VS
Volkswagen Transporter
C/bus 2.0tdi LWB A/T 4motion 125kw (8 Seat)
From R1 147 800
★ Our Pick
View Full Specs →At a Glance
Power
75kW@3500
125 kW
Torque
250Nm@1900
390 Nm
Fuel
9.88
8.5 l/100km
Towing
1885
2800 Kg
0-100 km/h
18.1
—
Engine
2461
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 75kW@3500 while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Caravelle returns 9.88 while the Transporter uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R306 360 for the Caravelle and R1 147 800 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
75kW@3500
125 kW
Torque
250Nm@1900
390 Nm
0-100 kph
18.1
—
Top Speed
165
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2461
1996 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
inline
Cylinders
5
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
8
Drive Wheels
FRONT
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.88
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
16.99
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.33
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
70 l
CO2 Emissions
—
223 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4789
5450 mm
Width
1840
2032 mm
Height
1940
1978 mm
Wheelbase
2920
3500 mm
Ground Clearance
180
164 mm
Kerb Weight
1885
2051 Kg
Doors
4
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
8
8
Load Volume
—
6800 with rear seats removed l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1885
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1174 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
1
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
Optional
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
2
Warranty Distance
120000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3
Service Plan Distance
—
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Transporter
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Transporter
Fuel Economy
Transporter
Value
Caravelle
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Volkswagen Caravelle
Lower starting price (R306 360)
Higher fuel consumption (9.88)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Transporter
Better fuel economy (8.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Caravelle or Transporter?
The Caravelle uses 9.88 and the Transporter uses 8.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Transporter 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 75kW@3500 and 250Nm@1900 of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Caravelle and Transporter?
The Caravelle starts from R306 360 and the Transporter from R1 147 800. The Caravelle is cheaper by R841 440 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 1885 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.