| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Caravelle majors on roominess and a fairly luxurious specification. Build quality is good but this is a big, boxy vehicle thats looks too much like the van it is based on. |
| Handling |
|
| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
 |
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| Best Models |
| 2.5 TDI 172bhp |
| Worst Models |
| 1.9 TDI 104bhp |
|
| Road Test |
| The main problem with Caravelle is that few buyers other than private hire and courier firms actually need a people carrier that's this big. Quite obviously it's model is based on a van (the VW Transporter to be precise), although Volkswagen have made a very good job the translation. It drives surprisingly well thanks to a range of powerful and economical turbodiesel engines. So despite looking like a van, Caravelle does not drive like one. The steering is very direct and it corners confidently. Drivers have an excellent position and benefit from well laid out controls and good all-round vision. Passengers appreciate the high quality finish and comprehensive standard specification. And there's so much interior space that they don't feel cramped, while safety is assured by the numerous airbags and other features. Ultimately, Caravelle is an expensive solution to a problem that purpose-built people carriers have solved successfully for less money. |
| Positive Points |
- Lots of space for passengers and luggage
- Drives well for a big vehicle
- Well built
|
| Negative Points |
- Expensive for what it is
- Obviously van-based
- Limited appeal for private buyers
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