Test drive VW T6.1 Multivan 2.0 TDI 4Motion: Multi-family
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Driving a model that has become a real establishment over the years
Models with the T mark occupy a special place in the Volkswagen range, which rivals the legendary turtle and its direct successor, the Golf. Recently, the German giant upgraded the sixth generation to the T6.1 version, which is an excellent reason to get acquainted with the top passenger version of the VW T6.1 Multivan 2.0 TDI with a 4MOTION dual transmission system.
It's really about celebrities... There isn't a kid in the world who doesn't know who Fillmore from Cars is, or an adult who doesn't remember the T1 samba flowers drawn in the 60s - at least from the movie screen. This year, the second model in the history of Volkswagen after the "turtle" will celebrate its 70th anniversary, and a bunch of records behind the legendary van, meanwhile, have reached the top of Everest.
And since the legend is alive, this height continues to rise. You don't have to dig deep into the archives to find that in August the T5 / T6 generation, which includes the recently updated T6.1, will surpass its T1 ancestor (1950-1967) and, with 208 months of continuous production, will become the longest running van in VW history.
Or from June 2018, when the venerable Mercedes G-Class, passing the baton to its successor after 39 years of production, the T5 / T6 takes on the role of the elder of the German automotive industry.
More future than past
It may sound a little odd, but this position gives the new Multivan T6.1 an extremely significant advantage. Since it uses the T5 homologation, the model is exempt from much later requirements for additional crumple zones in the front of the body, and its interior is 10-20 centimeters wider, which is comparable to the external dimensions of its direct competitors. This, of course, has a positive effect on both the cabin and the luggage compartment, further expanding the possibilities for transforming the cabin, which is one of the reasons why the model was named Multivan.
The ability to change volumes with the help of a folding third row of seats (which traditionally transforms into a bed), swivel middle chairs, all kinds of partial and full folding, longitudinal movement and disassembly of furniture and unhindered access to all this.
Variety through two sliding doors and a huge back cover is a true multifunctional complex that stimulates individual, group and family activities of all kinds. There are virtually no restrictions on the transport of all sports and hobby equipment, and the 4MOTION dual transmission system is able to remove the last obstacles to the free spirit, providing the flotation necessary to access Mother Nature's deep embrace.
The updated T6.1 combines all of this with the latest generation of function control systems, driver assistance systems and multimedia. The tip of this electronic iceberg is clearly visible in the new dashboard layout, where, in addition to the traditional numerous storage compartments, there is a digital readout instrument cluster well known from the updated Passat and a large touchscreen multimedia system.
Fortunately, the driver's position behind the typical multi-function steering wheel at a slight angle does not change - he continues to sit as if on a throne in his extremely comfortable seat and has excellent visibility in all directions.
The seven-speed DSG automatic transmission is controlled by a convenient high-speed gear lever built high into the dashboard, and the Highline version's equipment includes everything you need, useful and comfortable for everyday urban maneuvers and long vacation trips.
Good giant
Most powerful in the TDI lineup with two turbochargers and 199 hp. The Multivan has no problems with the weight of the Multivan and provides agile acceleration and excellent overtaking dynamics. The presence of 450 Nm of torque is felt both with uniform traction on long journeys and when the dual drive system requires a powerful and smooth burst of force when overcoming steep slopes and unstable terrain.
On-road behavior is stable and firm enough, but with a clear bias towards comfort, which is present even on the 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires in the test car. Suspension noise (rear) only penetrates the cab when passing short uneven bumps on the asphalt.
Electromechanical power steering steers the van with amazing precision and ease, while body roll is minimized. Cornering behavior is pleasingly neutral for a car of the same size and weight, and modern driver assistance systems – from traction control, stability and lane keeping and a strong crosswind assistant – are really effective and helpful.
All this makes the new Multivan T6.1 a well-prepared veteran of the future. How long will production last after the T7 is added to VW's lineup next year? One can never be completely sure of legends ...
Conclusion
Improving the kind of car that the Multivan has deserved to become over the past decades is certainly not an easy task. However, the T6.1 is making significant strides by adding state-of-the-art equipment and driver assistance systems to its core disciplines of functionality, comfort and handling. Of course, all this has a price, but this is also part of the tradition.
