Review: Volkswagen T6 Multivan (2015-19)

Overview

Released in Australia in December 2015, the Volkswagen T6 Multivan was a seven-seat people mover which had sliding doors on both sides of its body. Manufactured in Hanover, Germany, the Volkswagen T6 Multivan was powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines that were mated seven-speed double clutch transmissions (Volkswagen’s ‘Direct Shift Gearbox’ or DSG).

The VW T6 Multivan range consisted of TDI 340 and TDI 450 variants, in short and long wheelbase bodies, and in Comfortline, Generation SIX, Highline and Executive editions. While most T6 Multivans were front-wheel drive, the TDI 450 Highline was available with Volkswagen’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system.

EA288: TDI 340 and 450 engines

The Volkswagen T6 Multivan was powered by Volkswagen’s EA288 turbo-diesel engines which had a closed-deck grey cast iron block, forged crankshaft with four counterweights supported by five bearings, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts driven by a toothed belt, variable intake camshaft adjustment over a range of 50 degrees relative to the crankshaft, four valves per cylinder, and Bosch common-rail injection at a pressure of up to 2000 bar. However,

• The TDI 340 engine had a single turbocharger with a variable geometry turbine and a compression ratio of 16.5:1; and,
• The TDI 450 engine had two turbochargers and a compression ratio of 15.5:1

To minimise fuel consumption, the TDI 340 and TDI 450 engines had Start/Stop systems which enabled them to shut down when the Multivan was stationary in traffic. For emissions compliance, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converter was fitted to spray a urea solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust gases to convert nitrogen oxide (NOx) to nitrogen and water. The AdBlue solution was stored in a 13 litre tank that was estimated to require refilling after 7,000 kilometres.

Dimensions and interior

The standard wheelbase Volkswagen T6 Multivan was 4904 mm long, 1904 mm wide, 1970 mm tall and has a 3000 mm long wheelbase; the long wheelbase versions, however, had a 3400 mm long wheelbase and 5304 mm overall length.

The Volkswagen T6 Multivan had sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle and seven seats in a 2-2-3 configuration. Depending on variant, the T6 Multivan was available with two second-row rotatable individual seats which are anchored to the floor in the modified tracks. The seats could be independently snapped into position, turned around or moved on rollers without having to be removed.

Mounted on rollers, the three-seat reclining bench in the third row was anchored to the floor tracks and could be locked in any position in the back of the vehicle. After pulling a lever or loop, the bench seat would slide forward or aft without needing to be folded down.

The VW Multivan’s seats could be removed individually as required. To do this, the front covers for the track system needed to be removed so that the second-row seats and bench seat could be pulled up and out.

Suspension

The Volkswagen T6 Multivan had MacPherson strut front suspension with transverse links and an anti-roll bar that were attached to an auxiliary frame which, in turn, was bolted to the bodywork via vibration-reduction bearings. Furthermore, the T6 Multivan had an independent rear axle with semi-trailing arms, separate springs and shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. For the T6 Multivan, the load-sensitive shock absorbers varied damping forces according to the extent of the spring’s compression.

Fitted as standard for the Volkswagen Multivan Generation SIX and available as an option on the Multivan Highline, Volkswagen’s ‘Adaptive Chassis Control’ consisted of electronically-controlled dampers which could vary damping forces according to road conditions and driver behaviour. The driver could also select from Normal, Sport and Comfort modes which adjusted damping in accordance with the selected program.

Steering

The Volkswagen T6 Multivan had servo-assisted rack and pinion power steering with a 15.8:1 ratio such that the steering wheel required 3.3 turns from lock to lock; for the Multivan Highline and Executive editions, the level of power assistance was speed-sensitive. The standard wheelbase and long wheelbase Multivans have turning circles of 11.9 and 13.2 metres, respectively.

4Motion

The Volkswagen T6 Multivan TDI 450 Highline 4Motion was equipped a Haldex 5 all-wheel drive system which consisted an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch coupling (located in front of the rear axle differential at the end of the prop shaft). Under low loads or when coasting, the rear axle was decoupled to reduce fuel consumption. If, however, there was a loss of front wheel traction or such a loss was anticipated by on-board sensors, then an electrohydraulic oil pump applied pressure to the clutch plates to transfer up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels (for a 50:50 front:rear torque split).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T6 Multivan included front airbags, combination side/head airbags for front occupants, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and limiters; the short wheelbase Multivans were also fitted with curtain airbags.

As standard, the Volkswagen T6 Multivan was fitted with:

• Front Assist: monitored distances to the vehicle ahead. In dangerous situations, the driver was provided with visual and audible warnings, and the braking system was primed for fast response and assistance. If the driver failed to react, there would be a single, short jolting application of the brakes. If the driver responded but did not apply sufficient braking pressure, ‘Front Assist’ increased braking pressure;
• City Emergency Braking (‘City EB’): operated at speeds under 30 km/h and, if the driver failed to respond to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, City EB automatically applied the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of any subsequent collision;
• Multi-collision brake (MCB): multi-collision brake was activated when two independent sensors detected that a collision has occurred and the driver had not responded. Multi-collision brake would then apply the brakes to achieve controlled deceleration to a speed of 10 km/h to minimise the risk of the vehicle being involved in secondary collisions; and,
• Driver Alert (Fatigue Detection System): operated at speeds above 65 km/h and monitored driver inputs such as steering behaviour for signs of fatigue. If detected, an audible and visual alert would be issued which recommended that the driver take a break.

The Volkswagen Multivan Comfortline SWB, Generation SIX and Executive were fitted with Volkswagen’s ‘Side Assist’ which operated at speeds above 10 km/h and used two radar sensors in the rear bumper to monitor the area up to 70 metres behind the vehicle. If a vehicle was detected approaching from the rear or alongside the Multivan, the driver was warned by illumination of LEDs in the door mirror housing. If the driver then activated the turn indicator in the direction of the detected vehicle, the Side Assist indicator would flash to draw the driver’s attention to the mirror.

The Volkswagen Multivan Generation Six, Highline and Executive were also equipped with Volkswagen’s ‘Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go’ which used a radar sensor to maintain a pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead (including accelerating and braking). The stop & go function enabled the Multivan to accelerate to its pre-set speed after coming to rest.

Brakes

The Volkswagen T6 Multivan had 340 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 294 mm ventilated rear disc brakes.

Features: Multivan Comfortline

Like the Volkswagen T6 Caravelle , standard features for the Multivan Comfortline included ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system, cruise control, daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, remote central locking, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, a 12 volt socket in the passenger compartment, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Multivan Comfortline, however, was distinguished by its ‘Composition Media’ audio system with eight speakers, a 6.3-inch colour touch screen with proximity sensor, CD player (MP3/WMA compatible, SD card slot, auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, ‘Pandu’ cloth seat covering, front seat armrests, dual halogen headlights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, auto-diming interior rear view mirror, floor mats, two 12 volt power sockets (passenger compartment and luggage area) and illuminated vanity mirrors. Both the ‘Composition’ and ‘Discover’ audio systems had an ‘App-Connect’ USB interface in the centre console for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink.

While the Multivan LWB was fitted with 17-inch ‘Devonport’ alloy wheels and 235/55 R17 103H tyres, the Multivan SWB had 16-inch ‘Clayton’ alloy wheels with 215/65 R16 C106/104T tyres and a luggage compartment cover. As standard, the T6 Multivan was fitted with an electronic differential lock (EDL) which could apply the brakes to one of the front wheels to prevent wheelspin and reduce understeer.

From December 2016, Australian-delivered Volkswagen Multivan vehicles had power sliding doors and a power latching tailgate as standard.

Features: Multivan Generation SIX, Highline and Executive

Relative to the Multivan Comfortline, the Volkswagen Multivan Generation SIX was further equipped with 18-inch ‘Disc’ alloy wheels with 255/45 R18 103H xl tyres, Alcantara seat covering, heated front seats, LED headlights with automatic range adjustment, separate LED daytime running lights, front fog lights with static cornering function, power folding door mirrors, power sliding doors and latching tailgate, rear privacy glass and a luggage compartment cover. The Multivan Generation SIX was a limited edition that was released at the launch of the Multivan and available in four two-tone paint finishes.

Beyond this, the Multivan Highline and Executive had 17-inch ‘Devonport’ alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 103H run-flat tyres, a ‘Discover Media’ audio system with eight speakers, a 6.3-inch colour touch screen with proximity sensor, CD player (MP3/WMA compatible), 2 SD card slots for music and navigation data, auxiliary and USB inputs, satellite navigation system with 2D and 3D maps, voice control, digital voice enhancer, three-zone air conditioning system, twelve-way power adjustable front seats, Nappa leather seat trim, driver’s seat memory settings, multi-function table mounted on rails, ‘Safelock’ deadlock function and an alarm with tow-away protection. The Multivan Highline and Executive also featured a centre armrest for the three-seat, third-row bench.

While the Multivan Generation SIX and Executive had a tyre repair kit, all other variants had a full-size spare wheel.

2019 Volkswagen Multivan TDI340 Black Edition

In March 2019, the Volkswagen Multivan Black Edition was released in Australia. Based on the Multivan TDI340 Comfortline, the Black Edition was distinguished by its:

• 20 mm lower suspension with reinforced anti-roll bars and unique tuning for the springs and shock absorbers;
• 18-inch black alloy wheels;
• Gloss black paint finishes for the roof and B-pillars;
• ‘Titanium Black’ cloth seat upholstery with contrasting seams;
• ‘Halifax Maple’ wood look washable floor; and,
• An ‘Edition’ film on the side sills and at the rear.

Australian delivered of the Volkswagen Multivan Black Edition were limited to 230 vehicles.

Specifications

• Specifications: Volkswagen T6 Multivan and Caravelle (December 2015)