The updated Volkswagen Caddy van rewards buyers looking for the largest breed of compact van with a quality feel and a depth of design engineering often missing from obvious rivals. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

With a more efficient engine range, this latest version of Volkswagen’s popular Caddy adds class-leading running costs along with sharper looks and higher specifications to its already impressive list of attributes, it’s a difficult option to ignore.

Background

The Caddy name dates back to 1996 when all this LCV really offered business buyers was a Volkswagen Polo with a metallic shed bolted on the back. Today’s version is very different, launched here in 2004 but substantially revised in mid-2015 to create the model we’re looking at here, equally comfortable depending on bodystyle in dealing with either packages or people.

And it’s a concept which has met with some success, especially since a larger ‘Maxi’ model was added to the range in 2008. Volkswagen though, can’t afford to settle back and enjoy such success, with tough rivals sharpening running costs and claiming higher levels of practicality. Hence the need for this much improved version featuring a more efficient range of common rail diesel engines, smarter styling, improved specifications and added safety.

Driving Experience

Under the bonnet, buyers get a range of three 2.0-litre TDI engines, ranging in power output from 75 through 102 to 150PS. All models are available in combination with a five or six-speed manual gearbox, while customers of the higher powered versions can also opt for a DSG automatic gearbox option (with six or seven-speeds depending on engine power output).

On the move, handling is still assured, sharpening as usual as the weight you’re carrying rises. And performance? Well to be honest, it’s rather too leisurely in the least powerful 75PS 2.0 TDI model. For that reason, we’d council you to stretch to the 102PS version of this engine if you possibly can.

Summary

Volkswagen has a very effective LCV line-up and this improved Caddy is a key part of it. The load practicalities are sound, the styling is attractive enough, the interior has a real quality about it and it’s good to see that safety has been further prioritised. Most importantly perhaps, the improved engine range also means that this van now has a set of running costs that are right up with the class best. A quality choice then - from a quality brand. As this Caddy sets out to prove, good things come in little - and not so little - packages.

  • VAN: Volkswagen Caddy
  • PAYLOADS: 620-766kg
  • STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Four airbags, ABS, ESP
  • WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4406/1794/1823