Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0 TDI Executive 2020 UK first drive

Don’t worry if you’ve just had to do a double take. Yes, you are still reading Autocar, and yes, we are reviewing a van. 

But before you think we’ve gone completely off the rails, let us do some explaining. You see, at its core, the Volkswagen Caravelle may be based on the Transporter T6 van platform, but look beneath the slab-sided bodywork and it quickly becomes apparent that it's far more than just a commercial vehicle with seats and windows. 

Indeed, the Volkswagen Caravelle’s mission, ever since it was introduced alongside the third-generation Transporter, has been to combine the material and dynamic refinements of a passenger car with a level of practicality that goes far beyond what is available from a seven-seat SUV, and this new T6.1 model continues that tradition. 

So, in addition to a number of exterior tweaks that include a larger front grille, revised LED lights and a range of new colours, inside you’ll find a heavily revised dashboard, a digital instrument cluster and plethora of new assistance and safety systems.

Under the bodywork, there’s also an all-new electromechanical power steering set-up (allowing Volkswagen to fit crosswind assistance as standard) and a couple of revised 2.0-litre TDI engines.

The changes Volkswagen has made are surprisingly effective. Climb up and into the Caravelle’s high-set cabin and automatically you expect to be surrounded by a decidedly commercial-looking environment, but instead you’re greeted by a luxurious leather multifunction steering wheel (borrowed from the new Mk8 Golf), a plethora of solid feeling materials and a huge 9.2in touchscreen (a smaller 8.0in system is also available).

The latter not only helps to give the cabin a slicker look, but the way it works seamlessly with Volkswagen's fantastic digital dials (optional on SE trim and standard on Executive) is impressive. 

Sitting up front isn’t necessarily the best seat in the house, however. As standard, the middle row is made up of two captain's chairs that can pivot around to face the three-seat third-row bench (perfect for on-the-go business meetings), while there’s a multifunction table between the two middle seats that can move in multiple orientations. And of course, because the Caravelle is based on a van, all the seats can be removed, leaving you with a load bay that makes the BMW X7’s boot look pokey.