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Volkswagen introduced the T5 range of commercial vehicles and the people mover derivatives as long ago as 2004, but the long-lived Caravelle model has been nowhere to be seen.

Now the importer has addressed that, reviving the Caravelle name for eight and nine-seat people movers based on the T5 commercials, effectively replacing the T5 Kombi.

The Caravelle name is an old one in the Volkswagen lexicon, harking back to the water-cooled, rear-wheel drive T3 generation in the early-to-mid 1980s.

Volkswagen sees the T5 Caravelle as a lower-cost, higher-capacity alternative to the Multivan. The Caravelle will be available in six variants. Three of those are powered by a 96kW 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel. Of these three, two are short-wheelbase variants with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The third is an auto-only long-wheelbase model.

A 128kW version of the same engine powers the other three variants, which are a short-wheelbase auto, a long-wheelbase auto and a short-wheelbase manual with all-wheel drive.

The 96kW engine develops 340Nm of torque between 2000 and 2300rpm and the 128kW engine produces peak torque of 400Nm in the same range of engine speeds. 

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ABS, traction control, ESP stability control and an electronic differential lock.

Comfort and convenience features comprise remote control central locking, power front windows and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

The short-wheelbase model (3000mm) seats eight and the long-wheelbase model (3400mm) seats nine. In the case of the former, the first-row seating consists of a driver's bucket and two-seat bench, the second-row seating is a two-passenger bench and the third-row seats three.

The long-wheelbase model features four rows of seats, with two buckets up front, two bench seats, each with space for two and a fourth-row bench capable of seating three.

Options for the Caravelle include side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags (LWB models only), alarm, 17-inch alloy wheels and 235/55 tyres, a sunroof, satellite navigation, six-disc CD audio system and remotely operable dual power sliding doors.

Prices are:

Caravelle 96kW SWB manual  $50,490
Caravelle 96kW SWB auto  $52,990
Caravelle 96kW LWB auto  $54,990
Caravelle 128kW SWB auto  $55,490
Caravelle 128kW SWB 4Motion $56,490
Caravelle 128kW LWB Auto $57,490

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