T7 Multivan is the next.

[Tig-uan]

Finally, replacing my Multivan T5.1 TSI350 MY12.

Why not Ford Tourneo:
* Rough engine, vibrations even in the 3rd row.
* Lots of tyre noise at free way speeds.
* Missing arm rests in 2nd and 3rd rows.
* Perceived quality behind T6.1 levels, feels cheap in comparison.
* 2nd and 3rd row seats look like they should recline, but do not actually lock in the most reclined position.
* 2nd and 3rd row seats have Very SHORT cushions, not much under thigh support.

Why not Staria:
* No arm rests in 1st row.
* 2nd and 3rd row seats are not meant for quick removal.
* Considering the above, I have not looked into it further.

Why not the last T6.1:
* this was my runner-up choice. It is better than T7 Multivan in some regards, such as, better steering feedback and better take off in 1st gear. More space, obviously,
* But, no foot rest space for the driver (you almost have to keep your left foot under the brake pedal).
* No seat belt pre-tensioners in 2nd and 3rd rows, so no safety upgrade to passengers.

So, the winner is T7 Multivan SWB, which I bought. Some points about it:
* while the initial take-off feels sluggish, there is more performance than T6.1 once one the move.
* handling is a highlight: thru bends or country roads, stays very flat and will out-corner a T6.1 (which is already very good).
* steering does not have a lot if feel, but not annoying at all. Its 235-wide tyres are too wide for its 6.5" wide rims, more narrow tyres should give it a sharper steering feel.
* 2nd and 3rd row seats are another highlight. They have long cushions, lots of under-thigh support, sculptured backs. Also, there are seat-belt pre-tensioners in B- and C- pillars.
* Removing all seats can be done by one person, they are very light.
* The diesel engine is very cultured, practically no vibration at all, not noisy.
* There are two differences between "SWB" and "LWB" models. LWB has extra 6cm towards the passenger compartment and 14cm towards the boot. But, also, LWB is much firmer for riding in the 3rd row, as it expects to carry more weight behind the rear wheels. So, it is either more space OR better ride at the back.
* Then there is the issue of excessively high price for the equipment. As standard, no digital radio (DAB), no heated seats, no unlocking by pulling door handle, etc. So, look at Demos that has been significantly discounted, and bargain further.

[Sharkie]

Different question .... how did you find driving the TSI350? When we bought the 2010 TDI340, the TSI350 was not available. When it was released I so wanted to trade up to it, but SWMBO said no ...

[Tig-uan]

TSI350 has been great, I will keep it forever as a cargo/camping van, as I think, t5/t6 platform will never be eclipsed. On Koni dampers, it drives very well, and I do nto have any realibility concerns as I serve it very frequently. But, being a13 y.o, van, it is no longer suitable for primary family use due to safety falling behind and worn-out interior. It currently drinks around 13L in town and 10L freeway.

[Sunny43.5]

Ok I should now update our decision to go with the Hyundai , after looking at a base model Staria Load we deemed we should look at the next model up which is an 8 seater Elite . After once again being almost victim of dealer trade in criminality as they only wanted to offer us $8000 trade in {yes we sort of expected that } . So a few more weeks of scouring the various car sales I stumbled onto a Staria Highlander at a dealer in Melbourne , whilst it wasnt really on our radar this one was just too good to ignore . A 2023 model top of range with all the bells and whistles and twin sunroofs and the best part only 15700 kms on the clock a bargain at $51000 saving nearly $20000 over new car price , it turned out to be a an Ex Hyundai company vehicle which started out in Sydney got driven to Melbourne and put into storage for 14 months after only being used for the 15700 KMS . Still has 3 years warranty so thats good and its in as new condition I could not find a thing to whinge about , I flew to Melbourne and drove it back to Brissy . I have to admit it was one of the most enjoyable drives I have had in decades , the van almost drove itself home with adaptive cruise control and lane keep which keeps it between the white lines { ok yes you need to put your hands back on the wheel to keep it happy HA HA } The 2.2 Diesel is impressive and bonus these things are AWD ! The audio media system has so much that I,m still learning everything can be controlled by a single button on the steering wheel , I can send texts without typing just tell it what to send so another bonus . Inside its all carpeted and factory trims and very quiet , as its going to be used to transport our disabled daughter in her wheel chair Ive removed the 3 person rear seat and the second row 2 seater {oh yes they are bloody heavy } But now I have a nice flat floor and still keeping the single folding seat behind the driver for our Grandson and anyone else , I have already with engineers approval fitted the restraints for the wheel chair into the factory bolt holes that held the rear seats so no worries about strength . It is about 300mm longer than a SWB Transporter and about 50mm taller , the extra room will make going camping easier with more space to fit stuff inside . Next is to sell the VW Transporter that we have now ready for sale .