Volkswagen Transporter Trakka Car Review

The current look Volkswagen Transporter was released in 1993 and has enjoyed an excellent sales record to date. 1997 has seen the introduction of a number of changes and improvements throughout the Transporter range of commercial vehicles which should confirm its position as one of the market leaders in its class.

Volkswagen offers both the Transporter (commercial van) and the Caravelle (people mover) in a variety of different versions. The Transporter is available in four body styles, the short and long wheelbase van, chassis cab and double cab chassis. Two petrol engines, one diesel engine, manual and automatic transmissions and an option of the Synchro (four wheel drive) compliment the Transporter range. The Caravelle has seating capacity for eight persons and is available only with a 2.5 litre petrol engine although a choice of manual or automatic transmissions is available.

The Multivan uses both the Caravelle and the Transporter concepts as the basis for producing a vehicle to perform multipurpose tasks. On the one hand, the Multivan is a true people mover in that it provides seating for seven adults as well as ample storage space for their luggage. The rear bench seat can fold flat to make a double bed or alternatively the rear seats can be removed altogether to provide the equivalent space of a Transporter van (up to 6.3 cubic metres of space in the long wheelbase model).

The rear seat conversion for the Multivan is performed locally by well known Sydney based company Trakka, a specialist in camper conversions. A standard Trakka Multivan conversion includes the addition of centre and rear windows, a solid rear floor with heavy duty vinyl covering, hardboard side linings and a removable three person rear bench seat that may also be folded to form a double bed. The modifications carried out are fully certified to ensure compliance is maintained with all relevant Australian Design Rules.

Budget permitting, there is a wide range of additional equipment and trim specifications on offer. The van evaluated for this report, with the Trakka Multivan Deluxe conversion retails for $53,990 plus on road costs.

The most significant changes to have been incorporated into the 1997 Transporter range comprise the fitment of a driver's side airbag and the addition of four wheel disc brakes. These inclusions are standard equipment on all models and help to narrow the gap which has traditionally existed between the safety features available in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

One of the greatest strengths of the Multivan is the excellent amount of space on offer. Loads of head and leg room is available for both front and rear seat occcupants, in addition to a more than generous amount of luggage capacity. A notable exception, however, is the bulbous front wheel arch intrusion which necessitates an awkward action to operate the accelerator pedal.

A commanding view of the road ahead is available when seated in the driver's seat, aided by the expansive areas of glass, large side mirrors and the elevated seating position. Soft cushions and minimal side bolsters provide a comfortable albeit fairly unsupportive ride.

The Multivan drives and handles quite well for this class of vehicle once you become accustomed to the pronounced body roll experienced when cornering. Performanceis certainly not outstanding, but the engine pulls reasonably well from low engine speeds when unladen, assisted by the four speed Dynamic Shift Program automatic gearbox with 'fuzzy logic' computer control.

Summary

Versatility, spacious interior and solid overall feel are the trademarks of the Multivan from Volkswagen. While the idea behind the Multivan is a good one, the cost of a basic Transporter and the Trakka conversion is considerable. Cheaper people movers available from several other manufacturers will win over many potential Multivan buyers.

Test vehicle supplied by TKM Automotive Australia Pty Limited.