The Volkswagen Multivan is one of the people-mover variants of the fifth generation of the Transporter series (T5), the others being the Caravelle, Kombi, and Shuttle.
The T5 series was produced from 2003 to 2015 as a light commercial vehicle with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive layout. There are over a hundred variations of the T5, including short or long-wheelbases with low, medium or high rooflines available in van (cargo/passenger), pick-up, minibus, crew cab, chassis cab, and campervan body styles. The series has indeed enjoyed immense popularity with all these body makes apart from a great number of third-party conversions, including ambulances, police vans, fire engines, ladder trucks, and taxis. The T5’s transport load capacity is between 800kg and 1.4t (or around 5.8m3 to 9.3 m3 bulk capacity).
Of the T5 people movers, the Multivan tops the range, seating 6-7 people and with seats that could slide forward and backward. It could even be fitted with tables and refrigerators. It included anti-locking brake (ABS), traction control system (TCS), electronic stability program (ESP), and front/side/curtain airbags as standard equipment.
In Australia, it was available from 2005 to 2020 in Comfortline, Comfortline 4Mtn, Executive, Executive 4Mtn, Highline, Highline 4Mtn trim levels.
Powertrain options offered for the Comfortline, Executive, and Highline trims in Australia were:
- 2.5L inline-5 diesel engine producing 128kW and 400 Nm of torque, available in choices of 6-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual gearbox
- 3.2L VR6 petrol engine producing 173kW and 315 Nm of torque, available in choices of 6-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual gearbox
With a facelift in 2009, new trim levels were introduced with the following engine options:
- 103 TDI Comfortline, Comfortline TDI340, Comfortline TDI340 LWB - 2.0L diesel engine (103kW, 340 Nm) paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 132 TDI Comfortline (4Motion), 132 TDI Highline (4 Motion), 132 TDI Comfortline (4Motion), Comfortline TDI400, Comfortline TDI400 4Motion, Highline TDI400, Highline TDI400 4Motion - 2.0L diesel engine (132kW, 400 Nm) paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- Comfortline TSI350 and Highline TSI350 - 2.0L petrol engine (150kW, 350 Nm) paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- Executive TDI450 LWB and Generation Six TDI450 - 2.0L diesel engine (150kW, 450 Nm) paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
The Comfortline’s standard equipment included dual front, side front and head airbags, ABS, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, brake assist, cruise control, central locking remote control, electronic differential lock, ESP, heated front seats, engine immobiliser, power mirrors/steering/windows, radio CD with 8 speakers, trip computer, and TCS
The Executive trim adds leather upholstery, power sunroof, and satellite navigation.
The 132 TDI Highline adds dynamic stability control, front fog lights, power sliding doors, rain-sensing wipers, and satellite navigation.
The Highline TDI400 adds a multi-function steering wheel, rear parking distance control, and tinted windows.
The 132 TDI Comfortline 4Motion adds tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, DRL - LED, dusk-sensing headlights, lane-change warning, leather steering wheel, and sports suspension.
The Comfortline TDI340 LWB in 2015 included the following features:
Air Con + Climate Control Multi-Zone, Adjustable Front Seats (Manual), Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft, Ambient Temperature Display, 16-Inch Alloy Wheels, Body-Coloured Bumpers/Exterior Door Handles/Exterior Mirrors, Brake-pad Wear Indicator, Carpet Floor Covering, Cargo Cover, Cloth Trim, Driver Awareness Alert, Digital Clock, EBD, EDL, Rear Fog Lights, Head/Side Airbags, Hill Holder, Halogen Headlights, Lane Change Warning, Low Fuel Warning, Leather Gear Knob, Memory Card Reader, Multi-Function Control Screen, Mobile Phone Connectivity, Protective Glazing, Reversing Camera, Rear View Mirror Auto Dimming
In 2008, the Euro NCAP rated the Multivan with 4 out of 5 stars which included 27 points for adult occupant protection and 40 points for child occupant protection.
The T5 won the Van of the Year award (by What Van?). In 2005, 2007 and 2008, it won The Multivan Best in Class by Auto Motor and Sport. Furthermore, the Delivery Magazine publication awarded the VW Multivan with the following awards: Medium Van of the Year for 2005, Medium Van of the Year for 2006, Cab Chassis of the Year for 2006, and People Mover of the Year for 2009.
The Multivan is a very popular Transporter available in many markets, including Australia. If you’re looking for one, we invite you to the Carpart marketplace! You can find listings from owners across Australia. You may also advertise used cars, parts, and accessories with us. Have a look at Carpart.com.au today!
Author: Andrijana Pavlovic