Test drive VW Multivan, Mercedes V 300d and Opel Zafira: long service
Test Drive

Test drive VW Multivan, Mercedes V 300d and Opel Zafira: long service

Test drive VW Multivan, Mercedes V 300d and Opel Zafira: long service

Three spacious passenger baths for a large family and a large company

It seems that it was important for the VW staff to make their point. Therefore, after the modernization, the VW bus was named T6.1. Is a small upgrade of the model enough to fight the new one? Opel Zafira Life and refreshing Mercedes V-Class in a comparison test of powerful diesel vans? We have yet to find out, so let's pack up and leave.

Oh, how wonderful it would be if, after so many years, we could still surprise you with something. Let's try to ask a question, like in a TV game: who is in power the longest - the federal chancellor, voodoo as the official religion of Tahiti, or the current VW Multivan? Yes, a contested contest between voodoo and Multivan, and at the start of Gerhard Schröder he had two more years as chancellor. Because even the upgraded version called T6.1 is based on the 5 T2003. How long this base lasted is evident from the fact that the T5 was a contemporary of the late "tortoise" that rolled off the assembly lines in Mexico until the 2003 August 2020 T5/6/6.1 overtakes the T1 (1950–1967) and with with a production period of 208 months will become VW's most produced bus without a successor. Why no successor? - Because when T3 appeared, T2 emigrated to Brazil and was produced there until 2013).

It looks like Multivan has more of its past behind it than its future. Or has she reached a maturity that borders on perfection over the years? We'll make that clear in a benchmark test against its youngest and fiercest rivals, the adult Zafira Life van and the newly redesigned V-Class. All three models have powerful diesel engines and automatic transmissions.

V-Class - "Adenauer" vans

True, in the days of the VW T1, the name "Mercedes 300" sounded higher - the chancellor was driving such a car, which is why they call it "Adenauer" today. But even today, the 300 has a pretty impressive figure - especially when it comes to the V 300 d. In the extended version, it expands to 5,14 m - 20 cm more than the other two models. The reason this doesn't give it a significant advantage in terms of interior space is that in the V-Class the engine is positioned longitudinally, as the only drive is the new OM 654 with three power levels. For 300 days, the diesel engine develops 239 hp. and 530 Nm - with the active assistance of the Common Rail injection system operating at a pressure of 2500 bar. In addition, Mercedes is now pairing the engine with a nine-speed automatic. Otherwise, the modernization of the model did not bring significant changes - this is probably why the new color "red hyacinth" is presented in the press as a "strong emotional accent".

But on the other hand, so far in the V-class, a lot has been good. The model is not only seven centimeters shorter than the Multivan, but much more like a passenger car. Inside, it is decorated with the elegance of a luxurious living room with four separate armchairs as furniture for the long back. Due to the air curtains in front of the windows, their longitudinal displacement is possible only in a narrow range, but with some effort the seats can be completely regrouped or removed. However, despite the backrest adjustment, they are not as comfortable as they seem.

The intermediate floor separating the incredibly large (1030 L) boot is still accessible, and the tailgate opening window itself remains. The armada of assistants has been slightly rearmed, but like the infotainment system, it is still organized according to the current, now outdated function control scheme. In a positive sense, the maturity of the years is manifested in the high and durable quality of materials and workmanship.

And so - everyone get along. Sliding doors close automatically, turn the ignition key. Yes, the diesel is felt by its gruff voice, but above all by its unstoppable temperament, controlled by the automatic transmission through precise shifting. Long trips with lots of luggage are a real element of the V 300 d - here it shines, despite noticeable background noise. Thanks to friendly settings, the chassis responds well to bumps and only on stronger waves on the pavement does it start to knock with a high load on the rear axle.

Although it shows significant body movement in corners, the large van can also make excursions on secondary roads. Thanks to the smooth responsive steering system with good feedback, it can be steered with precise aim on narrow roads. Only at a stop, like its competitors, the van does not reach the expected level in this size and price category. And after talking about prices - taking into account the configuration, the Mercedes price is slightly lower than the VW, but so high than the Opel price that it is unnecessary to mention a slightly higher cost (9,0 l / 100 km) for 300 CU.

Zafira Life: Size as Experience

And how much is a VW van more expensive than an Opel representative in this comparison test? We made this account for you. If you have five children, the amount corresponds to child support (in Germany, of course) for 20 months, or more than 21 euros. Besides, Zafir has a good children's room. After 000 years and three generations, the model has reinvented itself, but not entirely voluntarily. In any case, like the Toyota Proace, it is already based on the transport duo Peugeot Traveler and Citroën Spacetourer from PSA and thus, in terms of status and price, it is significantly lower than the Multivan and V-Class.

The interior may lack social glamor, but instead, Life offers a number of smart details: the rear window opens separately, and the sliding doors are powered by an electric mechanism that is activated by lowering the foot below the threshold. The individual seats and the common rear seat slide easily into the lock position and are easy to remove. There is also a table for the second row, a little unstable, for which even older children will fall in love - the same with a panoramic glass roof.

While it doesn't look classy, ​​it works great in everyday life. And some rudeness - believe me, to a person who is aware of the problem (the author receives 853 euros per child - ed. note) - in a car for a large family is not superfluous. Driver assistance equipment works as intended, but not always without problems. Even just because the Zafira is 317 kg lighter than the V 300 d, 177 horsepower and 400 Nm of a well-insulated, economical (8,5 l / 100 km) engine is enough. However, one of the reasons for this is that the smooth, precise automatic and, above all, the suspension prefer a more relaxed driving style.

Because turning is not exactly Zafira's role. Passing through them, it rocks with senile precision and almost no feedback in a surprisingly indirect steering system. Strong body vibrations reduce comfort and make passengers regret that they are no more resistant to seasickness. Suspension comfort is quite normal, and as far as road safety is concerned, the remarks, like others, only concern indecisive brakes.

Multivan T6.1: set point

Probably in June 2018, VW and Mercedes delegations met for a special celebration. The timeless G-Class then ended its 39-year career and the Multivan took over as the senior among German cars. The T16 also demonstrates that a base, manufactured over 6.1 years, has its advantages in terms of interior space. Since the Multivan was still T5 at the time of homologation, it still does not have to comply with the new pedestrian protection regulations. Specialists-developers say different things, but in order to comply with more stringent requirements, they will certainly have to increase the crumple zone in the front part by 10-20 centimeters, which will be diverted from the passenger compartment.

So while the Zafira offers a bit more passenger space, the Multivan holds more luggage. In addition, it is extravagantly furnished - with a massive, thick and very comfortable pull-out sofa in the third row and swivel individual seats in the middle. All furniture in the back can be moved and removed altogether. But even if you take this action with a huge burst of euphoria, you will soon have to admit that climbing up the antique kitchen cabinet along the narrow back stairs to the third floor of the old house would be a real relief in comparison.

Multivan modernization

So in that respect, updating the model didn't change anything; the fundamental flexibility of the internal structure is preserved. Its highlight – since the first Multivan, the T3 in 1985 – has traditionally been the conversion of the back into a bedroom, but that climax is rarely used in interior conversions. However, the dashboard is new.

Here, devices can be digitally displayed at the request of the customer, and there is also a new touchscreen infotainment system with extensive connectivity options. In both cases, however, the function controls didn't benefit much - nor did the impression of quality from the modified dashboard, which, with its open shelves, protruding air vents and hard plastic, has a rather light feel.

But there is hardly any other car that can sit as majestically as in the high comfortable seats of the Multivan for long trips. Like the V-Class, it is currently only available with one engine. In the most powerful version with two turbochargers, a two-liter diesel engine develops 199 hp. and 450 Nm, characterized by an energetic temperament and rough manners, but at the same time a maximum consumption of 9,4 l / 100 km. With this large and heavy body, consumption becomes especially high when driving at high speeds on the highway - a problem that no one faced in the days of the first diesel for the VW bus - a 50 hp naturally aspirated unit. in T3.

Over the generations, the Bully has maintained its distinctive driving and travel style. He has always been more inclined towards comfort than good handling. Now, with adaptive dampers and electromechanical steering, Multivan seeks to combine the two. What's going on? The suspension continues to react with restraint and is good at absorbing even heavy impacts, transmitting only short, hard impacts from the rear axle more roughly.

More significant are the differences in handling - however, there are too many expressions of how T6.1 changes direction. But in the corners, it actually has a hard time stretching the front axle, it moves more neutrally, with less body wobble, with more safety, and simply faster because the new steering system provides more precision. At the same time, the prerequisites for the operation of modern driver assistance systems, such as lane keeping assistant, active parking assistant and trailer maneuver support, are necessary.

The assistant improvements are one of the most significant advances in the not-so-new Multivan T6.1. How long will it stay in service when another T7 appears in the lineup next year? As they say, until further notice.

Conclusion

1. Mercedes (400 points)It is clear that a powerful engine is an important factor, but even more important is the full range of assistants and the solid elegance of a flexible interior. Plus, the V has a bit of handling - for a hefty price.

2. VW (391 points)High price? In many ways, this is characteristic of the Multivan, which, as always, is good, but it has not become better. Assistants, flexibility, comfort - the highest class. Quite pale - the quality of materials.

3. Opel (378 points)Since it is much cheaper, inaccurate handling is hardly anyone's concern. Extremely spacious, richly equipped, nicely motorized - but the quality and prestige is simply from the lower class.

Text: Sebastian Renz

Photo: Ahim Hartmann

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