VW Caravelle Startline 1.9 TDi | New Car Review

“Surfers have traditionally done it in
a VW — to be precise, a 50’s VW
camper van (also unofficially known
as a ‘microbus’ or ‘hippie van’).
But these days even surfers need
more space and want more frills.
So say Hi to the 2010 equivalent:
the VW Caravelle...”

THE CARAVELLE IS A BIG PEOPLE CARRIER and it wears the same 'VW' badge that started it all. And when we say big we mean Big, as in with enough space to worry an agoraphobic…

The Caravelle is sold alongside the rest of VW's passenger car range — think of it as a big brother to the Sharan and Touran although physically the Caravelle dwarfs them. Climb aboard and you'll see we're not joking when we say the Caravelle is big.

While prices range all the way up to the Ł36K mark, we tested the entry-level Startline model, priced at Ł24, 705. And if you really were half-expecting a 'van with windows' then you'll be in for a very pleasant surprise — the uber-functional Caravelle might appear boxy but it's a boxiness with a surprisingly classy edge.

Step up into the Caravelle (there are interior entry steps to make getting in and out as easy as possible) and settle in the driver's seat and you'll find a well laid out cabin with all controls perfectly sited. The dashboard-mounted gearlever is close to hand and the quality of the cabin materials is as you'd expect to find in any VW product — in other words, very good. All the controls and switchgear feel nice to the touch. Front seats feature height, lumbar, reach and rake adjustment, as well as armrests on each side.

The steering wheel moves for rake and reach and a first rate driving position can be easily set. And, combined with the command seating, the huge windscreen ensures superb visibility. The fabric-upholstered seats are immediately comfortable — slightly firm on first acquaintance but that's because they don't sag and soften with the miles but are designed to provide enduring and unbeatable long-distance comfort.

Walk through to the rear cabin, either via the space between the front seats or slide open the single nearside rear door, and you'll find masses of space. The two middle seats and the third-row rear bench are mounted on a rail system that lets them slide the entire length of the rear compartment so they can be sited wherever you like. The two second-row seats are just as comfortable as those in the front, each also has two armrests and integrated seat belts — so no tangled or trailing webbing.

“The 17.6-gallon fuel tank
means that at the official
average of 35.9mpg
the Caravelle should go
around 600 miles
between refills...”

And they can also be folded and swivelled round 180 degrees to face backwards to create a conference type 'room' or safe and secure indoor picnic area for the kids. So no worries about the family day out being rained off: just rearrange the seats and you can party inside. There's even a removable table, perfect for drawing and the like. And the tough, non-slip rubber floor covering will take the very worst that even the family from hell can dish out.

The rear three-seat bench is also removable and folds flat. An optional 'sleep pack' (Ł568) can turn the Caravelle into a campervan by providing a bed extension for the rear seats and additional blinds for the windows. Alternatively, they middle row seats can be removed and the rear bench slid fully forward to maximise load carrying.

Make no mistake, the Caravelle is a big vehicle but then that's why it's so big on practicality. Even with all seven seats in use, the boot is still large enough to carry a meaningful amount of luggage. The huge tailgate is top hinged and opens to access a low boot floor so loading any kind of cargo is light work. A folding table lives in the boot — obviously if the Caravelle is being used in full cargo mode this needs to be removed but it's not a problem.

There are four engines available in the Caravelle range: three turbodiesels and one petrol. First up is a 100bhp 1.9-litre diesel followed by a choice of 2.5-litre units (128bhp and 171bhp; both available with manual or tiptronic auto 'boxes). The sole petrol unit is a 231bhp V6 but, with an official urban consumption of just 15.7mpg, this certainly won't be the first choice for budget-conscious families.

The Startline model tested here was fitted with the 100bhp turbodiesel that officially returns 30.1mpg (urban), 37.2 (combined) and 42.8 (extra urban). During out week-long test it recorded a liveable average of 35.9mpg. On paper it's no sprinter: 0-62mph takes 18.9 seconds and the top speed falls just below the once-magic 'ton', at 98mph. But with 184lb ft of torque from 2,000rpm it's eager enough and has no problems keeping up with traffic. And its 80-litre (17.6-gallon) fuel tank means that at the official average of 35.9mpg it should go around 600 miles between forecourt refills.

Admittedly the Caravelle does initially look daunting. Yet, thanks to the excellent visibility, direct steering and an unexpectedly compact turning circle, it's surprisingly easy to jump behind the wheel and drive, even through city traffic — that said, parallel parking does take some practice. But if White Van Man can do it, then so can you!

“There are more
cubbyholes, pockets
and concealed storage
areas than you’d find in
a rabbit warren!”

Buyers of full-blown MPVs such as the Caravelle won't be expecting sports car grade handling. However, the Caravelle rides well on most roads and, driven sensibly — and no doubt helped by the decent power steering and Sports suspension, it corners reassuringly. Make good use of the standard five-speed manual 'box, and driving along country lanes is actually unexpectedly pleasant — not that far removed from being in, say, one of VW's Passat estates. On the motorways the Caravelle is perfectly at home, feeling stable and securely-planted.

For such a large metal 'box' the Caravelle is also surprisingly well insulated; on the move, even at motorway speeds, it is quiet and comfortable. In fact the only noise level issues will be with what you put inside it — i.e. kids!

Not only is there ample room inside the Caravelle's colossal interior for seven people, there are also more cubbyholes, pockets and concealed storage areas than you'd find in a rabbit warren! You'll also find bag hooks, sturdy grab handles on the left and right A-pillars, a practical storage tray on the dashboard along with a mobile phone holder, a useful storage net on the passenger side lower dash, more storage compartments on the outer side of both front seats, drinks holders, three 12V sockets and five interior and six reading lights. Every inch, in fact, is utilised to the max with storage solutions including deep, under-seat drawers and large bottle-holding door bins.

Standard equipment includes electric windows and electric/heated door mirrors, multi-function on-board computer, manual AirCon, in-dash radio/CD player, heat reflective glass, a rear compartment heater with separate controls, roller blinds for the side windows, a folding table, power steering and Sports suspension.

Safety is equally well addressed with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and a Traction Control System, twin front, side and curtain airbags, height-adjustable front seatbelts and Isofix child seat mountings in second row single seats and outer seats of the rearmost 3-seater bench.

In a world that tends to rate looks over ability it would be easy to overlook the Caravelle in favour of some sexier, four-wheeled bimbo. But to do so would be a big mistake. Whatever else you look at will, compared to the VW, be compromised. The Caravelle doesn't need to look 'trendy' to appeal — although it's actually physically smart in a subtle German way that in itself is a form of one-upmanship — because as far as people carriers go there's none that do the job quite as well as VW's Caravelle. — MotorBar

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