot, as well as crosswind stabilization have appeared after 2019, and all of them are included in the basic equipment of the 2020/2021 Volkswagen Multivan. The list also includes a vehicle distance monitoring system with autonomous braking, a blind spot monitoring system and an active lane keeping assist system with rear cross-traffic alert.
