What does it cost?
For Based on the Transporter van, the Caravelle has plenty of space, an adaptable cabin that's easy to get in and out of, and a flat floor. It’s well built and drives surprisingly well.
Against The van-like looks and size may put off some buyers, and it's very expensive. The seats are bulky and heavy to lift out.
What Car? says
Thanks to the Volkswagen Caravelle's van origins, it's a huge and capable people carrier. It's way too expensive, though. Smaller, cheaper rivals do the job just as well.
What Car? readers say
4
There are 9 Volkswagen Caravelle versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
The VW Caravelle is a huge, practical but pricey contender. It’s a seven-seater as standard, although you can specify aircraft-style seats instead of the three-seat bench in the rear to make it a luxury six- or, with the long wheelbase, seven-seater.
With the 'sleep pack', the bench can even be converted into a bed with extra blinds also provided along with a heater to keep you toasty warm at night without running the engine.
The interior’s fit and finish are good, and all models come with rails in the floor so you can move the seats and versatile table to tailor the cabin to your needs. The second row seats also swivel to face forwards or backwards. Be warned, though – freeing up maximum cargo space involves lifting the seats out entirely, and they’re exceptionally heavy.
Reader test team says:
Volkswagen Caravelle MPV 2.5 TDI PD 174 SE SWB 5dr
We have owned this Caravelle from new (2006). Overall it has been the best vehicle for our family of 6, that we could have hoped for. Fuel consumption…
5
out of 5 stars
Volkswagen Caravelle MPV 2.5 TDI PD 174 SE SWB 5dr
We have now had this caravelle for 15 months. In this time we have had over 40 different faults. All to do with the interior and doors. Items ranging…
3
out of 5 stars
Volkswagen Caravelle MPV 2.5 TDI PD 174 Executive SWB 5dr
Caravelle 2.5 174. 2005 Model. Having owned this car from new and covered 110,000 miles I would consider myself to be in an excellent position to…
1
out of 5 stars
Volkswagen Caravelle MPV 2.5 TDI PD 174 SE SWB 5dr
I have had the T5 Caravelle 4 motion for 3 years and have hauled the family from Victoria Falls to Cape Town and Swakopmund to Punto do Ora in…
5
out of 5 stars
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Caravelle rivals
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Our pick of the range
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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