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Volkswagen Caravelle (T5, facelift 2009) Long 2.0 TDI (180 Hp)
Overall Rating
7.7 / 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) Long Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle ((T5, facelift 2009) Long). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). At around 2170 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.4 s). The top speed reaches 191 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 (180 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent power and torque, making the Caravelle feel capable and responsive for all types of driving and loads. A strong workhorse.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel efficiency for its power output, making it a practical and economical choice for high-demand use.
Best Use Case:
Long-distance travel, frequent highway use, or carrying heavy loads, for those who prefer a manual gearbox and strong performance.
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 highly versatile interior, ideal for large families or shuttle services.
- • Comfortable ride quality for a van, suitable for long journeys.
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful TDI (diesel) engines.
- • Strong resale value and robust build quality.
- • Available 4MOTION all-wheel drive enhances capability in varied conditions.
Cons:
- • Can be expensive, especially for higher trims and optional extras.
- • Large dimensions make city parking and maneuvering challenging.
- • Some diesel engines, particularly early DPF systems, can have reliability concerns.
- • Petrol variants have significantly higher fuel consumption.
- • Basic models can feel underpowered for a vehicle of this size.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T5) Long: 2003 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | (T5, facelift 2009) Long |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TDI (180 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: | 180 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 91.5 Hp/l [2mm more] |
| Torque: | 400 Nm @ 1500-2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA189 / CFCA More details about the engine EA189 / CFCA |
| Engine displacement: | 1968 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | BiTurbo, 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: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 6.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 191 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 194.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2053-2288 |
| Max. weight: | 3000-3200 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 912-947 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6700 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5292 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Width: | 1904 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1990 mm mm [31mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2283 mm |
| Front overhang: | 896 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 165 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.2 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 | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 340x32.5 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 | 235/55 R17; 255/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 8J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Volkswagen Caravelle!