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Volkswagen Caravelle Estate interior, tech and comfort

2003 - 2015 (change model)
Comfort rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

The Caravelle struggles to hide its commercial vehicle origins in the front where the dash design looks quite old fashioned. The layout is simple though and the chunky buttons are easy to use, but it’s not the most sophisticated of interiors and the optional sat nav system is slow and tricky to use. However, it’s robustly built and feels like it will last forever while the driving position is good too, helped by plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering column.

Comfort for the rear passengers depends on how the rear is laid out, as all the seats are removable, foldable and can be configured in a number of ways. This makes the Caravelle incredible versatile but moving the seats isn’t especially easy or straightforward. However, with individual seats in the back, passengers can stretch their legs out (when all seats are facing each other) and make use of the armrests.

A long wheelbase version is available which is 40cm longer and offers even better passenger room. But even the standard model is easy to get in or out of thanks to long sliding side doors which are especially useful in tight parking spaces. Manual air conditioning is standard and ventilation is fed into the rear passenger area through individually adjustable vents in the side pillars.

There is an additional heater with separate vents close to the floor and the rear cabin heating system is controlled through its own switch on the roof. Only a stiff ride lets the Caravelle down.