Wednesday, 19 May 2010 16:15
No not a golf but a Caddy, you could carry your clubs in this machine if you wanted to.
This vehicle created a new class of compact van for Volkswagen between its existing Caddy and Transporter models. The new Caddy Maxi is 470mm longer than the Caddy and has an extra 1.0m3 of load volume and up to 80kg extra payload, which means a 4.2m3 load volume and a payload of up to 800kg. It is available in three versions: a panel van, a five seat window van and the Life, the subject of our test, an MPV with seven seats in three rows.Okay we know that this is really a van with frills but my goodness it is extremely practical with nooks and crannies everywhere. The diesel engine in our model was the new 2.0 litre TDI PD with 150 bhp, fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter and a six speed manual gearbox, so powerful and oh so quiet. With the development that has gone into the modern diesel engine, petrol models are now not really necessary for fast and serene progress.
The specification on all the models is impressive, and a test of your knowledge of the alphabet. Features include remote central locking, front and rear anti-roll bars and ABS anti-lock braking system. Addition safety features include EBC (Engine Braking Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and TCS (Traction Control System) while ESP Plus (Electronic Stabilisation Programme Plus), which includes DSR (Driver Steering Response) and a trailer stabilisation function, is an affordable option at £282.
There are many practical features which include a large overhead storage area, two in dash storage trays and many more. Our model included a semi-automatic air conditioning system, electric front windows, carpet, sliding windows and child locks on both sliding doors, four luggage nets in the roof lining and a 12 volt socket in the luggage area. For those who want more there is a list of options a yard long, so methinks that you could customise your Caddy quite well.
The Caddy Life has a very reasonable towing figure of 1,500kg for a braked trailer. This would be enough for a small cabin cruiser or a sailing boat. We drove the Caddy Life for about 100 miles and were totally captivated. The Caddy is comfortable with the controls handy, the seats cosseted our elderly bones, the engine is lively and very unobtrusive, the gearbox easy to use, the air conditioning effective and the radio as good as the normal driver would want. Yes we know it’s only a van but we enjoyed the Caddy.
Given the traditional VW reliability, the feeling of strength and the creak free body and you have could have this vehicle for a good many years.
Cars at a similar price:
- Fiat Multipla 1.9 Multijet 120 Eleganza
- Honda F-RV 2.2 I CDTi SE 5dr
- Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi GS 5dr
- Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 Hdi XTR 5dr
Similar cars we might consider:
- Fiat Doblo 1.9 Multijet 120 5dr
- Mitsubishi Grandis 2.0 DI-D Equippe 5dr
- Peugeot Partner Tepee Outdoor 1.6 HDi 110 5dr
- Vauxhall Meriva Design 1.7 CDTi 5dr
TECHY BIT
VW Caddy Maxi Life 2.0 litre TDI PD
Price: £17,995
Fuel consumption: around 43mpg
Kerbweight: 1,734kg
Max noseweight: 80kg
Max trailer weight (braked): 1,500kg
Max trailer weight (unbraked): 750kg
Insurance Group: 8E
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