In short: Volkswagen Multivan DMR 2.0 TDI (103 kW) Comfortline

You don't have to be too smart to figure out what the DMR label means on a data sheet or price list. However, it was not immediately clear to the author of the article what this meant. After we looked at it, it became easier - longer wheelbase, ignoramus! The current generation Volkswagen big van is coming to an end as early as next month, and they will show a successor for the first time. But the Multivan will remain a concept of sorts. If it weren't for the new Mercedes V-Class (which came out last year and you could have read our test in the previous issue of Avto magazine), this Volkswagen product would still be class-leading despite a decade of almost completely unchanged version. Sometimes it happens that we adapt the choice of a car not to taste or wishes, but to needs (recently this method has become more common).

Therefore, this Multivan came to the editorial office for verification, as he really wanted to find a suitable transport to the exhibition venue, in Geneva. It showed everything you need for such a long journey: excellent range, adequate speed and good fuel efficiency. Well, it's worth noting that among the taller passengers, the Multivan's comfort (suspension and seats) is considered one of the best. This is especially true for those who have experienced a longer wheelbase. It is true that when maneuvering in small spaces it can feel like the bus is behind the driver.

But even on roads with a lot of potholes, when overcoming civilizational obstacles (“speed bumps”) or on long waves of highway bumps, the car’s reaction is even calmer, and bumps are swallowed without being felt seriously in the cabin. Another difference from the usual Multivan is, of course, an elongated interior. It is so long that three types of solid large seats of a regular Multivan can fit behind the driver's and front passenger's seats. But to be suitable for comfortably carrying the same number of passengers, I can only assert on the additional condition that at least two will be satisfied with less legroom. Seat placement is otherwise flexible, provided by useful rails in the lower cabin. They are, however, not long enough (probably to leave at least some room for luggage). The bottom line is this Multivan DMR is roomy and extremely comfortable for six adults with luggage in the back seat. Those in the other two rows can adjust the seats to their liking, or even flip them over and set up a sort of conversation or meeting space with an extra table for something more.

We can't write about the engine and its performance more than a year ago when we tested the Transporter with the same engine (AM 10 - 2014). Only that Multivan is more comfortable here. Noise from the hood or under the wheels is much less due to better insulation and better upholstery. Also worth mentioning is the Volkswagen accessory that makes it easier to close the side sliding doors and tailgate. The door can close less incendiary (with less power), and the mechanism ensures its reliable closing. Of course, there are also less acceptable sides. Heating and cooling are beefed up, but there is no real possibility for proper adjustment in the rear seats, and all rear passengers should be happy with the same climate conditions.

Side sliding doors were only on the right, but the absence of an alternative entrance on the left was not noticeable at all (the left one, of course, can be obtained for an additional fee). What we can blame the Multivan most for is the lack of options for true infotainment accessories. We had the ability to connect to mobile phones via Bluetooth, but lacked the ability to play music from a smartphone. This is where we can expect the most from a future successor.

word: Tomaž Porekar

Multivan DMR 2.0 TDI (103 kW) Comfortline (2015)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.968 cm3 - maximum power 103 kW (140 hp) at 3.500 rpm - maximum torque 340 Nm at 1.750-2.500 rpm.
Energy transfer:	front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 235/55 R 17 H (Fulda Kristall 4 × 4).
Capacity:	173 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 14,2 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 9,8/6,5/7,7 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 203 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 2.194 kg - permissible gross weight 3.080 kg.
External dimensions:	length 5.292 mm - width 1.904 mm - height 1.990 mm - wheelbase 3.400 mm - trunk up to 5.000 l - fuel tank 80 l.