- Frugal TDI 340 engine
- Versatile seating
- Quiet interior by class standards
- High standard of interior finishes
- Suspension lacks compliance when unladen
- Steering is vague around centre
- DSG sometimes hesitant when accelerating from rest and jerky on downshifts
- AdBlue refill required every 7,000 km
Overview
Released in Australia in December 2015, the Volkswagen T6 Caravelle is a nine-seat people mover with sliding doors on both sides. Manufactured in Hanover, Germany, the front-wheel drive Volkswagen T6 Caravelle is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that is mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Volkswagen’s Direct Shift Gearbox or DSG).
EA288: TDI 340 engine
The T6 Caravelle is powered by a Volkswagen EA288 turbo-diesel engine which has a closed-deck grey cast iron block, forged crankshaft with four counterweights supported by five bearings, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts driven by a toothed belt, single turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, variable intake camshaft adjustment over a range of 50 degrees relative to the crankshaft, four valves per cylinder, Bosch common-rail injection at a pressure of up to 2000 bar, and a compression ratio of 16.5:1.
To minimise fuel consumption, the TDI 340 engine has a Start/Stop system which enables it to shut down when the Caravelle was stationary in traffic.
For emissions compliance, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converter is fitted which can spray a urea solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust gases to convert nitrogen oxide (NOx) to nitrogen and water. The AdBlue solution is stored in a 13 litre tank that is estimated to require refilling after 7,000 kilometres.
| Variant | Edition | W/b | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDI 340 | Trendline | LWB | 2.0-litre turbo diesel I4 | 7sp DCT | 103 kW at 3500 rpm | 340 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
Dimensions and interior
Compared to the long wheelbase Volkswagen T5 Caravelle , the T6 Caravelle is 14 mm longer (at 5304 mm), the same width (1904 mm, excluding mirrors), 20 mm taller (1990 mm) and has the same 3400 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the T6 Caravelle has nine seats in a 2-2-2-3 configuration. All bench seats are removable without tools and the seatbacks can be folded down onto the seat cushions.
Suspension and steering
The Volkswagen T6 Caravelle has MacPherson strut front suspension with transverse links and an anti-roll bar that are attached to an auxiliary frame which, in turn, is bolted to the bodywork via vibration-reduction bearings. Furthermore, the T6 Caravelle has an independent rear axle with semi-trailing arms, separate springs and shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. For the T6 Caravelle, the load-sensitive shock absorbers varied damping forces according to the extent of the spring’s compression.
The Volkswagen T6 Caravelle has servo-assisted rack and pinion power steering with a 15.8:1 ratio, resulting in 3.3 turns from lock to lock. Furthermore, the T6 Caravelle has a turning circle of 13.2 metres.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T6 Caravelle includes front airbags, side/head airbags for front occupants, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and limiters.
As standard, the T6 Caravelle is fitted with:
- Multi-collision brake (MCB): multi-collision brake is activated when two independent sensors detect that a collision has occurred and the driver does not respond. Multi-collision brake applies the brakes to achieve controlled deceleration to a speed of 10 km/h to minimise the risk of the vehicle being involved in secondary collisions; and,
- Driver Alert (Fatigue Detection System): operates at speeds above 65 km/h and monitors driver inputs such as steering behaviour for signs of fatigue. If detected, an audible and visual alert is issued which recommends that the driver take a break.
Brakes
The Volkswagen T6 Caravelle has 340 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 294 mm ventilated rear disc brakes.
Features: Caravelle Trendline
Standard features for the Volkswagen T6 Caravelle Trendline include 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65 R16 C106/104T tyres, Volkswagen’s ‘Composition Colour’ audio system with four speakers, a five-inch colour touch screen, CD player (MP3/WMA compatible), SD card slot, auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system, ‘Kutamo’ cloth seat covering, cruise control, halogen headlights, daytime running lights, a rear fog light, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, remote central locking, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, a 12 volt socket in the passenger compartment, trip computer and an immobiliser.
As standard, the T6 Caravelle is fitted with an electronic differential lock (EDL) which can apply the brakes to one of the front wheels to prevent wheelspin and reduce understeer.
Specifications
