Should I buy one?

If you’re looking for the most practical way to transport up to seven people, then yes, the VW Multivan is worth close consideration. Everything from the way it looks to the way it drives represents a well-conceived upgrade over almost all other vehicles of this type. In best MPV terms, there’s really nothing else quite like it.

The only rival that comes close is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, but even this posh passenger-carrying version of the Mercedes Vito van can’t match the Multivan’s exceptional level of interior flexibility.

With an efficient plug-in hybrid providing a (so far) unique offering in the large people-carrier class, and a genuinely comfortable ride, the Multivan is certainly a cut above the rest of the van-based opposition. It also makes a much better family car than most large SUVs.

What we like

Volkswagen has optimised its entire arsenal of passenger-carrying know-how to create a vehicle that puts people first better than nearly any other. Sure, there are more luxurious cars if you only need space for four or five. But if you’re looking for something that will happily function as a miniature school bus during the week and then swallow several mountain bikes at the weekend you’ll be hard-pressed to beat this. It is a thoroughly well-thought-out machine.

What we don’t like

We’d like to see a higher-powered diesel option for those who need to carry full loads more often, and those coming from a hardwearing van might find aspects of the Multivan to be a bit too plush to cope with some of the more demanding rigours of family life. Particularly with that light-coloured upholstery.