Volkswagen goes retro with Multivan Kombi 70

VOLKSWAGEN Australia announced this week that the limited-run Multivan Kombi 70 people-mover will launch next month, while it also fired a warning shot at the incoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute.

According to Volkswagen Australia director of commercial vehicles Carlos Santos, a more potent version of the Amarok V6 pick-up is officially on its way to take on the range-topping X350d that arrives around July.

“We’ve heard about this Mercedes-Benz collaboration with Nissan,” he said. “Don’t worry - the Amarok is not about to be left behind by the X-Class.”

In a battle of 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engines, the Amarok V6 currently produces 165kW of power – or 180kW on overboost – and 550Nm of torque, while the X350d develops 190kW and 550Nm.

The Amarok Aventura Exclusive concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September last year previewed a 190kW version of the ute that may soon materialise, but more details will be released in due course.

Meanwhile, the Multivan Kombi 70 will be restricted to 120 examples when it arrives in local showrooms in early March priced from $64,990 driveaway. This special-edition model celebrates 70 years of the iconic Kombi van.

Based on the entry-level TDI340 Comfortline variant that costs $52,990 before on-road costs, the Kombi 70 compensates buyers for the premium with the addition of several retro and modern features.

These include 18-inch Disc alloy wheels, wood-effect flooring, a three-seat third-row bench, Alcantara upholstery, LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs), and power sliding doors with power latching.

Furthermore, a Good Night package consisting of fabric blinds, a Multiflex board bed extension, a washable bed cover, a rechargeable mini flashlight and three drawers under the third row is standard.

Completing the Kombi-inspired upgrades is the choice between four classic two-tone paint finishes, including Candy White with either Curcuma Yellow, Starlight Blue or Indium Grey or Deep Black and Indium Grey.

There are no changes to the TDI340 Comfortline's powertrain, meaning the Kombi 70 employs a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that pumps out 103kW at 3500rpm and 340Nm from 1750 to 2500rpm.

It sends drive to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

As previously reported by GoAuto earlier this week, the Amarok V6 Dark Label has been confirmed for Australia, but Volkswagen Australia has now revealed that 500 units of the limited-edition pick-up are set to hit local dealerships in April.

Sitting between the Highline and Ultimate grades, the Dark Label features Vienna leather upholstery, heated front seats, matte-black sports bar and side steps, black wheelarch flares, anthracite 18-inch alloy wheels and black interior trim – including the roofliner and pillars.

Pricing and full specification for the Dark Label will be distributed prior to its launch.

Volkswagen Australia's Commercial Vehicles division of utes, vans and people-movers tallied a record 15,688 sales last year, representing a 14 per cent year-on-year improvement.

Specifically, the Amarok contributed 9282 units (up 12.4 per cent) to this total, while the Multivan found 1076 homes (up 12 per cent).