New Volkswagen Caravelle is better than you think
Volkswagen Commercial recently refreshed their entire range of Kombi and Caravelle offerings. This article focuses on the latter as the Caravelle makes for the ideal road trip cruiser that is also big on premium luxury.
With the Mercedes-Benz V-Class dominating the luxury people mover segment Volkswagen aims to encroach on that market with the new Caravelle. It’s latest model features a bend of luxury, technology, and safety that is sure to grab the attention of those who want a vehicle within this segment but that don’t necessarily have that Mercedes-Benz budget.
Standard features of the Highline include; 17-inch Woodstock black diamond-turned alloy wheels, electrically adjustable, heated and folding exterior mirrors, digital cockpit, ‘Discover Pro’ with 10.25-inch touch screen, Wireless App-Connect and USB, Crosswind Assist, Side Assist (blind spot monitoring), centre table and Trailer Assist with Park Distance Control in front and rear and a rear view camera. Optional features include the cooler box with additional battery and Adaptive Chassis Control.
Other niceties include a 10.25-inch digital cockpit which is fitted as standard in the Caravelle Highline. The graphics of the high-contrast display have a clear, high-quality look and the driver can choose between different screen configurations which is done via the ‘View’ button on the multifunction steering wheel. We particularly like the electronically controlled side doors as well as the fact that the second row of seats (two captain chairs) can rotate, the central table and the rear bench make for a moving lounge-like feel. It is great for business travel or holiday as the rear passengers can better interact, play games, or eat their ‘Padkos’ on the way to the coast.
The Caravelle is also big on safety thanks to an eclectic mix of standard safety items such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Assist for 4MOTION all-wheel drive models such as out Caravelle.
That’s right, the Caravelle is offered with 4MOTION which mean that you can venture off the beaten track to that secluded holiday destination. It also provides added confidence on the road, no matter the weather.
The Caravelle is powered by the most powerful engine in the line-up. It’s a 2.0-litre BiTurbo unit that develops an impressive 146kW, which is supplied as standard in combination with 7-speed DSG. The TDI delivers its highest power output between 3 800 and 4 000 rpm. The engine develops its very high maximum torque of 450Nm between 1 400 and 2 400 rpm.
Verdict
Overall the current facelifted Transporter range consists of the Pick Up (Single and Double cab), Panel Van, Crew Bus, Kombi, Caravelle, and California. All of which should be on your list when shopping in this segment. The Caravelle offers much the same in terms of usable space and comfort as that in the V Class yet it is somewhat less expensive.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Volkswagen Caravelle cost in South Africa?
The new Volkswagen Caravelle Highline starts from around R899,000 in South Africa, which positions it as a premium alternative to the more expensive Mercedes-Benz V-Class that typically costs over R1.2 million.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Caravelle worth buying over the Mercedes V-Class?
The Caravelle offers excellent value at R300,000 less than the V-Class, giving you 90% of the luxury and features for significantly less money, making it the smarter choice for most South African families.
Q: How many people can the Volkswagen Caravelle seat?
The Caravelle comfortably seats up to 7 passengers with its flexible seating configuration that includes two rotating captain's chairs in the second row and a rear bench seat.
Q: What engine does the new Volkswagen Caravelle use?
The Caravelle is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engine producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission for smooth highway cruising.
Q: Does the Volkswagen Caravelle have good safety features?
Yes, the Caravelle comes loaded with safety tech including Electronic Stability Control, Crosswind Assist, Side Assist blind spot monitoring, Hill Start Assist, and Automatic Post-Collision Braking as standard equipment.
Should You Buy It?
The best luxury people mover under R1 million in South Africa is definitely the new Volkswagen Caravelle Highline. At R899,000, it delivers premium features like rotating captain's chairs, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, electrically controlled sliding doors, and comprehensive safety tech that would cost you R300,000 more in a Mercedes V-Class. The Caravelle is perfect for large families who want to travel in comfort without breaking the bank, offering genuine luxury van credentials at a price that won't require you to sell a kidney. If you need to move 7 people in style and comfort on South African roads, this VW is your answer.
