Due in Australia soon, the new Caravelle offers both private and corporate customers a true European luxury MPV to transport seven occupants and their luggage in comfort and style.

In fact luxury MPVs comprise one of Europe’s fastest-growing market segments so it’s no surprise Volkswagen’s all-new T5 lineup compares favourably with the very best… well, more than favourably actually - the T5 was named Europe’s ‘Van Of The Year’ 2004.

Australian Caravelle customers can choose from two different specification levels – ‘Comfortline’ and ‘Highline’.

The Caravelle Range offers the choice of 2 engines: 128 kW TDi engine or a V6 173 kW petrol engine

Standard transmission choice is manual or automatic – both six-speed.

In terms of specifications, Highline models gain leather seats, front fog lights, satellite navigation system, electric sunroof and digital video in car entertainment system.

What really sets the Volkswagen Caravelle apart in the MPV segment is the versatility of the interior configuration provided by the four slide rails that mount the rear seats to the floor. The centre row individual seats, and the rear bench seat can be secured in almost any desired position in the cabin allowing an astonishing spectrum of potential interior use.

The centre row features two individual seats which can be swivelled to be rear-facing when parked.

Caravelle even comes with an ingenious central folding table for rear seat passengers that has its own rails and can be folded into a variety of sizes. Under the table’s revolving top are two flat drawers for maps and books plus fixtures for drink bottles and other storage bins.

The seats in their most-forward position creates an extremely generous cargo holding space capacity and all models come with a standard net partition between the luggage and passenger compartments. The flat cargo area has six integrated lashing eyelets to keep cargo secure.

Naturally comfort, convenience and safety are Caravelle’s strong points.

Standard features include ‘Climatronic’ 3-zone air-conditioning that allows driver, front seat passenger and rear-seat passengers to set their own temperatures. The Climatronic system independently regulates the temperature, distribution of air and the amount of air dispensed to achieve the individually set climate regardless of ambient influences such as the sun or other weather conditions.

Additionally an air quality sensor controls the air brought-in from outside, automatically switching to circulation mode if the concentration of pollutants exceeds a defined value.

The digital video display (DVD) is standard in Highline models and optional in Comfortline versions. Caravelle’s standard sound system is a 6-stacker CD/Radio with 8 speakers.

In addition to Caravelle’s comprehensive airbag system, an innovative head restraint system has been developed.

Tests have shown that headrests are often set too low so that in the event of a collision they are pushed back into their lowest position leading to over-extension of the cervical muscle and the much-feared whiplash syndrome. Volkswagen engineers have developed a system that in the event of a collision the headrests are automatically pushed upwards.

Volkswagen Group Australia’s General Manager of Commercial Vehicles, Mr Phil Clark, is anticipating strong demand for the all-new Caravelle lineup.

Used in Europe for VIP airport/office/intercity transfers, the Caravelle Business provides amenities such as sumptuous leather seats, high-grade interior carpets, an innovative folding table, big-screen DVD entertainment and a level of spacious luxury not currently available with other comparable vehicles.

It is the perfect vehicle for 5-star hotels, business executive transfers or even families seeking extra luxury in their MPV.

And of course, the Caravelle Business delivers a very handy 563kg payload – essential luggage space for both business and private customers.

Standard features include, well everything you can get really – 3.2-litre, 173kW V6 engine, ABS brakes, electronic differential lock, ASR traction control and engine drag torque control (EDTC), electronic stabilization program with brake assist (ESP), Climatronic 3-zone air-conditioning, electric sunroof and electrically operated sliding doors and separate seats with adjustable arm rests for six people.