2024 Volkswagen Multivan Family TDI review

While not as popular as the seven-seat SUV, van-based human haulers do a better job of carting around the family and all their associated bits.

With the van’s cavernous hold converted to carrying passengers, there’s simply more space.

And when such a machine has a seating set-up that’s as flexible as the Volkswagen Multivan’s, it makes the logistics of moving the family that much easier.

The latest-gen Multivan first arrived here with plug-in hybrid power exclusively. And those who bought the Family variant, the one priced to net the rebate, would be laughing now.

That was circa $73k once the CCD was claimed, while now it lists for $94,500. With all the Clean Car stuff having been consigned to history, and the Standard now watered down, models like this TDI variant of the Multivan are back on the menu.

This gives potential Multivan owners a cheaper entry point, the Family TDI $6500 less than the similarly-specified PHEV Multivan version at $88k.

So out with the battery, motor and 1.4 turbopetrol, and in with a 2.0-litre turbo D. The compression-ignition unit outputs 110kW and 360Nm. That’s up 10Nm on the torque front, but down 40kW on max power.

Obviously it’s one for those who don’t get vehicles with a plug, though we’d suggest the $6.5k premium for the PHEV gets you the better powertrain.

But, whatever, the TDI is rated at 6.0L/100km, whereas the long term average here was sitting at 7.8L/100km.

We saw 8.3L/100km charging around town but still, you should get over 700 kays to a (58L) tank.

The diesel twists up plenty of easy torque, pulling genuinely from 1200rpm. Its seven-speed twin-clutch is reasonably efficient at keeping it simmering away and changes smoothly.

While hesitant to kick down, it pulls in-gear well enough. If you’re in a hurry, flicking the stubby dash-mounted shifter to the S mode initiates snappier shifting.

The restarts from the idle/stop system aren’t the smoothest – no seamless 48V mild hybrid tech here – and the uptake from stopped is a little slurry too.

It’s a front driver but that’s no issue, making for safe and predictable dynamics. The steering is light, and while it could be quicker (three turns between the stops) it’s okay to helm about the place.

The turning circle (12.1m) isn’t too bad for a near 5m long machine. Passengers will appreciate the comfort-orientated ride quality, Multivan possessing a multi-link rear end.

There’s a good view from the elevated driver’s posi through the big panoramic-style screen, and quite good vision all around with its generous glasshouse.

The side mirrors could be bigger, especially as blind spot monitoring doesn’t make the standard spec. Neither does adaptive cruise but multiple air bags are included, as is auto braking and lane keeping assist.

This isn’t too annoying however and easily switched out without having to dive into the touchscreen. There’s a decent backing camera (no surround view however) and parking sensors for nervous reversers.

While the glovebox is small, there’s another couple of bins up on the dash, lots of storage within the doors, and a couple of handy cup holders that fold away when not required.

There’s a shelf for your phone, but it’s not a charge pad unfortunately. VW’s infotainment system has a few idiosyncrasies to overcome initially but you’ll work it out.

The smart key unlocks the vehicle as you approach, always good when you’ve got kids (and armfuls of gear) come time to load up.

The powered sliders on each side can be activated via the keyfob, allow for easy access to the rear, and are great in tight parking spaces.

Inside there are five individual seats (all with Isofix points, top tether anchors and three point belts) that can slide forward and aft to suit leg room requirements thanks to the track system on the floor.

They can be removed completely too, not such a hard task as they aren’t too hefty. Getting them back in is easy too, as you don’t need to locate a certain position on the rail system in order to lift them in and out.

There’s also a multi-purpose table contraption passengers can use come lunch time. Some might consider removing it and storing it in the garage, giving parents better access to the rear of the cabin from the front seats.

In the rear the kids will find cup holders, USB-C and 12-volt power plugs, and lots of hidey holes to stash things, including little drawers under the seats.

The tailgate may not be powered, but opens up to a reasonable hold in behind the seats. A genuine parcel shelf enables the stacking of a few lighter items on top.

Need more space? Simply push the rearmost seats forward which is easy to do from the tailgate area. If it matters, there is no spare just a repair kit and with the $1500 tow bar fitted, it can haul up to 2000kg.

This does a great job of transporting the family about in style, safety and comfort, but it’s up there on price, and misses out on a few convenience items you’d expect for the money asked.

This story first appeared in the August 2024 issue of NZ Autocar magazine.