Caravelle stands test of time

CARAVELLE: SMOOTH RIDER HAS STOOD TEST OF TIME

VW’s T6.1 is a car you definitely have to drive.

We’ve all read stories that boldly proclaim “10 cars you have to drive before you die”.

While these will always include exotic sports cars, headed by some unique Ferrari, my personal list contains something less glamorous, yet much closer to home. A Volkswagen bus.

Most people would have had some exposure to Volkswagen’s T-series, which is still standing strong despite entering its 71st year in production this year.

The current the T6 has been around since 2012. Effectively, since the T6 is largely based on the T5, it’s really 18 years old – and yet it’s standing is as strong as it’s ever been.

Aside from the Transporter and Kombi, the T-series has largely been all about the Caravelle and with the unveiling of the facelift T6.1 last year, the most opulent model has taken a further leap upmarket, not only through a new face, but a series of features, many who rode in T3s would have dreamed about.

Slimmed down to a single model, the Caravelle, like the rest of the T6.1 range, benefits from a new front bumper and headlights, a redesigned bonnet and LED headlights, tweaked LED tail lights and in the case of our tester, diamond-turned 17inch Posada alloy wheels.

In keeping with the Kombi heritage, excluding the optional two-tone Candy White/Copper Bronze Metallic paint finish at R33 300, the only way to experience the “Kombi story” was to take it on a road trip.

Unsurprisingly, the Caravelle is all about its interior and once you open the doors, or indeed the dual sliding electric side doors via the key fob or a single tug on the handle, what lies inside simply blows your mind.

Providing seating for seven in a 2-2-3 configuration, the main drawing card is the central console between the two captain’s chairs in the middle, which at the push of a button and then a twist, becomes a table.

While the third row can only be folded forward, the second, being on runners, can be adjusted individually and even swivelled to create a lounge.

What’s more, the Caravelle is awash with storage spaces, the most prominent being two drawers below the middle row, three at the base of the second row, a smaller cubby integrated into the table console and two trays on the dashboard.

Adding to the hands-free approach, the boot can be opened via the fob or electric tailgate.

Up front, its driving position feels akin to that of a forward control truck, but the electric and heated captain’s chairs can be adjusted to suit one’s taste.

“Commanding” is perhaps the best description looking through the window while surrounded by tech in the form of the 10.25-inch Active Info Display instrument cluster, easy-to-use 9.2-inch Discover Media infotainment system with satellite navigation and a wireless smartphone charger.

The interior is not without its faults – it has varying degrees of plastic quality, ranging from softtouch and premium to cheap.

The most impressive aspect is how the Caravelle drives.

Despite standing close to two metres high and weighing 2 357kg, it feels, dare I say it, nimble, and the steering is unexpectedly sharp for a vehicle of this kind.

Refinement, even on the terrible Free State roads, is nothing short of astonishing, with the cabin sealed off from road and engine noise.

Speaking of the engine, the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel is a phenomenon.

Delivering 146kW/450Nm to all four corners via a seven-speed DSG, it reacts with such verve and keeps on pulling after a small bit of initial lag that you forget you are driving a 2.3ton bus.

Aside from the same XDS electronic differential as the Golf GTI, the Caravelle also features the Dynamic Chassis Control system with five modes.

Staying to true to its roots, the Caravelle felt at ease on the open roads with a soft ride likely to result in a few sleeping eyes.

In spite of the condition of the roads, and even one stretch of gravel, the T6.1 stood up well with the addition of the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system adding to the sure-footed feel.

Combined with the slick DSG, it returned an impressive indicated combined of 8.1l/100km after seven days and 794km.

As much as it is an icon and one of the best storytellers the automotive world has heard, the Caravelle’s biggest problem is likely to be its price.

While a lot less than its comparative rival, the R1 554 204 Mercedes-Benz V300d, the R1 166 600 sticker before options is likely to leave many speechless and exclaiming, “R1-million! For a Kombi?”