Review: Volkswagen T5 Multivan (2004-15)

Review: Volkswagen T5.I Multivan (2004-10)

Overview

Released in December 2004, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Multivan was a large people mover. Manufactured in Hanover, Germany, the VW T5 Multivan was initially available with either a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine or a 3.2-litre petrol unit, mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (the 2.5 TDI and 3.2i variants, respectively). Although the majority of models were front-wheel drive, the 3.2i variants were available Volkswagen’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system. Furthermore, the Multivan was available in seven seat Comfortline and Highline editions (in a 2-2-3 configuration), or six seat Executive editions (2-2-2).

Engines

For the Multivan 2.5 TDI, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, Bosch Pumpe D�se direct injection, a die-forged steel crankshaft, a variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler, a single overhead camshaft (gear-driven), two valves per cylinder, hydraulic bucket tappets, a compression ratio of 18.0:1 and a diesel particulate filter.

For the Multivan 3.2i, the 3.2-litre VR6 petrol engine had a grey cast iron block, a cast aluminium cylinder head, a die-forged steel crankshaft, electronic sequential indirect fuel injection, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), low-friction roller finger cam followers, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing and a compression ratio of 11.3:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The Volkswagen T5 Multivan was 4890 mm long, 1904 mm wide, 1954 mm tall and had a 3000 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Multivan had MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent rear axle with semi-trailing arms.

4Motion all-wheel drive system

The Volkswagen Multivan’s ‘4Motion’ system utilised a second generation Haldex limited slip coupling with a mechanical hydraulic pump. In ordinary conditions, the system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, the coupling would engage all-wheel drive and begin to transfer torque to the rear axle with one-quarter of a wheel’s rotation.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen Multivan included dual front airbags, combination thorax and head protecting airbags for the front occupants, curtain airbags for the second and third row occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The VW Multivan was also fitted with electronic differential lock.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Multivan Comfortline included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player and a six-disc CD stacker, three-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and immobiliser.

The Multivan Highline was further equipped with a DVD-based satellite navigation system, leather seats and front fog lights. Beyond this, the Executive added a power-operated sunroof, power sliding doors and assisted final-closing and latching for the side and rear doors.

Review: Volkswagen T5.II Multivan (2010-15)

Overview

Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Multivan introduced a revised range with new engines and transmissions. The range initially consisted of the 103TDI and 132TDI variants which were powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and mated to double clutch transmissions (DCT, or Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). In September 2011, however, a change in naming convention saw these variants become the TDI340 and TDI400, respectively. The range was also expanded with the introduction of the TSI350, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Safety equipment

Compared to its T5.I predecessor, safety equipment for the VW T5.II Multivan was largely unchanged.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen T5.II Multivan were extended to include MP3-compatibility and auxiliary sound system inputs (though the six-disc CD stacker was omitted), front and rear parking sensors, rear fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, heated mirrors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror an alarm.

Compared to the Comfortline, Highline editions were also fitted with heated front seats, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a multi-function steering wheel.

September 2011: Multivan update

In September 2011, the Multivan was updated for the 2012 model year (‘MY12’). Standard features were extended to include iPhone and iPod integration, a multifunction steering wheel (previously reserved for the Highline) and trailer wiring preparation; trailer stabilisation was also included as part of the electronic stability control system.

2011 Multivan Edition 25

In June 2011, the limited-run Multivan Edition 25 was released to commemorate 25 years’ of Multivan production. Compared to the Comfortline, the Edition 25 featured grey Nappa leather seats with anthracite highlights, front fog lights with cornering lights, daytime running lights, tyre pressure monitoring, electrochromatic rear view mirrors and assisted final-closing and latching for the side and rear doors. The Edition 25 was also fitted with Volkswagen’s ‘Lane Change Assist’ system.

Visually, the Edition 25 could be identified by its Candy White paint finish, black alloy wheels, black trim on the front and rear bumpers and sills and a matte-black roof. The Edition 25 also had stronger anti-roll bars for more responsive handling.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (December 2012)
• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (March 2014)
• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (August 2014)

Related links

• Specifications: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (September 2012)
• Specifications: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (March 2014)
• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Multivan
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen T5 Transporter