In plug-in hybrid form, the Multivan is powered by a 148bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, which works in combination with a 114bhp electric motor to produce a combined 215bhp. It certainly makes the Multivan feel fast – especially at lower speeds, where the electric motor’s instant surge of pulling power makes it easy to get away from traffic lights or overtake slower-moving vehicles.
Official figures suggest the Multivan is capable of up to 31 miles on a full charge from its 13kWh battery, but you’re unlikely to replicate that figure in real-world conditions. We’d suggest that around 27 miles from a full charge should be achievable – and that could be enough to drop your clan at the school gates and take in your commute without using a drop of fuel.
Charging takes just shy of three and a half hours if you use a 3.7kW wallbox charger, and using a three-pin plug will take longer. You’ll want to keep the battery topped up if you plan to get as close as possible to the Multivan’s official fuel economy figure of 156.9mpg.
There are also 134bhp and 201bhp 2.0-litre petrols to choose from, with a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel joining the range next summer. We’ve yet to try these, but the lower-powered petrol is likely to struggle on faster roads, especially if you have six passengers travelling with you.
The Multivan’s steering is deceptively light given the size and weight of the car, but the upside is that it’s also very easy to manoeuvre around tight city streets. It weights up nicely at speed, too, although there’s no real feedback. It is accurate, though, which means you don’t need to make adjustments mid-corner to keep the car going on your chosen line. You won’t want to go through bends fast – the Multivan leans heavily into corners at speed because of its weight and boxy shape.
