Petrol power for VW’s Multivan

VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia has put petrol power into the equation for its Multivan seven-seat people-mover, introducing two new model variants featuring a 150kW version of its 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Fitted standard with VW’s seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the so-called TSI 350 turbo-petrol engine is available in either entry-level Comfortline guise, starting from $54,990 (plus on-road costs), or top-spec Highline, which kicks off from $71,990.

The all-DSG-equipped 2.0-litre turbo-diesel line-up continues with the TDI 340 Comfortline opening the range from $49,990 and the higher-output TDI 400 – which is available with either two-wheel-drive or 4Motion AWD drivelines in both Comfortline and Highline trim levels – ranging from $56,990 to $77,990.

Driving the front wheels, the 2.0-litre TSI 350 engine produces 150kW from 4200-6000rpm and 350Nm from a low 1500-4000rpm, and returns official combined-cycle fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km with 236g/km of CO2 emissions.

The oil-burning TDI 340, meanwhile, manages 103kW/340Nm and a greener 8.2L/100km and 216g/km, while the bi-turbo TDI 400 produces 132kW/400Nm for 8.1L/100km and 214g/km in front-drive form. The 4Motion versions return 8.8L/10km and 232g/km.

There is no sign yet of an ultra-economical BlueMotion version of the T5 Transporter-based Multivan, as released in Europe last year with technology such as idle-stop combining with an 84kW 2.0-litre TDI engine to achieve 6.4L/100km and 169g/km.

On the safety and security front, all MY2012 Multivans are fitted standard with six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes with brake assist, a front electronic differential lock, hill-hold device, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming interior mirror and an alarm.

Other standard equipment includes roof rails, alloy wheels (16-inch on Comfortline, 17s on Highline), dual side sliding doors, a trip computer, cruise control, triple-zone climate-control air-conditioning and electric windows/mirrors.

The Highline adds items such as power sliding doors with remote operation, leather seat trim, rear heaters, a high-grade stereo with full portable media integration and multi-function display, a ‘premium’ Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone kit, chrome highlights, more cup-holders, tinted windows, front foglights with a cornering function and automatic headlights with a ‘follow-me-home’ function.

Volkswagen Multivanpricing (plus on-road costs):
TDI 340 Comfortline (a)	$49,990
TSI 350 Comfortline (a)	$54,990
TDI 400 Comfortline (a)	$56,990
TDI 400 Comfortline 4x4(a)	$60,990
TSI350 Highline (a)	$71,990
TDI 400 Highline (a)	$73,990
TDI 400 Highline 4x4 (a)	$77,990