Volkswagen Multivan
Auto Express|September 14, 2022
FIRST DRIVE Does petrol power make sense in such a large MPV?
Dean Gibson
Volkswagen Multivan

WE'VE already tried the Volkswagen Multivan as a plug-in hybrid, and were impressed by its refinement, comfort, and hugely practical interior. The other thing that appealed was that while its one-box shape is quite van-like, the Multivan doesn't have a commercial vehicle sibling, which means VW's engineers have made it more car-like to drive than any van-based counterpart.

These traits are common to the whole Multivan range, with petrol and diesel versions also available alongside the PHEV. Here we're trying the 2.0 TSI petrol van, which comes with 201bhp (14bhp less than the PHEV) and a saving of around £1,000 over the plug-in model.

From the outside, there are no differences between the TSI and the hybrid, except for the lack of a charging flap on the front wing of the former. Both versions are identical inside, because unlike with other PHEVS, where boot space is sacrificed in the quest to fit the biggest possible battery, the Multivan is large enough to accommodate any kind of running gear under the floor. The TSI does have a 60-litre fuel tank, though, whereas the PHEV has a 45-litre tank.

This story is from the September 14, 2022 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 14, 2022 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTO EXPRESSView All
PERFORMANCE review
Auto Express

PERFORMANCE review

Updates have transformed the Audi RS 4 before it bows out for good, but can it beat the BMW M3 Touring?

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Pick of the Porsches
Auto Express

Pick of the Porsches

In its 75 years, Porsche has built some of the most iconic cars ever. We look at the best

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
The rebirth of cool
Auto Express

The rebirth of cool

Octavia has been the standard-bearer of Skoda's renaissance for 25 years. We mark that milestone by looking at four generations of the popular car

time-read
9 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Evolution in action
Auto Express

Evolution in action

As the Peugeot 205 turns 40, we look at how this most iconic of French superminis has influenced the brand's latest small car

time-read
6 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Volkswagen T-Cross
Auto Express

Volkswagen T-Cross

FIRST DRIVE Updates focus on boosting compact SUV's quality

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Vauxhall Astra ST Electric
Auto Express

Vauxhall Astra ST Electric

FIRST DRIVE Estate version of electric family car comes with space to spare

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Smart #3
Auto Express

Smart #3

FIRST DRIVE Has Smart righted the 1’s wrongs with the latest addition to its range?

time-read
4 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
BEAVER TOWN
Auto Express

BEAVER TOWN

When Citroen said it was supporting a scheme to rewild beavers in West London wetlands, we were eager to gnaw how it would work

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
HOUSE OF BUGATTI
Auto Express

HOUSE OF BUGATTI

| Upon his retirement, the man who's shaped all modern Bugattis SI reflects upon his stellar career with the ultimate supercar brand

time-read
5 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
AMG weaves its magic as Merc reveals faster CLE 53 coupé
Auto Express

AMG weaves its magic as Merc reveals faster CLE 53 coupé

THE new Mercedes CLE coupé is tasked with replacing two-door versions of both the C-Class and E-Class, and the line-up has been bolstered with the arrival of a hot AMG 53 variant.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)