Volkswagen Caravelle: history, main models, reviews
Content
Volkswagen Caravelle is a modest minivan with a rich history. For 50 years, he has gone from a simple van to a stylish, comfortable, functional and roomy car.
Volkswagen Caravelle history
Volkswagen Caravelle (VC) for half a century of its history has evolved from a simple van into a stylish car for work and leisure.
VC Т2 (1967–1979)
The Volkswagen Transporter T1 is considered the forerunner of the VC, which, despite its simplicity and modesty, has become a kind of symbol of its era. The first VC was a nine-seat minibus with a gasoline engine ranging from 1,6 to 2,0 liters and with a power of 47 to 70 hp. With.
For their time, these were well-equipped cars with good handling and reliable brakes, which had a very attractive appearance. However, they consumed a lot of fuel, had a rigid suspension, and the body was highly susceptible to corrosion.
VC Т3 (1979–1990)
In the new version, the VC became more angular and rigid and was a four-door nine-seater minibus.
They were equipped with gasoline engines with a volume of 1,6 to 2,1 liters and a power of 50 to 112 liters. With. and two types of diesel engines (1,6 and 1,7 liters and 50 and 70 hp). The new model was distinguished by a modern interior with wide possibilities of transformation, carrying capacity and spaciousness. Nevertheless, there were problems with the susceptibility of the body to corrosion and poor sound insulation.
VC Т4 (1991–2003)
In the third generation, the Volkswagen Caravelle began to acquire modern features. To accommodate a V6 engine under the hood (previously V4 and V5 were installed), the nose was lengthened in 1996.
Engines installed on cars:
- gasoline (volume 2,5–2,8 liters and power 110–240 hp);
- diesel (with a volume of 1,9–2,5 liters and a power of 60–150 hp).
At the same time, the car remained a four-door nine-seater minibus. However, driving performance was noticeably improved, and repairs became easier. The manufacturer offered many different modifications of the VC T4, so everyone could choose a car according to their taste and needs. Among the shortcomings, high fuel consumption and low ground clearance should be noted.
VC Т5 (2003–2015)
In the fourth generation, not only the appearance has changed, but also the internal equipment of the car. The exterior of the VC T5 has become more similar to the Volkswagen Transporter - it was made in strict accordance with the corporate identity of Volkswagen. However, the cabin was more focused on the transport of passengers rather than cargo. It accommodated six passengers (five in the back and one next to the driver).
However, if necessary, the number of seats could be increased to nine. It was possible to get into the salon through a side sliding door.
The same engines were installed on the VC T5 as on the Volkswagen Transporter T5: gasoline and diesel units with power from 85 to 204 hp. With.
VC T6 (since 2015)
In the latest version of the Volkswagen Caravelle to date, it began to look as stylish as possible: clear and timely smooth lines, concise appearance and recognizable "Volkswagen" features. The salon has become more ergonomic, and the possibility of its transformation has increased. The car can accommodate from four people with solid luggage up to nine people with light hand luggage. The VC T6 is produced in two versions: standard and with a long base.
VC T6 differs from its predecessors in the number and quality of new options that make travel as comfortable as possible. This:
- climate control;
- high-quality audio system;
- hill start assistance system;
- safety systems ABS, ESP, etc.
In Russia, the car is available in two versions with a 150 and 204 hp petrol engine. With.
2017 Volkswagen Caravelle
VC 2017 successfully combines features of versatility and individuality. The possibilities of transforming the cabin make it possible to use it both for the transport of passengers and quite voluminous cargo. The seats in the cabin can be rearranged as you like.
The car is available in two versions - with a standard and extended by 40 cm base.
The salon looks expensive and prestigious. The seats are trimmed with natural leather, the decorative panels are covered with piano lacquer, and the floor is carpeted material that can be replaced with more practical plastic. In addition, a climate control system and an additional heater are provided.
Among the technical innovations and useful options, it is worth noting:
- all-wheel drive technology 4MOTION;
- DSG gearbox;
- adaptive chassis DCC;
- electric rear lift door;
- full LED headlights;
- heated front seats;
- electrically heated windshield.
In addition, the VC 2017 has a whole team of electronic driver assistants - from a parking attendant to an automatic light switch at night and an electronic voice amplifier.
The new generation VC is available with diesel and petrol engines. The diesel line is represented by two-liter turbocharged units with a capacity of 102, 120 and 140 hp. With. At the same time, they are quite economical - a full tank (80 l) is enough for 1300 km. Two gasoline engines with direct injection and turbocharging have a capacity of 150 and 204 hp. With.
Video: Volkswagen Caravelle at the auto show in Brussels
Volkswagen Caravelle 2017 can be purchased in four versions:
- Highline (from 3,1 million rubles from official dealers);
- Trendline (from 2,2 million rubles);
- Comfortline (from 2,3 million rubles);
- Edition (from 2,5 million rubles).
Engine choice: petrol or diesel
The buyer of any car, including the Volkswagen Caravelle, faces the problem of choosing the type of engine. Historically, in Russia they trust gasoline units more, but modern diesel engines are in no way inferior to them, and sometimes even surpass them.
Among the advantages of diesel engines are the following:
- savings (a diesel engine consumes an average of 15–20% less fuel than a gasoline engine);
- ecology (diesel engines comply with the latest European environmental standards);
- durability (diesels are distinguished by a strong and rigid cylinder-piston group, and the fuel itself partly acts as a lubricant).
Of the shortcomings of such units, it is worth noting:
- noise (decided by installing better sound insulation);
- possible malfunctions in winter (on the VC 2017, a coolant heater is installed for this).
The advantages of gasoline engines include:
- with the same volume show more power;
- start well in the cold season;
- make less noise.
Traditional cons of gasoline units:
- consume more fuel;
- are less environmentally friendly;
- have a lower operating life.
Experts believe that the choice of engine should be determined by the purpose of buying a car. If you need dynamics and power, you should buy a car with a gasoline unit. If the car is purchased for quiet trips, and there is a desire to save on repairs and maintenance, then the choice should be made in favor of a diesel engine. And the final decision should be made after a test drive of both options.
Video: test drive Volkswagen Caravelle 2017
Owner reviews Volkswagen Caravelle
For the past 30 years, the Volkswagen Caravelle has been one of the most popular cars of its class in Europe. Car owners note that the car is roomy, comfortable, rarely breaks down and honestly works out its value. The main drawback was and remains the suspension.
In 2010, the four of us went to the sea (my wife and I, and father and mother) to Adler, removed the back row and put a spring mattress from the bed (climbed tightly), removed the folding chair on the 2nd row (to move freely around the cabin) - and on the way, along the way they changed with their father (tired, lay down on the mattress). Behind the wheel as at the helm: you sit like in an armchair; practically not tired from the trip.
So far I haven't experienced any problems and I don't think there will be any. Everything that I wanted to see in a car is present in this: German restraint, comfort, reliability.
Mikrik was purchased by me in 2013, Imported from Germany with a mileage of 52000 km. Bush, in principle, satisfied. One and a half years of operation, in addition to consumables, changed only the left thrust bearing. As they drove, the CV joints crunched, so they crunch now, but sooner or later they will need to be changed, and they are sold only with axle shafts. How much they cost, I think the owners know about this. Noise in the clutch, but it is in almost all t5jp, I don’t know what it is connected with until I figure it out. There was a noise on a cold engine, when heated it disappears. Ride quality, in principle, satisfied.
Multifunctionality, reliability, dynamics and comfort - these qualities fully characterize the Volkswagen Caravelle, which has been one of the most popular cars in its class in Europe for the past 30 years.
