VW Transporter and VW Multivan confusion

[Jon39]

I am probably quite late finding out about this, but I hear that the T6.1 replacement is going to be Ford Transit with VW front styling, built at a Ford factory in Turkey.

I then read that the present VW Multivan is an entirely different model and that will continue to be built by VW.

All most confusing, because the current VW Transporter and VW Multivan look externally, to be the same basic vehicles.





The Multivan has more windows, but the basic vehicles look the same.

After so many decades of the VW Transporter variants being held in such high esteem, it seems strange that there is now a joint venture with Ford.
Perhaps VW Tx Camper owners, would not even consider wanting a Ford Transit Camper.

[andburg]

If I’m right…multivan will be smaller to keep it in parking spaces, run the vw hybrid powertrains etc and the California is being built in this platform. It’s not smaller than the t6 really just longer and narrower.

The transporter is growing in size to compete against the van market as it’s considered small. Certainly it’s noticeable smaller than a current transit custom or Renault traffic etc.

Edit, for self conversions the bigger transporter will be an improvement, bed width is tight with a side conversion.

Edited by andburg on Tuesday 28th May 17:28

[SteBrown91]

The model range has been split - the new “multivan” is effectively VW trying to bring back the sharan but make it cool. It’s an MQB car platform only available as a people carrier/california version.

The T7 is basically a transit underneath but is a proper van - not sure if they are still doing minibus/california versions for that though.

[Jon39]

andburg said:

... The transporter is growing in size to compete against the van market, as it’s considered small. Certainly it’s noticeable smaller than a current transit custom, or Renault traffic etc. ...

I see.

Expect we all remember the builders comment.
"Full size sheets of plasterboard will fit flat on the floor of a Ford Transit."

Presumably not possible with existing VW Transporters.

[dxg]

Hang on, this is the Multivan - the thing built off the MQB car platform and nothing to do with the Transporter (current or future):

https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/...

It's confusingly called the T7 Multivan even through the T7 (i.e. the Transit) isn't out yet.

Don't know what's going on with the second photo at the top of the thread..

[DirktheDaring]

User above is correct, Multivan/T7 is not a Transporter T6.1 replacement, both the pics at the top are 6.1’s, but different model specs.

I wanted to replace my T6 with the new Frankenporter (I planned to skip the 6.1), but once the wet belts from the previous generation of Customs were being carried over I opted for a very last off the production line T6.1 lwb 4-motion.

Usually buying a last off the line model when an all new replacement model is impending would be financial suicide, unless heavily discounted. But I wanted a proper German Transporter, not a Turkish Transit with a £10k price difference and the 6.1’s are still holding good values.

My old business used to run Transits and the Ford dealers were the most incompetent people you could ever hope to meet, I can’t see things would have improved much in 15 years.

The new Amarok is a Ranger, not just platform sharing, pretty much 99% of the VW is Ford, just like the TrannyPorter.

[was8v]

This is the multivan:

As above car platform based, so should drive, ride and handle much nicer.

But yeah I guess like a new Sharan rather than a van derived people carrier.