VW Caravelle

If you have a lot of people to move around, and you want to do it in comfort and style, consider a VW Caravelle. Based on the Transporter T6.1, the newest model of Caravelle is a spacious, luxurious van that’s as much at home as a hotel shuttle or business vehicle as it is as a family car. At Swiss Vans, we’d be delighted to help you find your perfect Caravelle.

Seating

With seven seats as standard and an eighth as optional, the Caravelle is available with a short wheelbase (SWB) or a long wheelbase (LWB), although the Executive trim (more on this later) is only available as an SWB. While there’s no difference in the standard number of seats between the SWB and LWB, the LWB version does have extra space behind the final row of seats for luggage, your pets, optional extra seating, or whatever you’d like to take with you on your family (or business!) adventures.

The basic seating arrangement and provisions are ample for seven adults, with two in the front, two behind, and then a bench-style seat for three more passengers. The seats in the middle row swivel to face the bench, and there’s a flip up table (with storage) in between them. It’s even possible to remove the (admittedly quite heavy) second and third rows of seats altogether should you ever need the spacious Caravelle to have even more space. There are also options to change the bench for two individual seats and/or to put another two seats behind the third row in the LWB model. So many choices!

The Mechanical Bits

New VW Caravelles are fitted with Volkswagen’s TDI turbocharged diesel engine in either 150hp or 204hp. The transmission is VW’s automatic, 7-speed DSG gearbox, and the van is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or Volkswagen’s 4Motion four-wheel drive (4WD) depending on which engine and spec level you choose. While it does drive more like a van than a car or a people-carrying SUV, it handles easily thanks in part to its new electromechanical power steering system.

Inside

The 2021 Caravelle also benefits from an interior redesign with an updated dashboard, and this helps to make the driving experience a little more special than you might expect. The driver’s seat is high and comfortable; rather like a captain’s chair in its styling. With plenty of visibility through the Caravelle’s large windows, you might find that you rather enjoy your time at the helm.

The dashboard is packed with useful features including VW’s latest infotainment system. This of course has a large touchscreen display and is compatible with Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto. There are a few niggles with the new system — for example, there’s no volume knob for the stereo — but there are plenty of workarounds via the apps.

The cab has a decent number of storage nooks and compartments as does the main body of the van, with extra storage (underneath the third-row bench, for example) available as an add-on.

The T6.1 Caravelles are much quieter than their predecessors, and it’s possible make them, or at least their cabins, a little quieter still with an optional laminate coating on the front side windows. This has a double-glazing effect so will help to keep out a bit more road and engine noise. And on the subject of windows, the rear side windows come fitted with retractable blinds as standard. You might need that great infotainment system to drown out the sound of your passengers snoring happily.

Trims

If you’re wondering what toys and trim levels you can expect with the Caravelle, probably the first thing to bear in mind is that this is a very well-appointed van. It’s far more plush than VW’s basic people carrier, the nine-seater Transporter Shuttle, and is definitely sold as the more up-market (and expensive) option. It’s available in the VW Caravelle SE and the VW Caravel Executive, the Executive being the more feature-packed model. For more info on the precise difference between the two, please click on our “VW Caravelle SE & Executive” tab.

Dimensions

Mechanics and interiors aside, it’s important to remember that this is a van. If size is going to be an issue for you, it would be worth bearing the length difference between the two different wheelbase variants in mind. And while the LWB Caravelle definitely provides additional and useful space, it’s also probably a little bit too long for a standard parking space.

As the Caravelle is based on the Transporter, VW’s medium van, the exterior lengths are the same as on the SWB and LWB Transporters: 4892mm for the SWB and 5292mm for the LWB. In terms of height, you’re looking at 1950-1990mm as the range.

A Great, Stylish, Practical Van

All in all, the Caravelle is an excellent choice for those needing to get people (and some things too) comfortably from place to place. At Swiss Vans, we can offer a competitive VW Caravelle lease or excellent, low-rate VW Caravelle finance, so give us a call if you’re interested, and our friendly and ever-helpful sales team will gladly talk you through the options and possibilities. We’ll get you on the road as soon as we can!