Volkswagen Multivan pricing on upward slide

Electric sliding doors are now standard even on entry-level versions of the Volkswagen Multivan people-mover, though pricing slides upwards.

The electric side doors and power latching tailgate were previously a $2680 option for the Comfortline TDI340 in either short- or long-wheelbase form.

Volkswagen Australia said the popularity of the option encouraged the company to make it inclusive, though the two models increase in price by $3000 and $4000, respectively.

The side doors can be opened or closed using either the key fob or a button on the dash.

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The German car maker said the change of specification gave the Multivan an advantage over seven-seater rivals, while also shortening the waiting list for buyers.

“Electric sliding doors standard across the range is something you won’t get in the Mercedes-Benz Valente, Kia Carnival or Hyundai iMax,” said VW Australia’s commercial vehicles director, Carlos Santos.

“Our buyers redefined the price point. They all wanted electric sliding doors, were queueing up to pay the optional cost, but they didn’t like having to wait for their order.”

Higher-grade Multivans that already featured the electric doors and tailgate also increase in price.

The Highline TDI450 jumps $3400 in either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive guise, while the LWB Executive moves $3100 to $83,390.

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Other standard features unique to entire range include captain chairs up front as opposed to the buckets in rival people movers.

Key options include: Multi-function table with storage space and four cup holders; child booster seats integrated in the second row swivel seats and voice control and electronic voice amplification

The latest Volkswagen Multivan was released in late 2015.

MY17 VW Multivan retail pricing

• SWB Comfortline TDI340 7 Spd DSG $52,990
• LWB Comfortline TDI340 7 Spd DSG $57,990
• Highline TDI450 7 Spd DSG $79,890
• Highline TDI450 7 Spd DSG 4Motion $83,390
• LWB Executive TDI450 7 Spd DSG $83,390