An old nameplate, which is a favourite for many families, the Volkswagen Caravelle, has returned to Australia. This exciting new model will be complementing the trendy Caddy Life and the popular Multivan in the Volkswagen people mover range offering seating arrangements for up to nine people. Style, space, flexibility and a versatile seating configuration makes it the ideal vehicle for large families and premium limousine services.

The Caravelle is being reintroduced to the market after its long people mover tradition which first started in Australia in 1991. After it was briefly taken off the market in 2004, the Caravelle now is available again for Australian customers.

Two diesel engines are available in the Caravelle. The entry-level engine is a 2.5 litre 5-cylinder engine delivering 96 kW of power and 340 Nm of torque. Its more powerful "brother" develops 128 kW and 400 Nm also from a 2.5 litre displacement. These turbocharged five-cylinder engines have impressive performance and are fitted with diesel particle filters as standard. Each model is fitted with either six speed manual or automatic tiptronic gearbox. The short wheelbase 128 kW manual version comes with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive making it the ideal vehicle for most road and weather conditions. The Caravelle short wheelbase is available at a starting price of $50,490 (RRP) with the long wheelbase version starting at $54,990 (RRP).

In addition, electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) is fitted as standard and integrated features such as trailer stabilisation, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic differential lock (EDL), traction control system (TCS) and engine braking control (EBC) all meet the latest standards.

Visually, the Caravelle corresponds to the exclusive image of the Multivan as a people mover. As such, the bumpers, door handles and exterior mirrors are all in body colour. The double headlights and the traffic indicators with their white lens are also adapted to this multi utility vehicle. The standard Caravelle equipment includes remote control central locking, power front windows and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

The Caravelle has high-quality interior appointments and the superior equipment for transporting people in style. The driver has a comfort seat as standard with height and lumbar adjustment. Both driver and front passenger are protected by front airbags. The Caravelle is available with a short wheelbase of 3,000 mm or a long wheelbase of 3,400 mm. The short wheelbase comes as an 8-seater as standard and is equipped with a driver comfort seat and a front passenger two-seater bench seat, a two-seater bench seat with Australian designed child anchor points for child safety seats in the second row and a 3-seater bench in the third row. On the long wheelbase version, the nine seats are divided into four rows – a driver and a front passenger comfort seat, a two-seater bench seat with child anchor points in the second row, a two-seater bench seat in the third row and a 3-seater bench in the fourth row. The complete vehicle floor plan of the full size vehicle is carpeted. The entire interior has a distinctly homely, high class feel through the use of quality moulded trims.

Optional highlights on the Caravelle include front seat side and curtain airbags (only on long wheelbase), an alarm with back-up horn, 17" alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres, an electric sunroof, a satellite navigation system with 6 CD changer and dual power sliding doors with remote operation.

Pricing (RRP)