Volkswagen updates its vans

The main changes are minor exterior tweaks, as well as a series of new common rail diesel engines across the range that offer lower emissions as well as improved fuel economy of up to ten percent.

On the outside, there are new door mirrors, as well as a refreshed front end with new headlamps and grille that is streamlined with the family look, as seen on the new Polo, Golf and Scirocco. The Caravelle, Multivan and California also get new rear light clusters and chrome side trims.

Inside, the vans are given a more car-like appearance, with new three-spoke steering wheels, refined instruments and the latest audio and touch-screen navigation systems all included.

Other new features include a new generation ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with hill-start assist and an emergency brake light function plus Volkswagen's Side Assist lane change system that warns the driver of anything in the vehicle's blind spot, and a new tyre monitor display (TMD).

Under the hood, the new vans get four new 2.0 litre four-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engines. The base engine has 84bhp and 220Nm of torque, while the others have 102bhp and 250Nm, 140bhp and 340Nm and the range-topper with 180bhp and 400Nm of torque.

For the first time, the vans will also be available with Volkswagen´s much-lauded seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission as an option, as well as their 4Motion four-wheel-drive system.

The new series of vans will premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales set to start shortly after.