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Volkswagen Caravelle (T4, facelift 1996) Long 2.8 VR6 (140 Hp) Automatic
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 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1860 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
2.8 VR6 (140 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong, refined performance for a van, making it feel more car-like. The VR6 engine is smooth and powerful.
Fuel Economy
The least fuel-efficient option, particularly with the automatic gearbox. High running costs due to petrol consumption.
Best Use Case:
Highway / Enthusiast / 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): | 2.8 VR6 (140 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 6-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.1 Hp/l [134mm more] |
| Torque: | 240 Nm @ 3000-3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA360 / AES More details about the engine EA360 / AES |
| Engine displacement: | 2792 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | VR-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.6 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 17.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.3 kg/Hp, 75.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 129 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1860 |
| Max. weight: | 2730 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 870 |
| 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 of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| 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 |
What’s the best feature of the Volkswagen Caravelle? Tell us in the comments!