The slick looking people-mover from the folks at Wolfsburg made its global debut almost a year ago however the new Volkswagen T7 Multivan will not make its way to South African shores. Our market will however retain the existing T6.1 range instead. 
The Caravelle nameplate is revered amongst local buyers who need to haul passengers in relative comfort and luxury. Volkswagen has been a dominant player in the segment since the 1950’s with the Type 2 model coming to prominence in the ensuing years. The new Volkswagen T7 Multivan, built as a completely new vehicle and not just an adaption of an existing model, will continue to forge on in the segment, just not in South Africa. 
The model, which has lost its Caravelle nameplate too, will be adopted into foreign markets while Volkswagen South Africa will continue to sell the reputable T6.1 range to its customers. The local brand further stated: “we will continue retailing the T6.1 range because the T7 Multivan is currently not released for our local market.” which means the newbie may make its way to us in the future though but there would be some hurdles to overcome first.
Have a look at the T7 Multivan interior here.
The justification for this decision is due to stringent emissions standards in Europe which limits certain engines that are employed on the new Volkswagen T7 Multivan for our local market. Despite this, Volkswagen South Africa are in continuous talks with their colleagues in Hannover. 
The model has been offered as a plug-in hybrid for the first time, paired to a 1,4-litre TSI engine providing a combined output of 160 kW. More conventional choices as we know then can be had in the 1,5-litre TSI with 100 kW or 2-litre TSI which puts out 150 kW. The 2-litre TDI with 110 kW is the newest addition of the range and all models will be mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
