The new Volkswagen Multivan will go on sale in January 2022, priced from £43,160.

The Multivan will be offered with a plug-in hybrid option for the first time

It’s the replacement to the current Volkswagen Caravelle and features a fresh design, more flexible interior, improved connectivity, and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid option.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the Multivan brings up to seven seats and is available with two wheelbase options – standard and long. The standard Multivan measures 1,941mm wide, 4,973mm long, up to 1,903mm high, and with a wheelbase of 3,124mm. The long wheelbase version increases length to 5,173mm.

Luggage space starts from 469 litres behind the third row of seats, extending to 1,844 litres (1,850 litres with panoramic glass roof) behind the second row. Full cargo capacity up to the front seats is 3,672, rising to a maximum 4,053 litres in the longer version fitted with the panoramic glass roof.

The previous full-width bench seat for the third row has been replaced by individual seats and all five rear seats, which are up to 25% lighter, can be removed to suit needs. Meanwhile the second row can rotate 180-degrees to enable a conference-style seating arrangement.

The interior also features a multi-function table running on a central track and able to be moved between any of the seating rows. It can also, for the first time, be used as a centre console between the front seats. The table, which is completely removable, features adjustable height, three cupholders and storage bin.

The Multivan also has a completely flat floor from front to rear seats, thanks to the removal of the centre console and an electronic parking brake to replace the traditional park brake.

Engine line-up covers three options. The inaugural eHybrid plug-in hybrid combines a 150hp 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an 116hp electric motor, giving a combined 218hp and featuring a bespoke six-speed DSG gearbox.

From launch, the front-wheel drive Multivan is also available with two four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines: a 136hp 1.5 TSI and a 204hp 2.0 TSI. Both are married up with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard.

Two trim levels are offered – Life and Style – plus an Energetic launch model.

The entry-level Life model brings standard specification including 16-inch alloys, seven seats, two sliding doors with power latching, VW’s Digital Cockpit plus 10-inch infotainment system, along with Front Assist, which includes City Emergency Braking, Dynamic Road Sign Display,  and Lane Assist.

Style models, which start at £58,130 for the SWB 204hp 2.0 TSI model, introduce the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, the Discover Media navigation system, Park Assist, electric sliding doors and tailgate with easy-open feature, and 17-inch alloys.

The Energetic launch edition is priced from £59,515 and available only with the plug-in hybrid. Additions include a Harmon Kardon sound system, privacy glass, 18-inch alloys, and panoramic glass roof.

First UK deliveries for the Multivan are expected at the end of March.