Volkswagen Caravelle T5, facelift 2009 2.0 TSI (204 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion 3.6 / 5

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 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1969 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 TSI (204 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Very strong performance with impressive acceleration for a van, offering a dynamic driving experience.

Fuel Economy

High fuel consumption, typical for a powerful petrol engine in this class.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, spirited driving, urban use where power is a priority.

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 63% Neutral: 6% Issues: 31%
rating
3.6 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 16 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
Our 2016 TDI Touareg is the best car we have ever owned. Rock solid.
👍 POSITIVE
Mk7 2014 golf 11 years after and 130k miles 0 issues
👍 POSITIVE
2002 golf manual everything. I miss that car.
😐 NEUTRAL
Manual 2007 Rabbit with the 2.5 engine.  
👎 NEGATIVE
ID.4, by far. That said, EVs are a cheat code for reliability. Go from like 2,000 moving parts in the drivetrain down to 20. My MK4 Beetle turbo and Jetta were plagued with electrical gremlins. MK5 GTI had injectors fail at low mileage and had the FSI cam follower issues. They were fun cars though.
👍 POSITIVE
Anything with an ABA and a manual will outlast the cock-a-roaches.
👍 POSITIVE
1969 Karman Ghia god I miss her
👍 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
👍 POSITIVE
I've had a mk7.5 Golf for the last 6 years with no issues.
👍 POSITIVE
2105 e-golf. One problem with the A/C motor, otherwise nothing for eleven years.


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: 2009 - 2015).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Caravelle
Generation:T5, facelift 2009
Modification (Engine):2.0 TSI (204 Hp)
Start of production:2011
End of production:2015
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Van
Seats:4-9
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:204 Hp @ 4200-6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:102.8 Hp/l [400mm less]
Torque:350 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EA888 / CJKA More details about the engine EA888 / CJKA
Engine displacement:1984
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:82.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:92.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):9.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):13 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.8 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.5 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.7 kg/Hp, 103.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.6 kg/Nm, 177.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1969
Max. weight:3000-3200
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:1031-1231
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs, 340x32.5 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 294x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size215/60 R17; 235/55 R17; 255/45 R18
Wheel rims size7J x 17; 8J x 18
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Caravelle. How does it handle on the road?