For Based on the Transporter van, the Caravelle has plenty of interior space, a flat floor and a luxurious cabin that's easy to get in and out of. It’s well built and drives surprisingly well.
Against The van-like looks and size may put off some buyers. The smaller diesel is underpowered, the seats are bulky and heavy to lift out, it's a very expensive car and smaller, cheaper rivals do the job just as well.
What Car? says
Thanks to the Caravelle's origins in a van, it's a huge and capable people carrier. The bigger diesel engines suit it best.
Reader review rating
There are 9 Volkswagen Caravelle editions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
The Caravelle is a refined, accomplished, practical but pricey contender.
It’s a seven-seater as standard, although you can specify twin aircraft-style seats instead of the three-seat bench in the rear to make it a luxury six-seater.
It’s worth keeping the bench, though, because it can even be converted into a bed.
The interior’s fit and finish are good, and the spec list (in Executive trim at least) is relatively generous, with Alcantara seat trim, air conditioning, cruise control and electric sliding doors.
There’s plenty of safety kit, too. The Caravelle comes with two versions of a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, producing 128bhp and 172bhp, and a 3.2-litre V6 petrol unit with 233bhp.
The more powerful of the diesel engines is the pick of the bunch, as it feels more at ease coping with the Caravelle’s considerable weight. The car still won’t want to be hurried along bumpy roads, but it’s a relaxed motorway cruiser.Reader test team says:
Volkswagen Caravelle MPV 2.5 TDI PD 174 Executive SWB 5dr
Caravelle 2.5 174. 2005 Model. Having owned this…
Volkswagen Caravelle MPV 2.5 TDI PD 174 SE SWB 5dr
I have had the T5 Caravelle 4 motion for 3 years…
Caravelle rivals
Caravelle used rivals
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