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Volkswagen Caravelle T5, facelift 2009 2.0 TDI (102 Hp)
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)
T5, facelift 2009 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T5, facelift 2009). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.5 l/100km). At around 2007 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.9 s). The top speed reaches 157 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.0 TDI (102 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for urban driving and light loads, but struggles on highways and with heavier loads.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy, making it a cost-effective option for less demanding use.
Best Use Case:
Urban commuting, light passenger transport, short trips.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 64%
Neutral: 0%
Issues: 36%
3.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 14 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
I’ve owned a Golf Mk7 for about five years now, and it’s been pretty solid overall. Regular maintenance is key, once you stay on top of oil changes and timing belt intervals, it runs great. The 1.4 TSI engine has been reliable for me and still feels punchy for daily driving. Interior quality and comfort are excellent for the price too. I’d just avoid the older DSG transmissions or early TSI engine
👎 NEGATIVE
Mk6 1.6tdi golf, great going car even though it had a hard life with my wife who didnt look after it all bar me getting it serviced regulary-done 185,000 miles with no issues until gearbox calved -wasnt worth me getting fixed so sold on to a breaker/mechanic whos putting it back on the road with a salvaged gearbox
👍 POSITIVE
Best car I ever owned. They just built too good of a car. Remember when ALL the car manufacturers were being exposed for fudging EPA numbers right after??? Yeah… I do.
👍 POSITIVE
My Audis and VWs have been amongst the most reliable, least problematic, best built, and easiest to maintain vehicles I’ve owned.
👎 NEGATIVE
They are designed with drivability as priority one , then serviceability and reliability.
The EurOpeAnS tAKe care of thEIr carS AmeriCanS ARe StupID trope is parroted frequently but the reality is VW has many more plastic components (leaky water pumps)and over engineers the simplest things like cup holders (mk8 gti/golf for example ).
Replacing water pumps , pcv/oil separators , coil packs and C
👍 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
👍 POSITIVE
I've owned 3 beetles (real ones) 3 jettas 2 audis. I try to only buy in the VWAG.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior, ideal for families or business
- • Wide range of capable and efficient diesel engines, especially BMT variants
- • Comfortable ride quality, well-suited for long journeys
- • Strong resale value due to high demand
- • Available 4MOTION all-wheel drive enhances capability in varied conditions
- • Robust build quality and practical design
Cons:
- • High purchase price, especially for well-equipped models
- • Some petrol engines are thirsty, leading to higher running costs
- • Older models can suffer from rust issues if not properly maintained
- • DSG gearbox can have reliability concerns if not serviced diligently
- • Entry-level engines are underpowered for a vehicle of this size and weight
- • Interior design, while functional, can feel dated compared to newer rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T5) Long: 2003 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T5, facelift 2009 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TDI (102 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 4-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Particulate filter |
| Power: | 102 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.8 Hp/l [398mm less] |
| Torque: | 250 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA189 / CAAB More details about the engine EA189 / CAAB |
| Engine displacement: | 1968 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 16.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 157 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 18.7 kg/Hp, 53.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.6 kg/Nm, 131.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1907-2108 |
| Max. weight: | 3000-3200 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 1092-1093 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 5800 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14° |
| Wading depth: | 300 mm |
| Length: | 4892 mm mm [398mm less] |
| Width: | 1904 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1970-1990 mm mm [11mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3000 mm mm [400mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2283 mm |
| Front overhang: | 896 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 165 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 21° |
| Departure angle: | 17° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 308x29.5 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 294x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Does the Volkswagen Caravelle live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!