VS
At a Glance
Power
180 kW
125 kW
Torque
350 Nm
390 Nm
Fuel
1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 co
8.0 l/100km
Towing
1570 Kg
2800 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.2 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Volkswagen Caravelle and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Volkswagen Caravelle delivers 180 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Caravelle returns 1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 combined + 15.9 kWh/100 km l/100km while the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 794 000 for the Caravelle and R1 102 800 for the Transporter. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
180 kW
125 kW
Torque
350 Nm
390 Nm
0-100 kph
8.2 s
—
Top Speed
190 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 co
8.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 litre + 19.7 kWh l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
77 combined g/km
209 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4973 mm
5050 mm
Width
1941 mm
2032 mm
Height
1907 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3124 mm
3100 mm
Ground Clearance
161 mm
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2230 Kg
1912 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
7
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1570 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
650 l
1313 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
3
Warranty Distance
120000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
120000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Caravelle
Fuel Economy
Caravelle
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Volkswagen Caravelle
More powerful engine (180 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 combined + 15.9 kWh/100 km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Transporter
Lower starting price (R1 102 800)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 180 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Caravelle or Transporter?
The Caravelle uses 1.9 when hybrid battery charged / 8.1 combined + 15.9 kWh/100 km l/100km and the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Caravelle is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Caravelle or Transporter?
The Caravelle produces 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. The Caravelle is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Caravelle and Transporter?
The Caravelle starts from R1 794 000 and the Transporter from R1 102 800. The Transporter is cheaper by R691 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Caravelle or Transporter?
The Caravelle has a braked towing capacity of 1570 Kg and the Transporter can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Caravelle or the Transporter?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.