2024 Volkswagen Multivan TDI340 review

03/20/2025 08:25 PM

2024 Volkswagen Multivan TDI340

The Volkswagen Multivan is a business-class people mover suitable for any situation from executive hotel transfers to family transport with a premium twist.

At its core, the Multivan has always been based on a commercial vehicle, but given a comprehensive interior makeover to ensure there are no hints of its tradie origins.

That's great for hard-wearing longevity, but doesn't always deliver the most refined results. For the new-generation Multivan due later this year, the same passenger car platform used on a range of Volkswagen cars and SUVs will form the basis of the new model.

But for keen bargain buyers, the current model as it heads out the door could be sharp buying. We took the departing generation for a spin before the new model arrives later this year.

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MORE: 2025 Volkswagen Multivan price and specifications

How much is a Volkswagen Multivan?

The Multivan is available in three variants in Australia with the TDI340 Comfortline Premium opening the range in short- and long-wheelbase versions, or the more lavish TDI450 Highline short-wheelbase as the range-topper.

The Multivan Comfortline Premium SWB starts from $72,290 plus on-road costs, the LWB version is $3000 more expensive, while the Highline SWB starts from $95,690 plus on-road costs.

The car you see pictured here is a limited-run model known as the Multivan Edition. It's based on the Comfortline Premium SWB but comes with a range of interior and exterior styling tweaks, and equipment.

Its scarcity means that rather than focus on the Edition specifically, we're going to look at what you get in the Comfortline Premium SWB.

Key equipment covers 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, fabric seat trim, carpet flooring, three-zone climate control, seven-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs, second and third-row sunshades, and a whole lot more.

A four-cylinder turbo diesel engine is the only available powertrain with 110kW and 340Nm, delivered via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

Volkswagen's positioning for the Multivan sees its cheapest model line up against the top-spec Kia Carnival GT-Line diesel, priced from $72,910 plus on-road costs. Kia's people-mover is a little less cavernous inside but still incredibly spacious, though thanks to being developed as a people-mover specifically rather than a commercial van, it offers impressive refinement.

The van-based Toyota Granvia also wades into the segment with six- and eight-seat versions available. Like the Multivan, the Granvia is derived from a commercial vehicle giving it a hard-wearing base to start, but with an upscale interior that hides its origins.

Hyundai also competes in the people-mover segment with the eight-seat Staria. It is offered in a choice of front-wheel-drive petrol V6 or all-wheel-drive diesel, and spanning family-friendly pricing below $50,000 with upscale versions topping out at $67,500 before on-road costs.

Volkswagen Multivan best deals

There’s a variety of Multivans to fit a variety of budgets available now. You can shop for new and used Volkswagen Multivans for sale at Drive Marketplace. Keep an eye out for runout deals and special offers as this model prepares to switch over to the new generation, with dealers likely to cut a deal on older stock.

Find your nearest Volkswagen dealer here to check out the Multivan in the metal, though as a more niche model you may need to check ahead to ensure floor stock is available.

If you’re looking for more pricing, specifications, and latest offers on the Volkswagen range, click here.

How big is a Volkswagen Multivan?

The Multivan range delivers maximum interior space via big, boxy, upright dimensions. In short-wheelbase guise, the Multivan measures 4904mm nose-to-tail, with a 1904mm width and 1970mm height.

It's big and feels it on the road, but not so oversized as to be unwieldy. It's also just low enough to be able to fit into most carparks… although some compact inner-city multi-deck parks may still see you sidelined to the street.

The driver and front passenger get a commanding view out. You have to climb up to the front seats of the Multivan, but with a stepped entry and big assist grips it's easy to get in and out.

The seating position is a lot like an SUV with a high perch. The seating position is very upright, but the seats are broad and offer firm, supportive comfort for your back but with minimal side support.

Front seat adjustment is manual, with lumbar support and a fold-down armrest to help find the position that works best for you. With the armrest folded up, I found the seats feel a little too open-feeling, but it's handy to be able to swing them up and walk through to the back seats when needed.

The second-row seats are individual captain's chairs with manual adjustment and the ability to be rotated 180 degrees to create a mobile conversation pit, of sorts. Comfortline Premium flooring is usually carpet, but as part of the Edition package the car we tested had vinyl flooring and a sliding multi-function table that can be used as an armrest or table, and raised or lowered to suit.

The table package is an option on the Comfortline Premium normally. Both the second- and third-row seats can be slid to mix and match space.

Electric sliding doors are standard equipment, which is handy when you have your arms full, and can be operated from the remote so you can have the door open and ready to load before you even set to the car.

The third row looks a little flat but provides broad space for three across. While it's not quite as comfy as the second row, it can still be reclined, or removed entirely (along with the captain's chairs and table) if you need to maximise interior space.

Being able to mix and match seats opens up a variety of storage options. Getting them in and out is relatively straightforward, but the size and heft mean it's not always a one-person task.

The tailgate opens incredibly high, and allows open clearance without the risk of headstrike. Power closing is available as an option on the Comfortline Premium and standard on the Highline, and is a box well worth ticking.

Does the Volkswagen Multivan have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

The 8.0-inch display in the Multivan betrays its age somewhat, but it manages to keep pace with most modern tech.

High-spec versions get a larger 9.2-inch display, optional on the Comfortline Premium, but even in this base version you'll find wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pairing was quick and easy, and the connection on CarPlay didn't present any issues in my time with the Multivan.

Inbuilt features include Bluetooth and satellite navigation, but the Multivan goes without digital radio and lacks a companion app to remotely connect to the vehicle.

The infotainment interface is simple to understand. It's not the latest version found in Volkswagen's passenger range, but it's still responsive and easy to use at a glance. Dedicated buttons around the screen and physical knobs for volume and tuning help too.

Is the Volkswagen Multivan a safe car?

The outgoing Multivan has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP and is unrated as a result.

What safety technology does the Volkswagen Multivan have?

The Volkswagen Multivan is equipped with forward collision warning and city-speed autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, crosswind assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, and tyre pressure monitoring.

The Multivan shows its age a little with features like adaptive cruise control that can come to a complete stop but can’t hold in traffic, cancelling after a few seconds. Other more contemporary features like safe exit alert, a surround-view camera, and lane-centring assist are also missing from the driver assist list.

While it's not the most advanced list of driver assist technology, reflecting the Multivan's age, there are still some worthwhile inclusions.

Airbag coverage includes dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row. Child seat mounting points can be found in the second and third row, with a top-tether and ISOFIX mounts in each rear seating position.

How much does the Volkswagen Multivan cost to service?

Volkswagen offers capped-price dealer servicing across its range, including commercial vehicles like the Multivan. While it's handy to be able to map out upcoming services, don’t expect passenger car-like costs.

The built-for-work platform of the Multivan sees three years of servicing add up to $1972, and over five years maintenance costs swell to $3695. Services are due every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

The Multivan is covered by a five-year warranty with no distance limit for private buyers. Vehicles used in a commercial capacity (taxi, rental, ride-share, etc.) carry a 150,000km distance limit over five years. 

Crunching the numbers on insurance saw the base-model Multivan TDI340 return a $2293 annual comprehensive insurance quote. That compares to $2436 for a Toyota Granvia VX and $2427 for a Kia Carnival GT-Line diesel.

Quotes are based on the details for a 35-year-old male living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

Is the Volkswagen Multivan fuel-efficient?

For the sheer size of the Multivan, a claimed consumption figure of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres looks very efficient. In the real world, your final fuel figure will be hugely dependent on how often the Multivan is loaded, and if it's doing city or highway work.

In my case, driving was highway-skewed, with three to four passengers most of the time and a few empty return tips into the mix. After almost 800km of travel, the Multivan indicated fuel use of 7.2L/100km.

What is the Volkswagen Multivan like to drive?

The Multivan hits a real home run when it comes to passenger accommodation, but you might expect something with plus-sized dimensions to fall short on the road. Spoiler alert: it does not.

The Multivan can’t really hide its size, but the powertrain is decently refined. Between the torquey diesel engine and slick-shifting dual-clutch automatic, there are few traces of its work van origins.

The commanding seating position helps too, with a seat height that makes it easy to see forward and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine isn't completely silent, but it's smooth enough that you can often forget it's a diesel. It is a little slow to build revs, but counters by keeping robust acceleration, even with a full load aboard.

Another area where the Multivan can't mask its size is the slow steering. Expect plenty of twirling to get from lock to lock.

There's some weight to the power steering, rather than being finger-light. That's good for keeping it settled on the open road, but it does require a little more effort in the close confines of the city.

Ride quality might be the sticking point for family buyers. Volkswagen has opted to give its people-hauler a very tied-down feeling on the road. This works great on its smaller cars, but can revel itself as jiggling and jostling, or hard slaps over big bumps.

With load-carrying in mind, the Multivan rides better the more weight you add to it, though never becomes fully settled and fluent. If you live in an area with poor road surfacing, or have to deal with urban lumps and bumps, it can be tiring.

Road and wind noise are along for the journey too. On blustery days the blocky shape can't help but generate some extra noise, and rural road surfaces play their part too. Around town, the Multivan is much calmer.

Should I buy a Volkswagen Multivan?

As a posh shuttle bus, the Multivan makes pretty sound sense. Its dimensions and adaptability make it ideally suited for airport transfers and short-haul chauffeur transport duties.

While it can also work for family buyers, the greater ride comfort and plusher interior of people-movers like the Kia Carnival and Hyundai Staria Load give them an edge for daily use.

The Multivan, despite its age, still stacks up well. But to get the broadest spread of safety tech and convenience features, it might be worth holding off for the new-generation Multivan due later this year.

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