Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1 facelift ) Long 2.0 TDI (110 Hp)

Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long: A European People Mover Refined

The Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long represents the evolution of a highly revered lineage in the European automotive landscape. As a premium variant of Volkswagen’s Transporter commercial van, the Multivan has carved out a significant niche as a sophisticated and versatile people mover, catering to families, businesses, and adventurers across the continent. This particular iteration, the T6.1, signifies a substantial facelift to the sixth generation (T6) platform, introduced in 2019 and produced until 2021. While the Multivan is not officially sold in the United States, its influence and design philosophy resonate globally, showcasing Volkswagen’s expertise in creating highly functional and comfortable vehicles. The “Long” designation in its name refers to its extended wheelbase variant, offering enhanced interior space and cargo capacity, further cementing its reputation as a practical yet refined choice in the minivan segment.

The T6.1 facelift brought a host of updates, not just cosmetic, but also in terms of technology, safety, and powertrain options. It aimed to keep the Multivan competitive in a segment increasingly populated by modern SUVs and MPVs, while retaining the iconic boxy silhouette and exceptional utility that has defined the Transporter family for decades. This specific model, powered by the 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) engine, targeted efficiency and robust performance for its intended use, whether for long-distance family trips or daily shuttling duties. It embodies a blend of commercial vehicle ruggedness with passenger car comfort and features, a characteristic that has made the Multivan a beloved staple in many markets.

Engine and Performance: The Robust 2.0 TDI in the Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long

Under the hood of the Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) lies Volkswagen’s tried-and-true 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine, bearing the internal code CXHC. This inline four-cylinder powerplant, with a displacement of 1968 cubic centimeters (120.09 cu. in.), is engineered for durability, fuel efficiency, and a consistent torque delivery crucial for a vehicle of its size and intended purpose. Featuring a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder and a common rail fuel injection system, it represents modern diesel technology designed to meet stringent European emission standards.

The engine produces a respectable 110 horsepower (Hp) at a broad range of 3100 to 4250 rpm, providing ample power for highway cruising and city driving. More significantly for a vehicle designed to carry passengers and cargo, it delivers a robust 250 Newton-meters (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque, available from a very low 1350 rpm all the way up to 3100 rpm. This wide torque band ensures strong pulling power from low speeds, making it feel responsive even when fully loaded. The engine’s front, transverse layout, coupled with front-wheel drive, optimizes interior space and contributes to predictable handling characteristics.

Power is channeled through a precise 5-speed manual transmission, offering direct engagement and control for the driver. While its acceleration figures—16.3 seconds from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) and a calculated 15.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph—might not suggest blistering speed, they are entirely adequate for a vehicle focused on utility and comfortable transport. The top speed is rated at 101.9 mph (164 km/h), again reflecting its practical orientation rather than performance aspirations.

Fuel economy is a strong suit for this diesel powertrain. In combined driving conditions, the Multivan achieves an impressive 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to approximately 38.6 US mpg. Urban consumption is rated at 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg), while extra-urban driving yields an excellent 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg). These figures highlight the efficiency benefits of the TDI engine, further enhanced by features like a Start & Stop system and a particulate filter, which also help it comply with the Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emission standard. With a 70-liter (18.49 US gal) fuel tank and a 22-liter (5.81 US gal) AdBlue tank, the Multivan offers an excellent range for long journeys.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets Refinement

The design of the Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long maintains the iconic, robust silhouette of the Transporter series, but with distinctive touches that elevate it to a premium passenger vehicle. As a minivan with five doors and seating for 5 to 7 occupants, its primary focus is on maximum utility and passenger comfort. The “Long” variant, stretching 208.82 inches (5304 mm) in length with a substantial 133.86-inch (3400 mm) wheelbase, provides an exceptionally spacious interior, crucial for its multi-purpose role.

The T6.1 facelift introduced refreshed exterior styling, including a redesigned front grille, updated headlights (often featuring LED technology on higher trims), and new bumper designs, giving it a more contemporary and assertive look. Despite these updates, the Multivan retains its recognizable upright stance and large glass areas, which contribute to excellent visibility and an airy cabin feel. Its width of 74.96 inches (1904 mm) (90.43 inches including mirrors) ensures a commanding road presence, while the adjustable height (77.56 – 78.35 inches or 1970-1990 mm) accommodates various cargo and passenger needs.

Inside, the Multivan truly shines with its flexible seating arrangements. The 5-7 seat configuration often includes a rail system, allowing seats to be slid, folded, or even removed entirely, transforming the cabin from a comfortable passenger shuttle to a cavernous cargo hauler. The maximum trunk (boot) space is an astonishing 5000 liters (176.57 cu. ft.), illustrating its unparalleled practicality for carrying large items, sports equipment, or even serving as a base for custom camper conversions.

Features typical of the T6.1 facelift include an updated infotainment system, often with larger touchscreens, enhanced connectivity options, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for improved safety and convenience. Power steering is electric, contributing to easier maneuvering, especially in urban environments, and offering a more refined driving experience compared to traditional hydraulic systems. The suspension setup, featuring independent McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front and a wishbone with a transverse stabilizer at the rear, is tuned to provide a comfortable ride quality while maintaining good handling dynamics for a vehicle of its size. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for assured stopping power. The vehicle also boasts impressive towing capabilities, rated for up to 4850.17 lbs (2200 kg) with brakes, further underscoring its versatility.

Technical Specifications: Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long 2.0 TDI (110 Hp)

Legacy and Market Impact: The Enduring Appeal of the Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long

The Volkswagen Multivan holds a unique and revered position in the automotive world, particularly in Europe and other international markets where it is sold. It is part of the legendary Volkswagen Transporter family, a lineage that dates back to the iconic Type 2 “Bus” of the 1950s. The T6.1 generation, and specifically the Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long, continues this heritage of versatility, robustness, and passenger comfort, adapting it for modern demands.

In its primary markets, the Multivan is not just a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle statement. It serves a broad spectrum of users, from large families needing spacious and flexible transport to businesses requiring executive shuttles, and even as a base for premium camper conversions like the California. Its reputation for solid build quality, reliability, and excellent long-term value is a significant factor in its enduring appeal. While it may not offer the same level of luxury as some premium SUVs, its sheer practicality, interior space, and adaptable nature set it apart.

Competitors in the European market for the Multivan often include other high-end minivans or large MPVs such as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Ford Transit Custom (Tourneo Custom), and in some respects, even larger SUVs or crossovers that attempt to mimic its passenger capacity. However, the Multivan’s distinct blend of commercial vehicle ruggedness, passenger car refinement, and particularly its unique sliding door and flexible seating configurations, give it a competitive edge. The “Long” wheelbase variant further differentiates it by offering superior cargo and passenger volume, making it ideal for those who require maximum interior space without stepping up to a full-size commercial van.

The T6.1 facelift was crucial in maintaining the Multivan’s relevance, introducing updated infotainment, connectivity, and driver assistance systems that brought it in line with contemporary passenger car expectations. The 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) engine, while not the most powerful in the lineup, perfectly encapsulates the Multivan’s ethos of efficient, reliable, and capable performance. Its strong torque at low RPMs makes it an effortless cruiser and a confident hauler, even when fully laden or towing. The compliance with Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emissions standards also underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to environmental responsibility, a key factor in European vehicle markets.

Ultimately, the Volkswagen Multivan (T6.1, facelift 2019) Long 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) stands as a testament to Volkswagen’s mastery in creating highly functional, durable, and desirable vehicles that seamlessly blend commercial utility with passenger comfort and modern technology. It represents a significant chapter in the long and storied history of the VW Bus, continuing its legacy as a versatile and beloved workhorse for families and professionals alike. Its discontinuation in 2021 paved the way for the T7 Multivan, which moved to the MQB platform, marking a significant shift while trying to preserve the core values that made its predecessors so successful. The T6.1 will be remembered as a refined iteration of the classic Transporter-based Multivan, a vehicle that perfectly balanced tradition with modern demands.