Category: Large MPV 
Price Range: £29,195 to £35,690
Space, strong diesel engines, versatile cabin, good equipment levels
Looks like a van, feels like a van to drive
The Caravelle scores no points in the style stakes, but it's an appealingly no-nonsense proposition.
The high seating position gives excellent all-round vision, and with the blunt-edged square-shaped body, it's simple to judge where each corner is (parking sensors are a useful option, too). Although the driving position is comfortable, it does feel more like a van/truck than a passenger car, however; it's not the nippiest of things, and the high seat does make you feel rather remote from the action.
Despite the power steering, it is on the heavy, lumbering side to manoeuvre compared to, say, the Sharan or other such smaller MPVs. A sports car it ain't. But as hassle-free family motoring, happy holidaying and transport en masse goes, it's entirely pleasant and user-friendly. Taking everyone to the seaside for the weekend, over the Channel for a booze cruise or just for use as a dual-purpose living/working vehicle, it rewards in many ways.
The 130bhp and 174bhp diesel engines tested so far are strong, willing and more than adequate for pulling this huge heavy vehicle along. The 130bhp model may be less than inspiring with a full load on board, however, though it feels quicker than its official 0-60mph time of 15.3 seconds suggests.
Both versions cruise easily on the motorway, and have plenty of mid-range torque (pulling power) for steaming up steep hills and for overtaking.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Volkswagen Caravelle
wrote on 29 08 2006