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Volkswagen Caravelle T3 1.6 TD (70 Hp) Manual 4-speed
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Caravelle:
Volkswagen Caravelle is the nameplate of a van based on the Volkswagen Transporter. For information about the Caravelle, refer to the regular Transporter articles:....(Read more on Wikipedia)
T3 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T3). With 138 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1580 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 127 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Volkswagen Caravelle T3 was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997, and therefore has no official rating. Safety standards of the era were significantly different from modern vehicles.
1.6 TD (70 Hp) Manual 4-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A good turbo-diesel engine providing decent torque, but the 4-speed manual limits its efficiency and comfort at higher speeds.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a diesel, but the 4-speed gearbox means higher RPMs on the highway, impacting efficiency and noise.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
5 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 1 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior, ideal for families or camping conversions.
- • Iconic design with strong classic appeal and growing collector's value.
- • Good visibility and maneuverability for its size.
- • Syncro AWD models offer excellent off-road and all-weather capability.
- • Robust build quality, many examples still on the road.
Cons:
- • Engines can feel underpowered by modern standards, especially smaller diesels.
- • Fuel economy is not a strong point for petrol models, particularly the 2.1L.
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating).
- • Maintenance can be complex and parts for specific components (e.g., Wasserboxer cooling) can be costly.
- • Rust is a common issue, requiring careful inspection for older models.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T3: 1983 - 1985).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T3 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 TD (70 Hp) Manual 4-speed |
| Start of production: | 1984 |
| End of production: | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 7-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 70 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 44.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 138 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | JX More details about the engine JX |
| Engine displacement: | 1588 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 16 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 23:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 127 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 22.4 kg/Hp, 44.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.3 kg/Nm, 88.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1565-1595 |
| Max. weight: | 2360-2600 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 795-1005 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2930 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1700 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 600 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 50 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4600 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1845 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1950 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2460 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1583 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1570 mm |
| Front overhang: | 1175 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 965 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 190 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Climb angle: | 18° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/80 R14; 205/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
What’s the best feature of the Volkswagen Caravelle? Tell us in the comments!