VW Caravelle Vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class Vs Ford Tourneo

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VW Caravelle vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class vs Ford Tourneo: which one has the lowest running cost?

We compare costs associated with ownership of the Volkswagen Caravelle with that of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Ford Tourneo Custom.

By Ryno Fourie Published: 7 December 2023, 14:09 Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes 1/7PhotosPhoto Grid

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.

Ryno FourieRyno started his career capturing press images of the latest and greatest vehicles which have subsequently adorned the covers and pages of prominent motoring titles locally and internationally. After a short stint as a photography lecturer, he once again joined the automotive industry as a sub-editor and photographer for a local publication, however, currently, you will find him spending most of his time in the studio creating written, video, and photography content as part of the AutoTrader content team.View News & Reviews

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