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Volkswagen Caravelle T6 2.0 TDI (150 Hp)
Overall Rating
8.1 / 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)
T6 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T6). With 340 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.95 l/100km). At around 2049 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.9 s). The top speed reaches 182 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year
2013
Adult Occupant
79%
Stars
4
Expert Note:
The T6 Caravelle, sharing its platform with the Transporter, achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating in 2013, demonstrating solid adult occupant protection for its class, though testing standards have evolved since.
The T6 Caravelle, sharing its platform with the Transporter, achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating in 2013, demonstrating solid adult occupant protection for its class, though testing standards have evolved since.
2.0 TDI (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong all-rounder, offering a good balance of power and responsiveness for a manual transmission van, capable in most scenarios.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for regular use and longer journeys.
Best Use Case:
General purpose family use, long commutes, or for drivers who prefer the engagement of a manual transmission.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 45%
Neutral: 55%
Issues: 0%
3.9 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 11 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
Yes probably the most reliable car I’ve had,if you look after it it will look after you
👍 POSITIVE
Look for 2016+ if you’re in USA. It’s probably the most reliable car you can get, short of the thermostat unit. For those in the know, it’s one of the best cars ever made too!
😐 NEUTRAL
if you have never had a Volkswagen, get ready to do prevent preventative maintenance. obviously oil changes, but transmission, transmission fluid changes, brake fluid flush, and the like.
If you properly care for Volkswagen, it will be very good to you
👍 POSITIVE
We have not one but 2. Both around 160,000 miles. All original. Sunroof issues were a pain in the ass with zero direction from 3 separate dealerships acting like we were crazy. I think VW wanted the warranty to expire before admitting they screwed up on the Panoramic Roofs... But beyond that. Excellent. Most versatile yet tough vehicle you can get in the USA in my opinion. Both of ours are diesel
👍 POSITIVE
I have one and it is still going strong. Apart from one costly cam belt change and the vents and speaker seals going, letting rain water in. (Easily fixed) Had no other issues.
😐 NEUTRAL
Get a 2014 it’s the last year they put the 2.5 in it.
😐 NEUTRAL
As long as it doesn't have the 7-speed dry dual clutch gearbox it should be reliable.
👍 POSITIVE
I’ve been driving a ‘19 1.6tdi, white, a spec up from the photo but near identical.
I came from a Tesla Model S as I needed a car with a manual box for my kids to learn how to drive.
I love this Golf, just ticks all the boxes, so economical, smooth and solidly built.
😐 NEUTRAL
It's awesome for the first 100,000 miles. Many very expensive things will need to be done around that time, but once you're past all that it's an awesome car again.
😐 NEUTRAL
My 2015 is at 206k, the turbo/throttle has progressively gotten worse. At this point it’s not worth the cost but 206k is great value in my opinion.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Highly versatile and spacious interior with flexible seating configurations
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient TDI and TSI engines available
- • Optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive enhances capability in adverse conditions
- • High build quality and premium feel for a van
- • Strong resale value and robust reputation
Cons:
- • High purchase price, especially for higher-spec models
- • Some petrol engines can be quite thirsty, impacting running costs
- • Large size can make urban parking and maneuvering challenging
- • Potential for higher maintenance costs on complex engines and DSG transmissions
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T5, facelift 2009) Long: 2012 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T6 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2015 |
| End of production: | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 4-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Start & Stop System |
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 3250-3750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 76.2 Hp/l [388mm less] |
| Torque: | 340 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA288 / CXFA, CXHA More details about the engine EA288 / CXFA, CXHA |
| 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: | 7.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 15.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.2-8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.3-6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 6-7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 7.2-8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 5.3-6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6-7.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 182 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12 kg/Hp, 83.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 189.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1793-2305 |
| Max. weight: | 3080-3200 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 895-1287 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 5800 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| AdBlue tank: | 13 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 13.7° |
| Length: | 4904 mm mm [388mm less] |
| Width: | 1904 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1970-1990 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3000 mm mm [400mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2297 mm |
| Front overhang: | 908 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 993 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 193-201 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 21.2° |
| Departure angle: | 16.2° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| 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 | 205/65 R16; 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17; 215/65 R17; 235/55 R17; 255/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 8J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Volkswagen Caravelle!