Volkswagen Caravelle MPV full 9 point review
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Performance
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 refined and relatively smooth. The 138bhp unit is probably the best compromise between power and fuel economy.
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Ride & Handling
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, but we'd prefer to have a little more feel.
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Refinement
The engines aren't 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.
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Buying & Owning
If the 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.
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Quality & Reliability
The Caravelle's van-sourced mechanicals should prove tough and reliable, while the quality of the cabin materials is first-class and all the controls feel solid. The removable seats and multi-function table appear tough enough to withstand heavy use, too.
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Safety & Security
Twin front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, as are stability and traction controls. Security provision is good, too, with remote central locking, deadlocks and an alarm on all models.
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Behind The Wheel
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.
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Space & Practicality
Seven seats are standard, although twin aircraft-style seats can be specified to replace the usual three-seat bench in the rear. All of these are fixed to rails and can be slid, rotated, folded or removed. The bench can even be converted into a bed. Unsurprisingly for a car based on a van, there is plenty of room for passengers and ample storage space.
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Equipment
For a car that starts at more than £30,000, 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
Volkswagen Caravelle MPV 2.0 TDI 140 SE SWB 5dr
This is the cheapest way into a new Caravelle, but you may want to step up to an Executive model, considering the extra creature comforts you get by doing so.
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