Volkswagen Multivan test drive since 2003 minivan
Volkswagen T5: competent car N5
Fourteen years after the start of production, the legendary merchant Volkswagen T4 gives way to a new generation car - Volkswagen T5 enters the stage. Absolutely new, more universal and functional, T5 will be produced in the form of van, chassis, platforms, as well as passenger versions - luxury and utilitarian. The gamut of engines has been expanded, new types of transmission are proposed, and the parameters of economy are improved. In general, the king died, long live the king - Volkswagen T5, which can be considered a worthy replacement for the most popular commercial car of Germany.N1 in the market
According to statistics, last year in Germany in the sector of light commercial models Volkswagen T4 took a leading position. Its share in this market segment amounted to more than 50 percent, while the closest competitor, Mercedes-Benz Vito/V-Slass, was able to capture only a little more than nineteen percent. And this despite the fact that the T-fourth at that time has been in production for thirteen years! This is not the only achievement of Volkswagen T4. In the year before last, on the traditional Arctic test, T4 easily went around all models in most parameters - again, despite the decent age. Well, if you list all the achievements and records of the T4 family, then our material will become like an advertising avenue. Over the years of production, she managed to distinguish herself in many disciplines. In total, more than ten million copies were released, even in recent years, which is very unusual, the demand for this model has not fallen.
The car was also sold in the Belarusian market: according to the information received from the representatives of Atlant-M Farsighandel, the Volkswagen T4 could be sold quite normally for at least two to three years. But even with the advent of the new T4 model, for some time it will remain in the range for some time, so the previous generation cars will still remain in the price list of dealers. And the novelty, Volkswagen T5, will appear on sale in the very near future, and the retail prices, if it changes, is not very much.
In the meantime, the top version of the Volkswagen T5 Multivan was presented to the court of journalists, and immediately in two copies- from 130- and 174-horsepower turbodiesel engines. However, about everything in order ...
Portrait of a potential leader
As usual, the new generation has become larger in all directions: wider, higher, longer. And, compassionately, spacious. During the test, we were not provided for direct comparison of T4, but it was also noticeable that the T5 is an order of magnitude size. Wider doorways, more conveniently entrance-exit, more space in all directions. For lovers of specifics, we inform you that in comparison with the previous T5 model, it increased in length by 101 mm, in width - by 64, the height, depending on the version, increased by 24-29 mm. In addition, the wheelbase has grown - a short option compared to T4 spreaded by 80 mm. At the same time, thanks to the new assembly technology and the use of laser welding, the body of the new commercial Volkswagen has become tougher to twist. This, in turn, provided better handling and made it possible to minimize the gaps between body panels.
The increase in the wheelbase was most noticeable in the space of the passenger compartment, but judging by the car outside, it was especially strongly enlarged by the T5, since in comparison with T4 a new car seems to be at least half a class higher. Moreover, in all angles: both front, from the side, and behind. As written in a press release, the design of T5 echoes the top models of the VW-the representative Sedan Phaeton and the Touareg luxury SUV. Yes, indeed, the convex false radiator grille causes associations with the Tuareg, and in the general style of designing the appearance of the T-fifth, the severity inherent in the representative phaeton is noticeable. Although most of all the new Volks -Wagen T5 is similar, of course, to the previous model - the connection of generations is felt. Similar body proportions, vertical strips of rear lights, convex hood, rectangular headlights of the head light - all this is already familiar in T4, only in the T -fifth it received a slightly different design. Moreover, the stylists worked closely with specialists from other departments: the rear lights, for example, are located much higher in order to avoid damage to the back.
Structurally, the new generation differs little from the previous model: we can say that this is a strongly modernized T4. But it will be incorrect, because the new model is a completely original car, and it does not have common details common with T -fourth. However, the concept is similar: a load -bearing body with galvanized panels, the front suspension of McPherson, the back - diagonal levers. The latter decision, by the way, implies the rapid appearance of an all -wheel drive version, which is promised to present next in the spring of next year. Competitors who are mostly not friends with all -wheel drive, the suspension is more than a dependent - dependent, most often either spring or torsion. The rear suspension T5 is also interesting in that it used short barrel -shaped springs that have a progressive characteristic. The bar from which the spring is stained has a variable diameter, therefore, in different parts of the spring, its elasticity changes. With low moves, the suspension is soft, because the thin part of the spring works, and the rest of it comes on large bumps, providing impenetration to the suspension. During the test, we managed to try the car in different modes, and such a scheme has repeatedly proved its advantage over conventional springs or torsiones. Regardless of loading, as well as the degree of road fatigue, T5 Multivan has always remained comfortable. And only once, when at high speed the car jumped through the tram tracks, it was possible to feel how the stronger part of the spring works - the blow was worked out much tougher, but the suspension did not break.
For everyone and for everyone
If T4 has acquired a multivan with a luxury version of the Multivan only in the middle of the career, then the current generation starts in all modifications immediately. The total number of versions and modifications is calculated by dozens: two options for the wheelbase, ordinary, medium or high roof. The body to choose from - chassis, platform, all -metal van, passenger multi -seater and passenger tourist versions, and even a campper for travel, with a lifting roof to increase the internal volume in the parking lot.
The general classification remained the same, like the T4: the basic truck or van is called Kasten, and the top, luxury passenger version - Multivan. Only instead of a well -deserved Caravelle, the manufacturer preferred a new designation - Shuttle. It is strange and incomprehensible, because replacing the usual name with another, moreover, already used by another manufacturer (Honda has a minivan with that name) is not entirely understandable move. Nevertheless, in fact, the equipment of Caravelle/Shuttle remained the same: this is an intermediate version, more comfortable than basic trucks and vans, but less expensive and luxurious than multivan. And if the portrait of the average buyer of other versions for the manufacturer is understandable and they are oriented to their consumer group, then Shuttle is designed for corporate and private customers.
It is unusually wide and the gamut of the engines proposed for the T5, and if you carefully study all the motors, it becomes clear that Volkswagen prefers powerful and tracted motors this season. How many T4 engines had at first? Gasoline and diesel. And T5 had three turbodiesels, and the latter almost reached the power of up to two hundred horses, and two gasoline engines - four- and six -cylinder! For large corporate customers ordering the chassis for the subsequent installation of the isotherm or any other special equipment, an inexpensive 1.9-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 104 hp is offered. or 2.0-liter 115-horsepower gasoline. And for private traders, the main buyers of the chic Multivan, is a powerful 174 -horsepower turbodiesel, which has a torque of 400 nm. The same motor with five cylinders exists in 130 -horsepower modification - the torque at the peak is reduced to 340 nm. All diesel engines are equipped with a direct fuel injection system with a pump fund, which ensured not only amazing economy, but also reduced noise during the operation of the power unit. Five -cylinder turbodiesel engines are combined either with a six -speed mechanical checkpoint, or with a six -speed automatic, and four -cylinder diesel and gasoline power units with five -speed mechanics. The top version is equipped with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine, already familiar with Phaeton and Touareg models-235 hp. And torque 315 Nm is reached already at 2950 rpm. This motor is aggregated only with a six -speed automatic, and the automatic checkpoint is already supplied in the database, and this engine is not offered with mechanics. Perhaps for now. By the way, the gearbox lever itself is now made in the form of a short -flowing joystick, located on the tide of the central console - a hefty poker sticking out of the floor, left to competitors.
Transformer
The possibility of transforming the salon is a horse of all the same and commercial models, and T5, of course, tried to be the best in this discipline. The design feature of the model is the seats in the cabin, and their number can vary depending on the modification, now fixed on the rails. Special guides in the floor, in the amount of four pieces, provide a vast movement of the seats. A triple sofa is installed behind, which can be moved in the longitudinal direction, as well as change the angle of inclination of its back. Each of the passengers of the sofa has its own three -point belt, and under the seat is a special shelf for storing small things. The rear sofa can be completely laid out, thus turning the multiveen interior into a bedroom, and during the folding process, one does not need to be removed headlines - they themselves enter inside.
In addition, in the Volkswagen T5 Multivan salon there may be another or two chairs that also move in the longitudinal direction, and if desired, unfold 180 degrees if they want to be faced with the rear sofa passengers. By the way, the journalists instantly took advantage of, getting inside Multivan. It was much more interesting to travel face to face than just sitting in his row, considering the back of the head in front of the sitting passenger. Like all other places, the turning seats have three -point seat belts - Volkswagen has always been very scrupulous in this regard. By the way, the T5 has all the seat belts fixed on the backs of the seats, which required an increase in the rigidity of the seats. But now no one is confused in seat belts, which are usually fixed on racks and during the transformation of the salon are constantly outside the reach zone. In addition, each chair (except seats on the rear couch) has two armrests that can be adjusted in height.
Between the turning seats there is another interesting little thing - a folding table -box, also installed on the rails. In the usual form, it looks like a small bedside table, which can play the role of an armrest for passengers of the middle row. In this bedside table there are two cup holders and a large closing niche. But if you press the button in the end of the nightstand, then its upper part lifts up and turns into a convenient table. Which, moreover, can drive a little to any of the passenger seats.
As for various cup holders, messes and other secret places for storing small things, for people scattered, I would recommend that Multivan have on hand, where all these places are indicated. Otherwise, a mobile phone left in one of the many shelves will have to look for a very long time. In total, inside Multiven (in the salon and in front) there are several dozen such secret places - boxes under the seats, pockets in the doors and on the backs of chairs, a glove compartment and a large box on the front panel. In general, there will be enough caches to all passengers of the car.
Design features
About a year ago, the General Importer Volkswagen in the Republic of Belarus held for media representatives the training according to the Phaeton representative class model - a whole working day, with a lunch break, we were told about all the design features of this unique car. We talked about Volkswagen T5 only an hour and a half, but the news was a mass.
To express everything in order is a long and tedious process, so we will go through the positions that may be most interesting to you, dear readers and potential customers of T5. I would like to start with ... ventilation and heating systems. For the first time for a car of this class, Volkswagen proposed the installation of a three -zone climate control system, which can provide an individual temperature regime for the driver, front passenger and separately for all others in the cabin. At the same time, passengers of the middle or rear row can adjust the temperature on their own: the climate control unit is located on the ceiling, there are also blocks of the salon and reading lamps. In addition, now the owner may include air recirculation either independently or entrust it with electronics. A special air quality sensor will include recirculation in case of toxic substances in the event that it feels in the incoming air.
An interesting situation with heating on turbodiesel versions - the new motors with pumps are so highly effective that they do not produce any excess heat. Accordingly, they cannot heat the salon. And the manufacturer went the other way: the heating of the salon now leads the autonomous heater, which not only undertakes to warm up the huge living space of the T-fifth for the minimum time, but also helps the engine quickly to go out into the optimal temperature regime. This is done simply: the autonomous heater is included in the overall engine cooling scheme, and when the motor is cold, the heater warms up the cooling liquid, helping the power unit warm up faster. This constructive feature is very useful for those drivers who make short trips on an unheated motor during the day. The autonomous heater by order can be equipped with a timer or even a remote control - in both cases the driver can give a command in advance to heating a car and even in thirty -degree frost to always have a car with a warm salon and a warmed engine on hand. In addition to the autonomous, another option is provided: after a trip to the T5, the stove can produce heat for another half an hour after stopping the engine is a very convenient thing for our latitudes.
First meeting
Our first acquaintance with the new Volkswagen T5 Multivan took place in non-stop mode: two turbodiesel cars were given to numerous journalists-with 130- and 174-horsepower engines, equipped with 6-speed mechanical gearbox. Half an hour to get acquainted with the salon, then - trial trips, test drives, photography. In total, we spent the whole day with the multivayers, having hit about a hundred kilometers during this time - sometimes driving, sometimes at one of the passenger places. Let's say right away: we liked both versions, and it was on the 130-horsepower Multivan that it turned out to be more interesting to ride. And although it is inferior in dynamics with a pool with a 174-horsepower engine, in general, this version seemed to us quite harmonious. But while we refrain from any comments: in the near future a more detailed test is planned, during which we will study all the features of the new VW Multivan T5. And we will definitely tell our readers about them.
Text: Pavel Kozlovsky
