From the original Samba bus in the 1950s to today’s Caravelle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has an impressive pedigree in no compromise people carriers appreciated by many businesses for their quality, image, durability and space. Now, to meet the latest communications needs of today’s business travellers and VIPs, a prestigious new flagship model has been introduced – the Caravelle Business – designed to be a mobile conference room with state of the art technology, including Wi-Fi internet connectivity and Bluetooth, combined with the ultimate in luxury. The Caravelle Business offers the advantage of more space and convenience than most luxury limousines with the benefit of six seats (including driver) including a sociable rear lounge area with four individual seats and an adjustable table. Like every Caravelle, the two middle seats swivel to face forwards or backwards, but the Business is upgraded with the highest quality Nappa leather upholstery while the rear bench seat is replaced by an opulent twin seat console which is multi-adjustable and heated with an integrated fridge between the seats. The interior of the Caravelle Business is enhanced with elegant burr wood inserts in the rear passenger compartment, plus the added safety of curtain airbags, while for the driver’s convenience there is cruise control, satellite navigation with 6.5 in colour screen and 30GBhard drive, a leather multi-function steering wheel, lane change assist to warn of vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, and a programmable heater to ensure the interior can always be ready at the desired temperature. A second battery with cut-off relay ensures the rear seating area can be powered independently. Externally, the Caravelle Business is discreet yet stylish with privacy glass, 17in alloy wheels, darkened rear light clusters, electrically folding door mirrors and a laminated windscreen for improved noise damping. It also has front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera and Xenon headlights with automatic activation, LED daytime running lights, headlamp washer system and heated front washer jets, while electric sliding side doors provide easy access and exit for rear passengers. Effortless performance is delivered by Volkswagen’s most powerful 2.0-litre 180PS bi-turbo TDI engine. With 400 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm, combined with DSG transmission as standard, this ensures the Caravelle Business is effortless to drive, yet also economical to run with 34.9 mpg on the combined cycle and Euro5 emissions of 214 g/km. To further manage business expenses, maintenance and service plans plus a variety of competitive finance options are also available. The Caravelle Business is now on sale with retail prices starting from £53,856 (plus VAT), or £56,069 (plus VAT) with 4MOTION transmission.