Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Caravelle Startline

Base-level Startline makes MPV a more realistic choice for many

The popularity of Volkswagen’s latest ‘Camper’ is proved by the manufacturing milestone it has just reached. A staggering one million T5 models – the range that includes the Caravelle – have been sold since its introduction in 2003.

With a following like that, there can be little doubt the big VW’s talents run deep. However, your pockets require a similar depth to get one on your driveway. The cheapest SE version will set you back £29,195, while flagship models wear an uncomfortable £35,690 price tag. Go for the five-star campsite-ready California and you can spend up to £40,680!

Advertisement - Article continues below

To bring the Caravelle back to basics, VW has introduced the entry-level Startline from £23,955. That’s a saving of more than £5,000 over the SE, but still £4,125 more than its Hyundai i800 rival…

There’s no doubt the VW wins the first battle of campsite chic. The shape of the popular Caravelle is sharp and classy, but don’t be fooled by the smart alloy wheels on our test car – steel rims are fitted as standard. We’re also not too keen on the Startline decals.

Climb into the driver’s seat, and you will feel instantly at home. In a cabin designed primarily as a functional workspace for the Caravelle’s commercial cousins, every control is perfectly placed. There’s a solid, high-quality feel to all the switchgear, while the seats offer unbeatable long-distance comfort. In comparison, the Hyundai’s dash looks like it’s from the class below.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Passat

2018 Volkswagen

Passat

52,384 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £14,300
View Passat
Fiesta

2023 Ford

Fiesta

22,138 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,500
View Fiesta
e-Niro

2022 Kia

e-Niro

30,919 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,400
View e-Niro
Corsa

2023 Vauxhall

Corsa

41,061 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £9,600
View Corsa

Further back, though, the VW has plenty of bare metal, a cheap-looking rooflining and a very utilitarian feel. In the case of the rugged rubber floor that’s no bad thing, but it seems at odds with the classy dash.

Slide open the single side door – more costly variants have one on each side – and you’ll find bags of space. The two second row seats are just as comfortable as those in the front, and swivel for any family picnics that are rained off – there’s even a standard removable table!

The sliding third row offers room for three, taking the total number of seats to seven. That’s one less than the i800, but sufficient for most buyers.

Where the Startline struggles is getting off the start line! Part of the model’s cost cutting involves fitting a 101bhp 1.9-litre diesel engine instead of the usual 128bhp unit. Pulling away without stalling is challenging enough, while low-speed acceleration is sluggish at best.

Where the Caravelle makes up some ground is with its more accurate controls. Its steering is more direct than the i800’s, leading to confident cornering. Yet the ride isn’t as smooth as we’d like, and it bounces at motorway speeds. VW has taken the cost out of the Caravelle, but has it removed too much of the character as well?

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: New Startline version offers plenty of space, but can it match the Korean contender in terms of value for money?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,800
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,697
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025