Long-term test review: Volkswagen Caravelle - pictures

We borrowed a VW Caravelle for a week away to see if it's the ultimate in family holiday transportation. 

The Caravelle feels very car-like on the road, thanks in part to the interior which is very similar to some of VW's passenger cars. 

The Caravelle is available with anything from six to nine seats. Ours was a mid-range Executive model with seven seats. The front and middle-row passengers could slide and swivel their chairs until their heart's content, while the rear

Seven-speed DSG gearbox gives smooth and slick changes from the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine. 

The big rear bench easily accommodates three child seats abreast. 

There's no disguising the VW's boxy shape, but smart alloys and tinted windows help the Caravelle stand out. 

While you can cram loads of stuff into the massive 775-litre boot, the enormous tailgate can be tricky to open in tight spaces. 

Three-zone climate control, combined with tinted rear windows and roller blinds contribute to keeping all passengers in the Caravelle cool. 

The 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine produces 148bhp and returned 35.4mpg while we were using it.