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

Safety

The Caravelle was awarded four stars out of a possible five in official Euro NCAP crash tests and also scored maximum points in the side impact test. All models come with driver and passenger front and side airbags, as well as head airbags while rear curtain airbags are available as an optional extra. As well as ABS and traction control, there is also an ESP stability control system fitted as standard.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Proven Volkswagen mechanicals and electrics should be reliable for many years. The warranty is three years/100,000 miles (40,000 miles longer than the passenger car warranty) should anything serious go wrong in that time.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.