Volkswagen Caravelle (03 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 19 January 2012
The Caravelle has built up a good reputation as a well built and classy people carrier - although it's usually associated with private hire firm and hotels rather than family transport. But with acres of passenger room and almost endless on board stowage, it's the perfect car for long distance family transport with seven comfortable seats as standard. The interior is also very flexible with runners in the floor allowing the seats - and the standard fold-out table - to be positioned anywhere. There are criticisms though, not least the firm and bouncy ride, while the dashboard is starting to look distinctly old fashioned.
3.5 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

Fuel economy in the diesels is acceptable for such a large vehicle and the 2.5 TDI models are capable of around 34mpg to 35mpg. Volkswagen Servicing isn't the cheapest around and neither are parts. You may also find that not every Volkswagen dealer is able to service a Caravelle, which may involve you travelling further than you thought. Insurance is group 12 for the Startline special edition while the more popular SE 2.5 TDI 130 is group 14. The 174bhp versions are group 15.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£2,790 - £2,922 *

Diesel

£1,732 - £2,210 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable servicing (up to approximately 18,000 miles or two years) or fixed servicing (at every 10,000 miles or 12 months) can be chosen when new. It is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle’s life, but it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.

Warranty

Three years/100,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£250.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
    199
  • K
  • L
  • M
    310

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Caravelle is a polluting model, not helped by its less than aerodynamic shape and heavy kerb weight. The 1.9 TDI model is the cleanest with CO2 emissions of 208g/km and average economy of 37mpg while the more popular 2.5 TDI 130 manual emits 219g/km of CO2 and averages 34mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2