Just how good is a Multivan?

[Philbie]

After driving one around for three days to evaluate it, I would like to know how other owners like them and how practical you have found it.

Currently I own a ford Ute (work car) and a Tiguan. I'd like to replace the ute with a covered load space (safe secure and waterproof) and think the caddy is the perfect size. However....I need to cart my two kids around as well. And if I'm going to do that I want as safe as i can get. (i like that it has curtin airbags in the back)

I'm 6'4 and have found the Multivan nice to drive, but BIG! also the fuel use around town - seemed a bit harsh. Any views? but the longer drives were great at 8.4/100k (if the trip meter is accurate)

Are they as good as the passenger cars? I've had plenty of them and can never fault them.

cheers

Phil

[shogun2]

Phil, what have you been driving? Diesel or petrol?
I have had my diesel Multivan for three years, and absolutely love it!
Mine is the 4Motion manual 128kW diesel, and consumption around town is approx 10 l/100km. It drops to about 8.8 on long trips. This is still better than any petrol van I could get of the same carrying capacity. You would get better consumption from the 2wd version.
In gear pulling power of the diesel is amazing. I don't know how it compares to the petrol version, but the overtaking ability is great, and makes for safer driving.
I find it excellent to drive for long trips. I've taken out the middle swivel seats, as I don't normally need the seven seat capacity, so this gives ample load space.
Cheers,

[Ivo]

I have only had mine for a little over a month but I think its a great vehicle. Its virtually the same length as my 100 series Landcruiser I'm selling. Its easy to park with the parking sensors. Economy is great for a car this size. I still cant believe how much power it has.

I have taken the captains chair out and have slid the rear bench seat forward. This gives enough room to fit a mountain bike in the back and plenty of room in front to comfortably get in there and fit the kids in their booster seats.

[farmer]

I have taken the captains chair out and have slid the rear bench seat forward. This gives enough room to fit a mountain bike in the back and plenty of room in front to comfortably get in there and fit the kids in their booster seats.

Hi Ivo,

Would you mind posting some pics of your setup? This sounds similar to what I think I might do if I buy a multivan and I'd like to see how it looks and how much space ends up being in the back. I have 3 kids under 5, so I'll also be using bolster seats and baby seats for a number of years to come. Thanks.

[Ivo]

No worries mate, give me a few hours to get some pics taken. Both my kids are in booster seats. The amount of space in the back is massive.

[farmer]

That would be great mate. Thanks.

[fr73]

Phil, I have had a Multivan TDi 4motion for 6 months now. Absolutely love it, wouldnt swap for anything else.

I get about 10l/100 and we live in a hilly area. Short trips to/from school really use lots of fuel.

When we go camping I just take the captains chairs out and slide the bench seat forward. The 3 young kids still have loads of space and there is more than enough room for all our camping gear. Over easter we took it onto the beach for the first time. You get some strange looks driving down the beach in it. It handled it everything with no dramas.

[shogun2]

I did the same thing a couple of years ago - and got the same kind of looks.