Volkswagen Caravelle and its modifications, test drives and crash test of the 6 T2016 model
Content
- Birth and transformation of the Caravel
- The latest generation "Volkswagen Caravelle" T6 2015
- Photo gallery: interior and exterior of the Volkswagen Caravelle T6
- Video: review and short test drive on the highway VW Caravelle T6
- Video: a brief overview of the interior and urban test drive "Volkswagen Caravel" T6
- Video: driving a Volkswagen Caravelle in the forest off-road
- Video: the real pros and cons of the new VW Caravelle, overnight in the cabin
- Video: comparison of the new Caravelle and Multivan from Volkswagen
- Video: Euro NCAP Volkswagen T5 crash test
- Owner feedback
Passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs "Volkswagen" are actively bought up by motorists. No less popular among entrepreneurs and businessmen are cargo, cargo-passenger and passenger minibuses, as well as minivans. One of them is a passenger minibus of the Volkswagen Caravelle brand, which has been produced for several decades.
Birth and transformation of the Caravel
The legendary brand has been leading its biography since 1990. This year the first generation passenger minibus was produced. This minivan is a passenger analogue of the cargo Volkswagen Transporter. The first "Volkswagen Caravelle" (T4) was front-wheel drive, the engine was located under a small hood in front. At that time, most cars of this class began to be assembled this way.
Previous versions of the Transporters (T1-T3) had a rear-wheel drive and a rear-mounted air-heated engine. The body design did not stand out in any way, corresponding to the tastes and preferences of that time. The salon is traditionally comfortable, made of quality materials. In this form, the Caravelle T4 was produced until 2003, having survived a restyling in 1997.
The date of birth of the second generation Volkswagen Caravelle (T5) is April 2003. Modernization plunged: optics, interior and exterior. The line of power units was modernized and supplemented. There were complete sets with a 4-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, as well as dual-zone Climatronic air conditioning. The car was produced in elongated and shortened versions, with different wheelbases. The difference in body length and wheelbase was 40 cm. Nine passengers could be transported in a long Caravel.
In parallel, customers were offered a business version of a minibus, with increased interior comfort. In stock:
- wireless internet (Wi-Fi);
- mobile communication for two phones;
- TV, CD - player, remote fax, VCR.
The cabin also had a bar and a fridge, even a trash can. By the way, Caravel-Business is a great success among Russian entrepreneurs.
The latest generation "Volkswagen Caravelle" T6 2015
The creators took a new modular platform as the basis for the Caravelle T6. The appearance has not undergone significant changes - Volkswagen is conservative in this regard. The optical system has taken on a different shape, bumpers and exterior panels have only slightly changed. The rear door has become single-leaf. Greater attention has been paid to the interior, with the aim of making it even more comfortable.
Salon-transformer allows you to vary the number of passenger seats from 5 to 9. At the same time, the body of a 9-seater car is extended by 400 mm. The main difference from the Multivan is that the body of the Caravel is equipped with two sliding doors for convenient boarding and disembarking of passengers. The outer side seats recline, making it easier to access the rear row of seats. The salon can be transformed to a passenger-and-freight one - the backs of the two rear rows recline, which allows you to transport long loads without removing the seats. There is another innovation - the rear row of seats can be completely folded and pushed forward. At the same time, the volume of the trunk increases by 2 cubic meters. m.
Photo gallery: interior and exterior of the Volkswagen Caravelle T6
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- Caravel T6 can easily be converted into a cargo van by quickly removing all the seats
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- Door and rear LED lights VW T6 received a new design
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- For convenience, in the Volkswagen T6, the gearbox rocker is shifted to the steering column.
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- In the new Caravelle, you can configure the output of information from the on-board computer
Volkswagen Caravelle T6 is equipped with a large family of gasoline and diesel engines. These include atmospheric and turbocharged 2-liter engines with different capacities. Gasoline injectors are capable of developing 150 and 200 horsepower. Diesels have a wider variety - 102, 140 and 180 horses. Transmission - mechanical or robotic DSG. Available front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of minibuses.
Video: review and short test drive on the highway VW Caravelle T6
Video: a brief overview of the interior and urban test drive "Volkswagen Caravel" T6
Video: driving a Volkswagen Caravelle in the forest off-road
Video: the real pros and cons of the new VW Caravelle, overnight in the cabin
Video: comparison of the new Caravelle and Multivan from Volkswagen
Video: Euro NCAP Volkswagen T5 crash test
Owner feedback
Many motorists note both the positive aspects of the new Caravelle and the shortcomings. How many people, so many opinions - everyone sees comfort in their own way.
Pros: Roomy interior. Eight seats, each of which is comfortable and convenient. If necessary, the seats can be folded or removed. Like the high seating position and excellent visibility. Climate control works fine. Noise isolation is not perfect, but at the same time acceptable. Gear changes very quickly. The suspension of the car is strong and knocked down. The road goes smoothly.
Disadvantages: in the cabin there is catastrophically little space for small things. The glove box is microscopic. Yes, and open niches do not really save. Also, I don't have enough cup holders. There are also no cavities in the trunk (in which you could put tools and small things). I had to buy an organizer and install it under the rear seat (I didn’t find another way out).
Advantages after 6 months of ownership: high, the interior transforms perfectly, good suspension, no roll, stable behavior on the road, taxiing like a passenger car, manual transmission operation, availability of spare parts. Disadvantages: after 80 km / h it accelerates very slowly, when overtaking you need to be more careful, at a run of 2500 km there was a knock in the front suspension, an uncomfortable driver's seat.
The overall feeling — the car is great, I like everything. Really high, captain's seat behind the wheel. Each chair is equipped with armrests and has a very comfortable profile. A 2-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 140 horsepower, in conjunction with a robotic gearbox, gives the car good dynamic performance. The suspension feels firm and resilient. I was surprised by the small number of pockets and compartments for small things. The glove compartment is more for show than for practical needs. Any organizer in the trunk is a must-buy, as it does not have additional compartments.
For all its merits, the latest version of the Volkswagen Caravelle minibus could not receive only positive reviews. Many owners blame some inconvenience in the cabin. For those who want even more comfort, it makes sense to look at the more expensive Multiuvan. All in all, a great choice for a large family.
