Volkswagen Multivan Black Edition touches down

When is a people mover not a people mover?

You could certainly argue the toss with Volkswagen’s latest people-ferrying, weekend-friendly offer, the Multivan Black Edition.

Limited to 230 examples, the Black Edition offers a distinct take on Volkswagen’s ubiquitous family van, which also does duty as a tradie’s warrior. The seven-seat offering lands in Australian showrooms this week priced from $63,990 drive away.

A familiar 2.0-litre turbo-diesel borrowed from the Multivan Comfortline TDI340 resides underneath, sending drive via the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG. It makes 103kW and 340Nm while returning a claimed fuel consumption rating of 7.7L/100km combined.

Where the Black Edition begins to differentiate itself – apart from styling – is the suspension. The limited edition model rides 20mm lower than its donor car, courtesy of reinforced anti-roll bars and specific tuning on the suspension and shock absorbers.

Externally, there are black 18-inch alloys, gloss black roof and B-pillars, black-trimmed turn signals and the decorative ‘Edition’ film on the side sills and at the rear.

The distinctive theme permeates the interior, too, courtesy of Halifax Maple wood look washable floor, a feature popular in earlier special editions, returns. The highly adjustable seat configuration can be rearranged with the aid of the rail system. The three-seater bench can be folded forward and reclined into a flat-bed.

Despite costing roughly the same as its donor car, the Black Edition is equipped with generous specification, such as an electric tailgate, tablet holder for the rear seats; bicycle tailgate carrier capable of carrying four bikes of 60kg combined, a range of luggage compartment trays, roof bars with surfboard carrier, rubber floor mat set and tow bar kit.

The newcomer is on sale now.