Automotive

Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack tackles chores on and off road

Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack tackles chores on and off road
The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept is a van for "any task and every route"
The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept is a van for "any task and every route"
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Volkswagen debuts the Multivan Alltrack at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
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Volkswagen debuts the Multivan Alltrack at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
The Multivan Alltrack's interior includes an 8-in touchscreen infotainment display
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The Multivan Alltrack's interior includes an 8-in touchscreen infotainment display
The kitchen module is designed to be mounted on the left side of the van or directly behind the front seats
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The kitchen module is designed to be mounted on the left side of the van or directly behind the front seats
The seats are covered in Poltrona Frau-brand leather
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The seats are covered in Poltrona Frau-brand leather
The Alltrack's kitchen module has a gas cooktop, water system and cool box
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The Alltrack's kitchen module has a gas cooktop, water system and cool box
The Alltrack's rail system allows for a versatile interior
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The Alltrack's rail system allows for a versatile interior
The Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack debuts at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
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The Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack debuts at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
The Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack debuts at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
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The Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack debuts at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
The Multivan Alltrack concept is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI engine
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The Multivan Alltrack concept is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI engine
The Alltrack uses VW's 4Motion AWD system
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The Alltrack uses VW's 4Motion AWD system
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The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept
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The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept
The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept
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The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept
A peek inside the Alltrack's cabin
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A peek inside the Alltrack's cabin
Multivan Alltrack drivers can quickly change the layout of the interior for the trip ahead
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Multivan Alltrack drivers can quickly change the layout of the interior for the trip ahead
The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept is a van for "any task and every route"
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The 2014 Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept is a van for "any task and every route"
View gallery - 16 images

We've grown quite accustomed to rugged, 4WD trucks and SUVs over the years. At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen was determined to show a few different looks for all-wheel-powered vehicles with off-road intentions. It revealed a utility convertible in the T-ROC concept and also debuted the Multivan Alltrack concept, an AWD van for "all roads and any track."

While the Multivan Alltrack is capable of rambling, hauling and overnighting far from the nearest road, Volkswagen doesn't frame it specifically as an off-road vehicle. Instead, it's a versatile cargo van, ready to do work anywhere and everywhere you need to go. In fact, Volkswagen uses a carefully selected mix of components and design elements to give the van a city-meets-backcountry presence.

Volkswagen debuts the Multivan Alltrack at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
Volkswagen debuts the Multivan Alltrack at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

It all starts with the Multivan base, a versatile platform for work, play and general commuting. As in VW's production T5 Multivans, the Alltrack has a rail system integrated into its flat floor, allowing for quick reconfiguration of the seats and interior layout. It can quickly transform from people hauler, to mobile office, to spacious cargo van, and more.

The flexibility of the Multivan Alltrack concept is evidenced by the inclusion of a portable kitchen module, with gas cooker, sink, fresh water tank and cooling box. The module mounts via the Multivan's rail system, transforming the van into a virtual VW camper van or simply keeping drinks cold for a long drive with the family.

The Alltrack's rail system allows for a versatile interior
The Alltrack's rail system allows for a versatile interior

Those that intend to use the Multivan Alltrack as a camping platform won't be limited to RV campgrounds thanks to the concept's go-anywhere grit. The 177-hp TDI engine sends its output through a 4Motion all-wheel drive with Haldex rear-traction coupling. The van's underbody is reinforced to protect against the hazards off-road, and 21-degree approach and 15-degree departure angles aid the effort.

While the Multivan Alltrack has the equipment and ruggedness to get into all kinds of adventure, Volkswagen also designed it to be comfortable and elegant enough to park "in front of the opera house" (you may just need to hose it off first). The van is painted in a "Moonstone Mother of Pearl Effect" (read: glossy white) and rides on high-gloss turned 19-inch wheels. The grey trim around the bumpers and lower perimeter is designed to emphasize the truck's duality – a touch of rugged protection for the elegant, white people-hauler.

The Multivan's stylish, understated look continues inside, where a nautically inspired wood floor provides the base for the gray-blue leather seats. Equipment includes an infotainment system with 8-in capacitive touchscreen and a Dynaudio Surround Sound System.

While it doesn't appear like the Multivan Alltrack concept will spawn a production model, it does highlight the versatility and possibilities of the VW commercial vehicle range. One in every five of VW's commercial vehicles is sold with all-wheel-drive in Europe, and it only takes a little creativity and planning to turn a simple van into something more … like a globe-traveling mobile living module.

Source: Volkswagen

View gallery - 16 images
7 comments
7 comments
Threesixty
All wheel drive is simply better. Put it on a van or a hyper-car and it's automatically better.
2-Wheel drive is cheap thrills.
Wile Williams
Please, please sell this in US VW! If you go one step further with a raised roof you can have a VW bus for the new century. If you need my check now just let me know.
Jon Smith
If this makes it state side I will seriously consider a purchase. Oh and Threesixty all wheel drive does not make everything better, fuel economy for one takes a drastic hit.
Matthew Lee
So all it is, is a mini van with a fridge? How creative !
zekegri
YES PLEASE bring this here-millions of us will buy them and use them like the old hippie vans for travel and camping etc. Work vans what ever just bring them here don't mess around!
MK23666
First. Must have dual sliding doors. Second. Must have 4ft wide by 8ft long unobstructed flat floor. Third. Since VW isn't even thinking about making this van, let alone selling it in the US. I hope Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia will make their own version.
The Skud
I would say that removing the extra seats etc. for storage in your garage would give that flat 4x8 floor that MK23666 wants! I remember one of the Japanese makers a few years ago having a 4WD van in their range. Not full-time, but with a separate selector lever. As for the roof, it would be neater with a 'pop-top' section for less drag when not camping or whatever.