WeeklySA_AdminLOUNGE-STYLE CABIN: Pre-orders now open for the highly anticipated T7 Multivan which comes with all-wheel drive, paired with an electric motor ostensibly for premium driving experience…
By Ali Mphaki
Its more than seven decades after the first Volkswagen Kombi rolled off the production line in Kariega, a vehicle that became deeply woven into South Africa’s social and economic fabric.
But far from resting on their laurels the struggle continues at Volkswagen as it forges ahead with the further development of automobile production with E-mobility, smart mobility and the digital transformation of the brand the key strategic topics for the future.
Early this year at the Volkswagen Group Africa indaba we got glimpse of it – wetting our appetites – and now VW Commercial Vehicles has announced the official opening of pre-orders for the all-new Volkswagen T7 Multivan Caravelle as the legacy enters an exciting new era.
At the heart of the new T7 Multivan Caravelle is a 1.5 litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine paired with an electric motor delivering a combined output of 180kW and 350Nm of torque. Power is transferred through a 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission to Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Safety is enhanced through latest driver assistance technologies, including IQ. Light LED matrix headlamps, Park Assist and Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control ACC stop & go including speed limiter.
Those familiar with the VW Caravelle model will know that beyond its advanced technologies it offers a premium driving experience and the new T7 Multivan Caravelle does not deviate from this philosophy but enhances it.
While the driving experience comes with standard features such as Digital Cockpit Pro, 10-inch infotainment system with wireless App-Connect, leather-covered multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles. both friend and foe will be enamoured by its 30-colour ambient lighting including footwell lighting for 2nd row of seats, 3-zone Air Care Climatronic with additional control panel in passenger compartment.
Those accustomed with the VW Caravelle brand will know it features two individual front seats and four rear “captain chairs” – two in the second row, three in the third.
In some overseas countries the T7 Multivan Caravelle is offered as an 8-seater – three chairs in the second row, three in the third, but here in Mzansi we get the seven-seater derivative.
If it does not have a sliding table then it is not a VW Caravelle and true to its DNA in the all-new T7 Multivan is featured a movable centre console that can slide between all three rows of seats and expands into a working table that can also be adapted for dining, or relaxation while on the move.
Each rear seat features manual sliding and reclining mechanisms accessible from the front or back. More interestingly, the entire second row can be swivelled 160 degrees to face the third row, creating a lounge-style cabin.
The second and third-row seats are equipped with up to five ISOFIX anchor points, accommodating multiple child seats.
All rear seats can be removed entirely in just a few minutes, transforming the passenger vehicle into a large cargo van.
Entry for rear passengers is via an electric sliding door and it also features an electric tailgate.
Dubbed as a vehicle designed for those who want to live life to the full, it does not come cheap and will set you back almost close to R2-million with a starting price from R1, 794.00.
It comes standard with a 3-year /120 000 km manufacturer warranty and 5-year/ 100 000km.
The service interval is 15 000km.
