The BlueMotion’s economy boosting features don’t blunt the Caddy’s performance, and with a chassis shared with the Golf, ride and handling are a given
With 250Nm of torque, the 102hp 1.6 TDI engine is remarkably lively. It’s mated to a slick five-speed manual gearbox. The Caddy shares chassis components with the Golf and Touran, which pretty much ensures excellent ride and handling putting it among the best vans to drive in its class.
The fuel-saving BlueMotion test model provides a very effective Stop/Start, brake energy recuperation for fuel and CO2 efficiency, ride height reduced by 27mm, 15in wheels with 195/65R15 low rolling resistance tyres, as well as cruise control and hill-start assist.
BlueMotion adds features like stop/start, low resistance tyres, and brake energy recuperation
When it comes to safety, the Caddy has ESP incorporating ABS, EDL (electronic differential lock), Traction Control System, and EBD, as well as driver’s airbag and and automatic activation of hazard lights under emergency braking. The test van had optional rear parking sensors, which are a £240 extra, as well as front fog lights that look around corners (£195).
In the back you can carry a standard Europallet can be carried but only lengthways, whereas all rivals have the 1200mm-plus required to accept a Europallet widthways.
And the Caddy falls behind most other vans in its class in terms of payload, at a maximum of 750kg. By comparison, Vauxhall Combo and Fiat Doblo Cargo offer payloads of up to 1000kg.
The asymmetrically split rear doors are glazed and have wash-wipe and heated glass. Six load lashing rings are fitted in the cargo area.
Service intervals for the Caddy can be set at fixed time and mileage parameters, but the development of new TDI engines and synthetic oils have resulted in an alternative LongLife Service regime, so called because there are no set intervals between services.
Volkswagen TDI engines have built-in sensors that continually monitor oil quality, so a smart chip decides when it needs changing and lets you know. Depending on how you drive expect a reminder from a minimum of 9000 miles or 1 year up to a maximum of two years or approximately 18,000 (whichever is sooner).
All Caddy and Caddy Maxi models sold through the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Van Centre network have a three year bumper-to-bumper warranty. The first two years with no mileage restrictions are manufacturer operated, while the third year (and up to 100,000 miles) is a Van Centre warranty.
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