VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE 2,0 BITDI HIGHLINE 4MOTION DSG

WHAT better way to put a family vehicle to the test than a six-day holiday trip of 3 000 km? The rear bench’s sliding system made it easy to free up the extra boot space needed and I pointed the Caravelle’s nose towards the South Coast. The lounge arrangements of seats meant my wife could attend to the kids by reading them stories and using the table for colouring-in exercises.

Near the start of the trip, we explored Addo Elephant National Park where the vehicle’s height and generous glazing meant game was easily spotted and it was special to have a family picnic in the rear while watching elephants walk by.

Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast was the next destination and “wild” also refers to the condition of the roads. The Caravelle not only had to be light on its feet to avoid potholes, but pigs, cows and dogs, too. This was all worthwhile as one of nature’s crown jewels – the spectacular Hole in the Wall – made the journey worthwhile.

In a previous report, I mentioned the 4Motion AWD system is not suited to rough stuff, but I was impressed the following day when, much to the surprise of some hard-core 4x4 owners, we drove down a steep grassy slope to Mapuzi River Mouth. After a day in the sun, the VW had no trouble scrambling up the hill to return to base camp.

The last 1 000 km took us over the snow-covered Barkly Pass where the kids played in the white stuff for the first time.

The average consumption was 9,3 L/100 km and the only criticism of the Caravelle was that, due to its mass, large frontal area and only 132 kw, overtaking into the wind at motorway speeds required a bit of planning. Otherwise, it’s the ultimate family vehicle bar none.