Long before the "Volksie Bus" adverts, Volkswagen busses were already famous in South Africa, so much so that the T3 Syncro bus had a rear-locking differential, allowing it to wander further into the South African landscape. We are fans of all three vehicles; however, the Volkswagen Caravelle remains a favourite. This is not just because of the brand but rather what the Caravelle offers in terms of comfort, styling and power.
Related: New vs used VW Caravelle: What are the top 5 differences?
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the natural rival for the Caravelle, but we have thrown in the vastly cheaper Ford Tourneo Custom, too. We chose the new Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion, Mercedes-Benz V250d AMG Line and Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0 SiT SWB Limited for this comparison.
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Related: Toyota Quantum vs Mercedes V-Class vs Volkswagen Caravelle: which one is the best value for money?
The figures
|
|
Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0BiTDI 146kW Highline 4Motion |
Mercedes-Benz V250d AMG Line |
Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT SWB Limited |
|
Engine size |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbodiesel |
4-cyl, 3.0-litre turbodiesel |
4-cyl, 2.8-litre turbodiesel |
|
Power/Torque |
146 kW/450 Nm |
140 kW/440 Nm |
136 kW/415 Nm |
|
Gearbox |
7-speed auto |
9-speed auto |
6-speed auto |
|
Seats |
7 |
6 (opt 7 & 8) |
8 |
|
Airbags |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Driven wheels |
All |
Rear |
Front |
|
Braked towing capacity |
2 500kg |
2 000kg |
1 600kg |
|
Fuel capacity |
80-litres |
70-litres |
80-litres |
|
Claimed consumption |
8.2 L/100 km |
7.4 L/100 km |
6.7 L/100 km |
|
CO2 emissions |
214 g/km |
189 g/km |
174 g/km |
|
Service plan |
5yr/60 000km Maintenance plan |
7-yr/140 000km Maintenance plan |
Optional
|
|
Price |
R1 464 800 |
R1 494 722 |
R843 900 |
Related: Is the Volkswagen Caravelle good for families?
Comparing the trio
Purchase price
The models we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.
Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0BiTDI 146kW Highline 4Motion
The Caravelle will work out at R25 773 monthly over 72 months with the instalment parameters.
Mercedes-Benz V250d AMG Line
The V-Class will work out at R26 300 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT SWB Limited
The Tourneo Custom will work out at R14 849 monthly over 72 months with the instalment parameters.
Fuel consumption
With its all-wheel drive system, the Volkswagen is the heaviest on fuel, the Ford is the lightest, and the V-Class sits in the middle. This is based on the claimed fuel consumption figures, and considering all three products have 2.0-litre diesel engines and are similar in kerb weight; we feel that there will be very little difference between the three in real-world conditions.
Service plans
The Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz come with maintenance plans; however, the V-Class wins comfortably, with a plan that will last 7 years or 140 000km, with the Caravklle boasting a 5-year/60 000km plan. Ford has unbundled its plans, so you'll have to pay extra if you'd like a competing maintenance plan.
Verdict
Having looked at the data in the first five years of ownership, the Ford would easily be the cheapest to run, with its lower list price; however, we think that between the V-Class and Caravelle, there is almost nothing between the two in the first five years of ownership.
