The 2021 Volkswagen T7 has started
shedding its camouflage, showing its redesigned front end for the first time in
the Multivan people-carrier version. Inspired by the Golf Mk8, the front end is
dominated by the slim grille with two horizontal bars interrupted by the VW
logo, as well as new headlights. Meanwhile, the upper and lower air intakes in
the bumper sport a honeycomb pattern and the windscreen appears to be bigger.
The profile has been softened up and at
the back, VW tried to mask the shape of the taillamps, but we do know, from
previous scoops, that they will be horizontal instead of vertical. Elsewhere,
the dark blue prototype was equipped with a bunch of sensors on the rear
sliding doors, roof and wheels, and it appears that test dummies were placed on
the seats.
Expected to be unveiled before the end of
2020 or early next year, the T7 is likely based on the Volkswagen Group’s
highly versatile MQB platform. It will launch with the usual lineup of petrol
and diesel engines, as well as mild hybrids.
Nonetheless, the most anticipated version
will be the plug-in hybrid, which will feature a charge port on the right front
fender. Details surrounding this model are scarce, though it probably won’t
have anything to do with ABT Sportsline, which helped develop the current
e-Transporter. The powertrain might comprise of a small turbo-four and a tiny
electric motor, with the battery pack providing it with a zero-emission range
of a few tens of miles.
