The new VW Sportsvan: Introducing the future of the compact MPV

Volkswagen is continuing its product offensive, this time in the segment of compact MPVs. The new Sportsvan is equipped with an interior that is as sophisticated as it is versatile (rear bench seat has 180 mm longitudinal adjustment), it offers a maximum cargo capacity of 1,520 litres and it impresses with its sporty charisma. Technically, the Sportsvan follows the layout of the modular transverse matrix (MQB) from Volkswagen. And so it inherits significant advantages from this technologically advanced toolkit – the Sportsvan is very dynamic, with a short front overhang and a long wheelbase. Innovative lightweight design has kept vehicle weight extremely low, while the interior packaging also benefits from the MQB, with optimized utility.

OneShift Editorial Team

09 Oct 2015

The driver and front passenger enjoy an elevated seating position in the Sportsvan, yet the feeling is more of sitting in an elegant and sporty SUV than in an MPV. Special attention has been paid to the cockpit’s ergonomics, with a clean layout and sophisticated look being the result. In this Volkswagen, the worlds of compacts and MPVs meld together into a new type of car that offers more space for active recreation, family and the job.

The exterior dimensions of the Sportsvan, together with its completely new and sharply contoured styling, give it an independent and sophisticated look. With its taut body shapes and precisely drawn lines, the Sportsvan transfers the Volkswagen design DNA to the class of compact MPVs. The Sportsvan also expresses dynamic proportions in its long wheelbase, and its extremely prominent character line unites functionalism and elegance.

Interior designers of the Sportsvan created a cabin that is as high-end and stylistically sophisticated as it is clean and fresh. While some of the instruments and controls may be familiar to drivers of other Volkswagen models, the design of the dashboard, in which all of these elements are embedded, was redesigned down to the last millimeter specifically for the Sportsvan.

The centre console between the seats ascends forwards near the gear knob just as in a high-class sports car, and this creates an ergonomic environment that makes the driver and front passenger forget that they are sitting in a compact MPV. Overall, the interior is marked by sophisticated plastics and accents. This creates a very charismatic ambience which overcomes traditional boundaries of the compact class and clearly bridges over to higher-end cars.

The Sportsvan is fitted as standard with a stop-start system and a range of BlueMotion Technology efficiency improvement measures that lower fuel consumption. Its new 1.4-litre TSI engine with 125 PS produces an impressive 200 Nm of torque from only 1,400 rpm. It enables a top speed of 200 km/h and a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption is extremely low at just 5.4 litres/100km in the combined cycle.

The Sportsvan is available in two versions – Comfortline and Highline, both powered by the 1.4 TSI engine. The Comfortline is extremely well equipped, with features like Climatronic dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps and wipers, driving profile selection, cruise control with speed limiter and 17-inch alloy wheels all coming as standard.

The Sportsvan Highline goes even further, with additional equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, KESSY keyless entry and starting, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a panoramic sunroof and a rear view camera. It also has the latest generation Discover Pro navigation system featuring App-Connect, which allows owners to link their Android or iOS smartphones to the car. App-Connect includes three innovative technologies that bring smartphone apps onto the large 8-inch touchscreen: the established MirrorLink apps, the new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from Google.

Credits: Oneshift News Team