FOLLOWING the successful launch of their new Polo range recently, Volkswagen this week announced a whole new range of commercial and leisure vehicles.

FOLLOWING the successful launch of their new Polo range recently, Volkswagen this week announced a whole new range of commercial and leisure vehicles.

Popularly known as the T5, the Caravelle, Kombi and Transporter have become synonymous with the South African lifestyle.

Popularly known as the "people carrier", the Caravelle will be available in three versions. All will come with a 2,0-litre bi-turbo engine with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission.

The Caravelle comfortably seats seven passengers. Fabric inlays for the side trim, automatic air conditioning, sun blinds for passengers, footwell lighting and a luggage compartment cover are standard across the Caravelle range.

The Kombi has room for nine people (eight plus a driver) and is designed for commercial purposes such as hotel shuttles and courier services. It will be available in two body lengths, short wheel base and long wheel base. Central locking with remote control, height-adjustable front seats, grab handles and colour-coded bumpers, exterior mirrors and door handles are among the many features.

Also equipped with a 2,0-litre engine, it produces 75kW of power, which is hooked up to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The 103kW engine comes with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission.

Lastly in the new releases is the Transporter. Coming in a whopping 16 derivatives, it is aimed at tradespeople and people working for service companies. Available are single cab, double cab, panel van and crew bus.

Again, 2,-litre engines are across the range with varying power outputs between 75kW and 132kW.