VW Vans Questions

[farmer]

Thanks guys.

Can anyone explain to me again the difference between a Caravelle and a Multivan?

[BLog]

Caravelle has basic seats that are locked into position - Mulitvan has swivelling captain’s chairs and a rear bench seat that can fold down into a bed. All the seats in the Multivan are on a rail system that allows seating/luggage space to be flexible.
http://www.volkswagengroupaustralia....n_Gallery.html

The SWB Caravelle has 3 front seats – Multivan has 2.

SWB Caravelle can seat 8 – Multivan 7.

I’m not 100% sure but I don’t think Caravelle has rear curtain airbags? – Multivan does.

Caravelle is available in a lower spec version with less powerful diesel motor – Multivan is available in Highline spec which has power doors, leather and sat nav.

Externally the only way to tell the difference is that the Multivan has body protection strips – Caravelle doesn’t.

[shogun2]

My Multivan Highline also has a centre variable height table (which is currently stored in the shed). I mostly have one centre captains chair in along with the rear bench seat - gives lots of entry and exit room.
The powered side doors seem to be a bit ****y some times - won't open or close properly, and need a gently helping hand.
I have done a number of Adelaide/Alice Springs jaunts, where I remove the captains chairs and roll the bench seat forward - then there's lots of room for gear/boxes/tools.
I've done some high speed corrugated dirt road driving, and with the 4Motion this is not a problem at all. Van is stable to the point where it's like driving a car, not van. I've also taken it on the beach in soft sand, and again no problems.
My only issue has been the woefully poor high beam. I've just put in HID high beams by replacing the lamp. It makes a world of difference.
Good luck with your choice.

[farmer]

I’m not 100% sure but I don’t think Caravelle has rear curtain airbags? – Multivan does.

I've heard it is illegal to have a kid in the front seat with a passenger front air bag - does anyone know if there are any issues with rear curtain airbags and kids?

[X_FISH]

I've heard it is illegal to have a kid in the front seat with a passenger front air bag

It is not "just illegal" - it is dangerous!

If there is no killswitch for the airbag and you get into an accident -> it depends how the basket for the kid is mounted.

does anyone know if there are any issues with rear curtain airbags and kids?

There should be no problem at all.

By the way: About which age are we talking?

Greetings, Martin