- Economical 2.5- and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines
- Spacious interior: eight or nine seat arrangements
- Comfortable driver’s seat, though limited lateral support
- Suspension lacks compliance when unladen
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Brake pedal feel lacks progressive feel
- Limited reach adjustment for steering wheel
- Limited cargo space
- Side airbags optional
Review: Volkswagen T5.I Caravelle (2008-10)
Overview
Released in March 2008, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Caravelle was a large people mover, available in standard and long wheelbase models that had eight and nine seats, respectively. Manufactured in Hanover, Germany, the VW T5.I Caravelle was powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine – available with 96 kW and 128 kW outputs – mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Although most variants were front wheel drive, a standard wheelbase model was available with Volkswagen’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system (and solely available with a manual transmission).
2.5 TDI engine
The Volkswagen Caravelle’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder diesel engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, Bosch Pumpe Düse direct injection, a die-forged steel crankshaft, a variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler, a single overhead camshaft (gear-driven), two valves per cylinder, hydraulic bucket tappets, a compression ratio of 18.0:1 and a diesel particulate filter.
Dimensions
The standard wheelbase VW Caravelle was 4890 mm long, 1904 mm wide (excluding mirrors), 1970 mm tall and had a 3000 mm long wheelbase. The long wheelbase Caravelle, however, had a 3400 mm long wheelbase and a total length of 5290 mm.
For access to its interior, the T5 Caravelle had sliding doors on both sides of its body.
Suspension
The Volkswagen Caravelle had MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas-filled dampers, and independent rear suspension with trailing arms, coil springs and an anti-roll bar.
| Variant | W/b | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 TDI | SWB | FWD | 2.5-litre BNZ turbo-diesel I5 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
96 kW at 3500 rpm | 340 Nm at 2000-2300 rpm |
| FWD | 2.5-litre BPC turbo-diesel I5 | 6sp auto | 128 kW at 3500 rpm | 400 Nm at 2000-2300 rpm | ||
| 4Motion | 2.5-litre BPC turbo-diesel I5 | 6sp man. | ||||
| LWB | FWD | 2.5-litre BNZ turbo-diesel I5 | 6sp auto | 96 kW at 3500 rpm | 340 Nm at 2000-2300 rpm | |
| FWD | 2.5-litre BPC turbo-diesel I5 | 6sp auto | 128 kW at 3500 rpm | 400 Nm at 2000-2300 rpm |
4Motion all-wheel drive system
The 4Motion system for the Volkswagen Catavelle utilised a second generation Haldex limited slip coupling with a mechanical hydraulic pump. In ordinary conditions, the system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, the coupling would engage all-wheel drive and begin to transfer torque to the rear axle with one-quarter of a wheel’s rotation.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VW T5 Caravelle included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control (with trailer stabilization), traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Volkswagen Caravelle had 308 mm by 29.5 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 294 mm by 21.9 mm solid rear disc brakes.
Features
Standard features for the Volkswagen T5 Caravelle included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility and CD player, multi-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rear fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
As standard, the T5 Caravelle was also fitted with an electronic differential lock.
Related links
Review: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle (2010-15)
Overview
Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Caravelle introduced a simplified range that consisted solely of the nine-seat, long wheelbase 2.0 TDI variant. The 2.0 TDI was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s DSG). In 2011, the 2.0 TDI variants were renamed TDI340.
Visually, the VW T5.II Caravelle could be identified by its new headlights, bonnet, grille, bumper, door mirrors and tail-lights. Inside, there was a new dashboard, steering wheel, climate controls, audio panel and trim.
| Variant | Years | W/b | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI | 2010-11 | LWB | 2.0-litre CCHA turbo-diesel I4 | 7sp DCT | 103 kW at 3500 rpm | 340 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| TDI340 | 2011-15 |
Safety equipment
Compared to its T5.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the VW T5.II Caravelle was unchanged.
Features
For the Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle, standard features were revised with a four speaker sound system (previously eight) with auxiliary inputs and dual-zone climate control air conditioning fitted as standard.
Brochures
- Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (December 2012)
- Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (March 2014)
- Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (August 2014)
Related links
- Specifications: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (September 2012)
- Specifications: Volkswagen T5.II Caravelle and Multivan (March 2014)
- Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Caravelle
- Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen T5 Transporter
