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Volkswagen Caravelle T5, facelift 2009 2.0 TDI BMT (140 Hp) DSG
Overall Rating
7.6 / 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 340 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.3 l/100km). With a weight of 1954 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.7 s). The top speed reaches 172 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 BMT (140 Hp) DSG Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate power for daily use, but acceleration remains unhurried, typical for a van.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel efficiency thanks to BlueMotion Technology, making it economical for long runs.
Best Use Case:
Economical long-distance travel, mixed driving, family transport.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 92%
Neutral: 0%
Issues: 8%
4.7 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 12 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
If the maintenance was done, I’ve seen multiple of these cars with 250K miles
👍 POSITIVE
This has the 2.5 and is a bigger version of the Jetta with the same power train and is considered very reliable. Most common gotcha is the vacuum pump leak which is not a bad repair. Other trouble spots just tend to be annoying like door lock actuators. If the wire loom in the trunk is like the Jetta it can start to fray.
People who bag on VW aren’t to be listened to. Still get an inspection
👍 POSITIVE
These are actually pretty reliable. That 2.5 is known to go hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. I had one, nice engine. The transmission isn't an issue if you maintain them as well.
The electronics probably won't be as reliable as a Corolla or something of the same era, but these ride and drive really nice.
👍 POSITIVE
I’d send it. Volkswagens are damn good vehicles if they’re maintained. Don’t listen to the Toyota D*ck riders. Toyota and Honda’s quality and reliability have been on the decline
👍 POSITIVE
It’s a shame they stopped making the Passat. Best midsize sedan imo. They feel really luxurious for the price. If this is the 5 cylinder then it’s pretty solid.
👍 POSITIVE
Delete the vacuum pump and it's damn near a Toyota
I had a Rabbit with this engine and it was once of the most reliable cars I've ever owned
👍 POSITIVE
The 2.5 is bulletproof with scheduled maintenance (change your oil early, or on time!). There is even a growing interest in built 2.5s. They dont do that with just any engine. Push the car through all the gears. Get it out on the freeway and use the throttle to move through the entire usable rev range. Ig they won't let you drive the car at all working speeds, dont buy it. Paying a mechanic for a
👎 NEGATIVE
My 2012 2.5L hit 150k miles last month and then the electronics shit the bed after that. What I initially thought was a dead battery has turned into a month plus long adventure of my mechanic replacing the starter, removing the Bluetooth assembly, and replacing the steering column module and the car still won’t start by turning the key. The engine still runs great and could reach 250-350k miles ea
👍 POSITIVE
The 2.5 is an excellent engine, I sell tons of vws with it and have seen them personally with 300k+ on the original engines, electrical issues aren’t really that common, I’ve personally found American cars (and bmws) to be worse than any vw ive ever had
👍 POSITIVE
If that’s all OEM this will be the greatest buy of your life
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, facelift 2009) Long: 2011 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T5, facelift 2009 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TDI BMT (140 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 4-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Start & Stop System |
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.1 Hp/l [400mm less] |
| Torque: | 340 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA189 / CCHA More details about the engine EA189 / CCHA |
| 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: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 172 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14 kg/Hp, 71.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 174 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1954 |
| Max. weight: | 3000-3200 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 1046-1246 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 5800 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: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 14° |
| Wading depth: | 300 mm |
| Length: | 4892 mm mm [400mm less] |
| Width: | 1904 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1970-1990 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3000 mm mm [400mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2283 mm |
| Front overhang: | 896 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 186-201 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 | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | DSG |
| 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; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Caravelle rank in your book?