Volkswagen Problems

The VW Caravelle can seat nine passengers.

Currently, both Caravelle models sold new in Australia (Trendline and Comfortline) are front-wheel-drive layout. However, a 4x4 model has been available overseas.

Both the Trendline and Comfortline model Caravelles sold new in Australia by Volkswagen are powered by diesel engines.

Caravelles sold new in Australia are claimed to be 1990mm tall.

Volkswagen sell their Crafter commercial vans and tray-back utes in front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and 4x4 formats. With over 50 possible models available there is a dizzying range of Crafters available, in short-wheelbase, medium-wheelbase, and long-wheelbase formats, able to carry up to 4500kg in 4x4 (4MOTION guise).

Close all doors, then turn the ignition to position 1. Press the System Selection button repeatedly until the Trip Meter is shown in the multi-function display. Then press the System Selection button repeatedly until the kilometre reading is shown in the multi-function display. Hold the Accept Phone Call button on the steering wheel and, within one second, hold the OK button, keeping both down for 5 seconds. Press the Scroll Forward button to highlight ASSSYST PLUS, then FULL SERVICE, confirming by pressing the OK button. Press the OK button, then repeatedly press the Back button to exit the menu. Switch the ignition off, then on again to confirm the light has been reset.

You’ve pretty much covered the field there, so it should come down to what you want from your car. Do you want comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, offroad capability, cabin space? If you are mostly driving on the highway, then a diesel SUV is probably the best bet. I would rule out a dual-cab ute because of comfort, unless you need the flexibility a ute gives you. I would rule out a hybrid, they’re not at their most efficient on the highway; they’re better suited to town use. Based on your annual mileage I wouldn’t keep the car any more than 3-4 years, that way you’ll have a decent resale value when you get out of it.

Volkswagen hasn't provided official fuel consumption figures for the 2018-spec Crafter as there are 59 variants available, and they will have wildly different fuel efficiency. The medium-wheelbase van will surely be much more frugal than the long-wheelbase high-roof model with extended rear overhang, or the heavy duty 4x4 light truck version! Still, Tim Robson saw an average of 10.2-litres per-100km on his short drive around Auckland at the Crafter launch this year.

Single-cab Crafters sold in Australia are available with three seats in the front, while dual-cab variants can seat up to seven passengers.