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Volkswagen Caravelle (T4, facelift 1996) Long 2.5 (115 Hp) Syncro
Overall Rating
7.5 / 10
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)
(T4, facelift 1996) Long Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle ((T4, facelift 1996) Long). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1920 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 162 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
2.5 (115 Hp) Syncro Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers enhanced traction with the Syncro all-wheel-drive system, ideal for challenging conditions. Performance is slightly dulled by the added weight.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption due to the Syncro system's added weight and drivetrain losses. Less economical than 2WD variants.
Best Use Case:
Off-road / Winter Driving / Camper Conversion
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 50%
Neutral: 0%
Issues: 50%
3 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 4 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
The JD power reviews and bullshit and bought out
VW's are reliable. Their 2.0T engines are nearly bullet proof. Granted they have been having issues with their tiguans but overall great cars!
👍 POSITIVE
Yes. I had a 2013 Jetta S, put 160k on it with zero issues and nothing but basic maintenance and traded it in for a new Jetta.
👎 NEGATIVE
A lot of people conflate cost of maintenance with reliability. The people bashing brands like VW, Audi, and BMW will turn around and praise Porsches for being reliable. Yes, Porsches are reliable, but maintenance costs are high.
Being reliable means that the car won't break down on you unexpectedly. Unless you're buying a VW that is well known to fail (for example, 1st and 2nd gen EA888 engines),
👎 NEGATIVE
I’m at 105k miles and had to replace two emissions systems valves ($1800) and the 21’s have shit brakes. I’ve spent more money on brakes and rotors than anything. Almost never have to change them on a Yota or a Honda. Facts
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional versatility and spacious interior for passengers or cargo.
- • Robust and reliable build quality, leading to long lifespan.
- • Wide range of engine options, including efficient TDI diesels.
- • Good ride comfort for a van, especially in Caravelle trim.
- • Strong aftermarket support and community.
Cons:
- • Older petrol engines can be very thirsty.
- • Some lower-powered diesel engines feel underpowered when fully loaded.
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating).
- • Rust can be an issue on older, neglected models.
- • Interior plastics can feel dated compared to modern vehicles.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Long: 1993 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | (T4, facelift 1996) Long |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 (115 Hp) Syncro |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 6-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 46.7 Hp/l [134mm more] |
| Torque: | 200 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AET, APL, AVT More details about the engine AET, APL, AVT |
| Engine displacement: | 2461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 16.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Maximum speed: | 162 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.7 kg/Hp, 59.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.6 kg/Nm, 104.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1920 |
| Max. weight: | 2780 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 860 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6300 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Wading depth: | 350 mm |
| Length: | 5189 mm mm [134mm more] |
| Width: | 1840 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1940 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3320 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2175 mm |
| Front track: | 1589 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Front overhang: | 968 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 901 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 180 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Caravelle. How does it handle on the road?