New Volkswagen Caddy Maxi review
Practical yet compact: The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi
Author: David Miles
Published: 01 May 2008
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launched their new Caddy Maxi range earlier this year creating a new class of compact van for their customers positioned between the existing Caddy and Transporter models.
The new Caddy Maxi, available in panel van or window van forms, has the option of 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engines. Prices range from £15,594 to £17,816, on the road, excluding Vat.
Now VW has launched the Caddy Maxi Life, a practical yet compact MPV with the convenience of sliding side passenger doors, three rows of seats and plenty of room for seven people and a generous amount of luggage.
Their target market are private families who have the need for seven seats but with loads of space to carry luggage or leisure equipment, businesses where the vehicle doubles for work and family use and the Hire and Reward industry.
Volkswagen UK said last week they see the Caddy Maxi Life being ideal for Taxi, Private Hire and Business Chauffeur operators.
Starting from £15,995 on the road, including Vat, this passenger carrier is likely to appeal to both retail and commercial customers wanting a more versatile and spacious vehicle than a conventional MPV.
Specifications
The Caddy Maxi Life range has been kept simple with one trim level offering a high standard specification and a choice of two efficient turbodiesel engines. These are a 1.9-litre TDI PD 104 PS available with Volkswagen’s advanced DSG auto gearbox or a five-speed manual box; plus a new 2.0-litre TDI PD 140 PS with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).
Standard specification on the Caddy Maxi Life includes ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, electric front windows, carpet and full trim, sliding windows and childlocks on both sliding side doors, Isofix fittings for two rear seats, a generous overhead storage shelf above the driver, four luggage nets in the roof lining, a 12V socket in the luggage area, plus remote central locking, radio and CD player with six speakers and front fog lights.
Externally, the Life has a rear tailgate with heated window and wash/wipe, plus body coloured bumpers and mirrors – which are also electrically operated and heated.
The list of safety features is impressive, with ABS brakes, EBC (Engine Braking Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and TCS (Traction Control System) all standard; plus there is also the option of ‘ESP plus’, (Electronic Stability Programme) which includes DSR (Driver Steering Response) and a trailer stabilisation function.
All the usual options are available if customers want to customise their Caddy Maxi Life further. Options include: alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, a leather trimmed, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, CD changer and heated front seats.
All Caddy Maxi Life models have a maximum braked trailer weight of 1,500 kg, or 750 kg unbraked, and an insurance group rating of 6E (104 PS) or 8E (140 PS).
The Caddy Maxi Life will be sold through the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles nationwide network, alongside the popular Caravelle and California MPV model ranges. VW expect to sell around 2,000 Caddy Maxi models and a further 500 Maxi Life versions in the UK.
For the Taxi and Private Hire trades or for business or family use, a Caddy Maxi Life with the 1.9-litre TDI engine costs £15,995 but with the DSG auto transmission the price is still a very competitive £17,495. Prices include Vat.
Performance
In manual transmission form the top speed is 102mph, 0-62mph takes 14.3 seconds, the average fuel economy is 44.8mpg and the CO2 emissions are 166g/km giving a road tax bill of £170.
With the DSG gearbox, top speed is 103mph, 0-62mph is covered in 13.5 seconds, average fuel consumption is 40.4mpg and the CO2 emissions are 185g/km which means £170 for road tax.
Further up the scale is the Maxi Life with a 2.0-litre TDI engine. This model costs £17,995 including Vat. The 140PS unit is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Top speed is 116mph, 0-62mph takes 11.1 seconds, 44.1mpg is returned on average and the CO2 emissions are 169g/km with a VED cost of £170.
Alloy road wheels, satellite navigation system, rear parking sensors and metallic paint are amongst the extra cost options available.
Milestones
For: Right size, plenty of space for seven people and their luggage, command driving position gives excellent all round visibility, comfortable seats, excellent handling, good price, and great 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Against: No auto transmission for 2.0-litre model but the workhorse and durable 1.9-litre unit with the DSG auto will be fine for most Hire and Reward and business users.
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