All-new Volkswagen Caravelle arriving soon with R1.8m price tag, hybrid power
The new-generation Caravelle is finally on sale in South Africa.
Image: Supplied
The Volkswagen Caravelle nameplate has long been synonymous with luxury family transport. Although the Mercedes V-Class appears to have stolen some of its thunder in recent years, VW’s flagship van is now back for a slice of the action.
The new T7 Multivan Caravelle is essentially the seventh generation of Volkswagen’s storied van lineup, although for the first time ever, there has been a split in the range. While the more luxurious Multivan models migrate to Volkswagen’s own MQB platform, the more work-oriented Transporter variants are now built by Ford, sharing the Transit’s architecture and running gear.
It also marks the first time that hybrid power is being offered in a ‘Volksiebus’, with the new T7 Caravelle being powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that pairs a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 180kW and 350Nm. It pairs with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
This is the only drivetrain offered to South Africans, and there is just one trim level too, with the Caravelle model hitting the market at R1,794,000. Pre-orders are now open ahead of its imminent local launch.
The interior has been thoroughly modernised and digitised.
Image: Supplied
Interestingly, Volkswagen SA’s supplied images imply that it is the pre-facelift model being offered to local consumers, as an updated version was recently announced in Germany with a host of exterior and interior upgrades.
The cabin of the T7 Caravelle features seven individual seats mounted on a flexible sliding rail system, allowing owners to configure the passenger compartment to suit a variety of needs or desires. Practicality is further enhanced by a multifunction table that can be adapted for work, dining or relaxation.
Features include a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless App-Connect, a 30-colour ambient lighting system, electric operation for the sliding doors and tailgate, and a three-zone climate control system with separate controls for the rear passenger compartment.
Safety and assistance features come in the form of LED matrix headlights, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, Park Assist, and Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring.
The Volkswagen T7 Multivan Caravelle is sold with a three-year or 120,000km warranty and a five-year or 100,000km maintenance plan.
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