In a surprise move, only the plug-in hybrid eHybrid is being considered for the local market.
An uncertainty for South Africa ever since its world debut four years ago, Volkswagen has officially confirmed that the T7 Multivan is being considered for the local market either next year or in 2027.
Only as a hybrid
The direct replacement for the T6.1, the seventh generation T-series or Transporter rides on the MQB platform, and stands in contrast to the newly launched model that forms part of a joint venture with Ford.
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Powered by a selection of TSI petrol and TDI engines in Europe, senior Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle South Africa executives stated that the arrival of the T7 will only involve the plug-in hybrid eHybrid, which combines a 1.4 TSI engine with an 85 kW electric motor.
Caravelle’s return
Making the announcement at the market launch of the Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom-based Transporter last week, the automaker further stated that apart, from the mono powertrain, it won’t avail the Caravelle name to the “joint venture” model.
Instead, it will keep the moniker for the flagship T7, leaving the Style as the top-spec trim grade for the Transporter.
ID. Buzz also being studied
At the same time, Wolfsburg also stated that the all-electric ID. Buzz is under equal serious investigation after teaser unveilings at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year and media test drives of the Cargo version brought to the country last year as part of a zero emissions partnership with DHL.
Accordingly, its confirmation will form a three-model line-up in which it will be the flagship positioned above the T7, with the Transporter becoming the entry-level derivative.
Stay tuned
For the moment, no further details are known, though expect more to be revealed next year.
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