Volkswagen is launching MPV in 2009. For so long VW wasn’t very active at this area, but finally the company brakes into popular, growing segment. For instance, in 2008, the Scirocco coupe and Tiguan SUV are coming, and a year later, the Sportvan follows.

The 4.85m-long space auto will take the niche between the Sharan II and the Phaeton saloon. It has very similar components as today’s Audi A6 Avant, features 4- and 6-cylinder engines and has two rows of seats. The expected cost of the base model is about £20,000.

It’s not likely for Volkswagen to use Audi hardware. Nevertheless the fact the Passat’s platform wasn’t big enough for the Sportvan, made VW to look elsewhere within the group. The solution was found in Ingolstadt, where the current A6 will be phased out in 2010. Instead of scrapping the tools, VW decided to adopt and transfer them for the Sportvan. This would save time and money.

So 4wd and the MMI control interface will be readily available. VW will just add a few more powerful engines, and high-tech options like height-adjustable air suspension.

From carmagazine.co.uk

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