Page 112 - Car South Africa (February 2020)

buy Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your

used

mind which one to buy? Each month, we recommend two sensible

options plus a left-field choice.

By: Peter Palm PeterPalm12

SENSIBLE SENSIBLE

Mercedes-Benz V220d/Bluetec VW Caravelle 2,0 BiTDI

0-100 km/h: 13,84 seconds Top speed: 195 km/h Power: 120 kW 0-100 km/h: 13,76 seconds Top speed: 188 km/h Power: 132 kW
Torque: 380 N.m CO : 149 g/km Fuel consumption: 6,84 L/100 km Torque: 420 N.m CO : 232 g/km Fuel consumption: 10,56 L/100 km
2
2

Not your average people mover, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is popular As with the V-Class, this Volkswagen T6’s range is varied, starting
among hotels, tour companies and well-to-do families thanks to all with the budget Kombis, then the Caravelle with more spec and pow-
its luxury bells and whistles including swivelling and sliding seats, er, right to the flagship Caravelle Highline with its 2,0-litre twin-turbo
and foldable tables. If you want to change the seating configuration, engine tested in 2016.
however, call for some assistance as the chairs are heavy. If you remove the rear seats, you are rewarded with more utility
The engines can be a bit gruff when accelerating but copes well space than the others (this action is also much easier than in the
with a load. A variety of powertrain options are offered, all turbo- V-Class) but the boot in full-seater guise is not as generous. One spe-
diesel with the same capacity of 2,1 litres. Models 200d, 220d and cial feature that stems from a long line of Kombi/Microbuses is the
250d have power outputs of 100, 120 and 140 kW respectively. ability to move from the front seats to the rear; great for family trips
Rear-wheel drive delivers more grip on gravel inclines that is and holidays. The second row of seats can swivel, too, needing only a
particularly useful when loaded but expect a rather harsh ride owing lever pull to do so.
to the V-Class’ commercial-van roots and some rattles and squeaks Some models have 4Motion all-wheel drive. This used to be known
escaping from the plethora of interior panels. as Synchro in older model ranges. Unlike those beloved Synchros, on
Fuel consumption appears frugal based on claimed figures, with the 4Motion and others the full-size steel spare wheel is placed under
our index revealing 6,84 L/100 km for the V220d. Our test route result the rear body.
proved heavier, at 8,60 L/100 km, and this is much more realistic. This four-wheel-drive setup and an equally intricate dual-clutch
Make sure all the electrics are working. There is plenty of wiring in transmission make the vehicle a lot more complex. The result is a
all directions, more if the side doors are electrically operated. As with van which is a joy to drive anywhere, anytime, thanks to the readily
all diesels, at some stage you will have to inspect and clean the EGR available power and quick shifts, but bear in mind the maintenance
valve. These almost always get clogged up after years of use. costs will increase with age and mileage.
A decent maintenance plan gives you six years (or five on newer A five-year full maintenance plan was part of the package but,
models) and 100 000 km of unfortunately, the distance
7 seats, 416/2 576 L 6 airbags, ABS with dealer assistance, which is 7 seats, 240/2 840 L 6 airbags, ABS with limit is 60 000 km so chances
EBD, stability control R10 428 just as well because these EBD, stability control R12 175 February are that it is close to, or
February 2016 (V220 Bluetec) Benzes do not come cheap. 2016 (2,0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion DSG) has expired

space safety & aids cost of 4 tyres road test

110 CAR FEBRUARY 2020 CARmag.co.za