The new-generation Caravelle is finally on sale in South Africa.
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.
