Can an MPV, which is meant to ferry people, actually be fun to drive?
Well, not all MPVs are staid family movers. After all, as multi-purpose vehicles, they can also be adept at a variety of roles. The Volkswagen Sportsvan is one such MPV. As a compact five-seater MPV, it is ideal for families with one or two children.
ROOMY AND GROOVY
The Sportsvan isn’t designed like a typical MPV. In fact, it is a slightly bigger version of the popular Volkswagen Golf hatchback, on which it is based.
The Sportsvan’s cabin, however, is much roomier than its exterior dimensions would suggest.
Settle into the driver’s seat and you’ll notice that there’s a lot more headroom than expected. It’ll easily accommodate drivers who are more than 1.8m tall. And with a 2685mm wheelbase, there’s lots of legroom for backseat occupants, too.
Complementing the cabin’s roominess is the equally cavernous boot, which offers 500 litres of space with the rear seats up. If you’ve got bigger stuff to transport, folding the rear seat backrests (which have a 40:20:40 split folding capability) expands hauling capacity to 1520 litres.
On Highline variants, the Sportsvan’s well made interior looks even classier with Piano Black trimmings and a panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel even airier when opened.
GADGETS AND GIZMOS
The controls have a functional and intuitive layout. Even if it’s your first time in a Volkswagen, you’ll have no trouble getting to grips with the various systems. Said systems include the Discover Pro infotainment unit, which has an attractive 8-inch touchscreen display.
Apart from sat-nav, it comes with a DVD player, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and a pair of SD-card slots for external media.
There’s even a voice-control function that lets you access the infotainment function. Because you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel to activate this, safety is further improved.
SECURE AND SUREFOOTED
Speaking of safety, the Sportsvan is equipped with a wide range of safety features to keep everyone secure. Apart from a total of seven airbags, the Sportsvan comes with ABS, Brake Assistant and an Electronic Differential Lock, which increases traction in slippery conditions.
Further improving grip are the ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and Anti-Slip Regulator.
The Sportsvan doesn’t just keep its passengers safe. With Park Assist as standard, it can aid drivers in tight situations by performing parallel parking manoeuvres. Naturally, Park Assist can also get you out of those tight parallel spaces. It can even help you get the vehicle into perpendicular lots if needed.
ZIPPY AND SILKY
The Sportsvan shines even brighter when it comes to performance. Thanks to a turbocharger, the relatively modest 1.4-litre engine punches above its weight by delivering 125bhp.
And because the maximum 200Nm of torque is delivered from a low 1400rpm, you won’t have trouble moving off from a standstill – even fully loaded.
With its seamless and quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Sportsvan takes just 9.9 seconds to go from rest to 100km/h.
Those who prefer a smoother ride can use the driving profile selector to choose between Eco and Normal driving modes. For added flexibility, there’s also an Individual mode for more personalised settings.
Roomy, flexible and nimble, the Volkswagen Sportsvan is definitely the MPV for the dynamic family.
