VW introduces limited-run Multivan Edition

WITH Kia’s Carnival absolutely dominating the people mover segment with 71 per cent market share year-to-date, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is doing what it can to stem a dramatic slide in sales by introducing the Multivan Edition with extra goodies to tempt buyers.

Offered in a single specification with colour being the only option, the Multivan Edition is available as a 250-unit special run from $76,990 before on-road costs with first deliveries during the next few months packing enhanced style, ‘thoughtful’ extras and what VW terms ‘alluring value’.

For an extra $7500 charged over the short wheelbase Comfortline Premium TDI340 DSG model on which this limited edition is based, the Edition features highlights such as a multifunction adjustable table for rear passengers, an integrated booster seat within a rear 'captain’s chair', a wood effect rear floor and 8.0-inch Discover touchscreen infortainment unit with in-built navigation plus a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster.

Channelling the spirit of the Kombi, the Edition could be the ultimate weekender. The spacious rear of the vehicle is equipped with flexible seating configurations that rotate, fold and slide – meaning it can be a place to comfortably carry friends and family, store surfboards or kayaks, or even potentially turned into a mobile bedroom.

There is more for surfers and families to get excited about as interior equipment includes wireless smartphone mirroring, voice control, two USB-C ports, heated left and right front swivel seats, LED interior lighting, privacy glass and an 'Edition' side step light.

The exterior of the Multivan Edition is differentiated by a splash of black paint to the roof and B-pillar, gloss black side mirrors, Edition decals on the sliding doors and tailgate, a black load protection edge for the electric open/closing tailgate and 17-inch Aracaju black/diamond alloy wheels including a steel full-size spare tyre.

Other exterior and safety equipment include front assist with city emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, park distance control rear with rear view camera, LED headlights incl. LED DRLs, dark-tinted tail lamps, fog lights with cornering function and Light Assist are also included in the package.

Power comes from VW’s 110kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Those colour options are: Candy White, Pure Grey, Cherry Red, Ravenna Blue Metallic, Mojave Beige Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, or Indium Grey Metallic.

With various impediments to overcome regarding supply, VW is using the tactic of providing so-called “unique” models to shore up customer interest and says it will “continue to use vehicles like the Edition to define the growing Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles line up in this and next year by targeting specific-use applications that are tailored to particular customers”.

Other recent examples include the Caddy California and California 6.1 Beach – with a further van expansion set to come.

Pricing before on-road costs: $76,990 with optional metallic paint adding $1780.