Volkswagen Caravelle MPV full 9 point review

  • Performance

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Caravelle is powered by a choice of two 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel engines, with either 138bhp or (in the twin-turbo unit) 178bhp, mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic. Both are more than gutsy enough to haul the huge body around, but the 138bhp unit is the better compromise between power and fuel economy.

  • Ride & Handling

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Caravelle is VW's Transporter van with seats and windows, so don't expect limo-like ride comfort or the handling of a sports car. You roll round corners and bounce along uneven surfaces, but that's to be expected of a car so close to a commercial vehicle. The steering is light – we'd prefer to have a little more feel.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The engines aren't too gruff, even when pushed. However, wind noise is an issue, albeit hardly surprising given the large door mirrors. As you would expect, gearchanges are smooth with the DSG gearbox, although there is a little delay between pressing the accelerator and the power kicking in.

  • Buying & Owning

    1 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership If the ridiculously high list prices don't put you off, the high running costs certainly will. OK, this is a big van-like MPV, but you will struggle to reach 35mpg with either engine in everyday driving and emissions are high, too. Most more conventional MPV rivals will cost a great deal less to buy and run.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Caravelle's van-sourced mechanicals should prove tough and reliable, while the quality of the cabin materials is pretty good and all the controls feel solid. The removable seats and multi-function table appear tough enough to withstand heavy use, too.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Twin front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, as are stability and traction controls. That’s pretty good, but many MPV rivals have more airbags. Security provision is good, too, with remote central locking, deadlocks and an alarm on all models.

  • Behind The Wheel

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The Caravelle’s cabin is well laid out with all the controls (including the dashboard-mounted gearlever) within easy reach. The steering wheel moves for rake and reach, and the seat is height-adjustable, meaning a decent driving position can be found. The vast windscreen ensures excellent visibility.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Unsurprisingly, there's plenty of room. Seven seats are standard, but individual seats can replace the rear bench. All the seats (and the adaptable table) are fixed to rails in the floor and can be slid fore and aft, folded and removed. The second row of seats can even swivel around to face the third row. However, the seats need to be removed for maximum loadspace, and they’re incredibly heavy.

  • Equipment

    1 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin For a car that costs as much as the Caravelle does, equipment isn't exactly generous. SE cars get manual air-con, alloy wheels, electric windows and door mirrors and a CD Player. Executive versions have more creature comforts - climate and cruise controls, heated front seats and powered electric sliding doors. Given that even the entry-level car is pretty expensive, we'd recommend shelling out the (relatively little) extra for the top-spec cars.

Caravelle rivals

Caravelle used rivals