The 1.9TDI can accelerate to a claimed top speed of 159km/h, while the 96kW Kombi tops out at 168km/h, with the key feature being the TDI engines' remarkable ability for high-speed cruising at low engine speeds. With the maximum torque available at a low 2000rpm, the Kombi engines can comfortably cruise at 120km/h or more without the need to change gears often.

The 1.9TDI returns a claimed overall consumption of 7.7 litres per 100km, while the 96kW is 7.8 litres per 100km.

Ergonomics is one of the biggest areas of improvement on the T4. The gear lever is now easy to reach in an elevated position that forms part of an extended dashboard area, giving more comfort to the driver. If anything, more space has been made available, as the T5 is wider than the T4.

The height-adjustable front seats come with head restraints that can be adjusted for height and articulation to provide maximum comfort to the front occupants. All the other passenger seats are also fitted with fully adjustable head restraints. The last row of seats is foldable to increase luggage space to 2736 litres.

All Kombis are fitted with a standard radio and CD with a four-speaker system, with the satellite navigation system being an optional extra.

Air conditioning is also standard across the range, with mechanical switches for both front and rear occupants.

Safety

Front airbags are standard and are complimented by height adjustable 3-point inertia seatbelts. ISOFIX child seat attachment and a child lock on all doors are also standard. There is even a comprehensive first aid kit.

For a vehicle with an immense high speed cruising potential due to the choice of modern and powerful diesel engines, good braking and brake assistance systems are provided. Brake discs are fitted at the front and rear with an electronic differential lock (EDL), traction control, and new on the T5, engine traction control.

Exterior features include halogen headlights and the safety-critical rear fog lights. The 96kW 2.5TDI Kombi?s exterior is largely fully colour coded, but with black side strips. The 1.9TDI?s front bumper is black however, although it also gets the full compliment of colours offered across the T5 range.

The Caravelle

The T5 Caravelle is powered by two versions of the popular five-cylinder 2.5 TDI. The first is the 96kW version found in the Kombi. However, this is a moderate version of the 128kW 2.5TDI offered in the top of the range T5 Caravelle.

The 128kW version produces a massive 400Nm at only 2000rpm. All this power is transmitted to the front wheels via a newly developed manual six-speed gearbox. With this engine, the Caravelle sprints to 100km/h in a claimed 12.2 sec, and the top speed is 188km/h. Combined fuel consumption is 8 litres per 100km.

Safety

The Caravelle has brake discs all round, and these are aided by ABS, ESP, traction control, an electronic differential lock and engine traction control.

It comes with alloy wheels and headlights with double reflectors and all the exterior features are fully colour-coded.

Inside all the seats have individual armrests for the driver and occupants, while the front seats are height and reach adjustable with lumbar support. For cold winter days, the front seats come with standard seat warming.

There are two individual seats behind the front occupants, allowing them to swivel to face either the front or back of the vehicle. Facing backwards, and with the multifunction table with storage, the passenger compartment of the Caravelle can become a lunch or even a business-meeting venue. Just like the seats, the table can be slid backwards and forwards depending on the application and legroom required by the occupants.

The Caravelle is fitted with three-zone climatronic air conditioning for front and rear occupants, with an auxiliary heater in the passenger area.

Optional extras include Volkswagen?s base satellite navigation system and cruise control. This feature is highly recommended for vehicles with high-speed cruising capabilities provided by the TDI engines, and also to stay within the legal speed limit. The long wheelbase is only available in the Kombi and not the Caravelle.

Pricing

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