Volkswagen Caddy 2013 review

The Volkswagen Caddy TDI 250 Maxi Van has just been upgraded with Volkswagen’s innovative BlueMotion technology, making the $27,990 technology-laden vehicle one of the most fuel efficient – and therefore cheapest to run – vans on the road.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine, the Caddy Maxi Van 250 TDI with BlueMotion technology produces 75 kW of power and develops a maximum torque of 250 Newton metres from just 1500rpm.

Mated with a five-speed manual transmission, the high-tech package also includes a stop/start engine system and battery regeneration – a first in the Australian compact van segment – resulting in average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100km, an improvement of 0.6L/100km compared with the pre-BlueMotion Caddy Maxi. Carbon dioxide emissions have also been cut to 136g/km, 16g/km down.

On slowing to a stop, the engine cuts out when the driver shifts to neutral and takes a foot off the clutch. When the driver returns a foot to the clutch, the engine automatically restarts, the driver putting the vehicle into gear and drives off. As for battery regeneration, whenever the Caddy Maxi Van with BlueMotion Technology coasts or brakes, the generator’s voltage is increased and used to recharge the vehicle’s battery.

STYLING

For obvious reasons style isn’t a big feature in vans, but the Volkswagen Maxi Van has a knockabout look that give it a bit of character. Loading the 4.2 cubic metre cargo area from either side through sliding doors, or barn doors at the back is made easy by wide apertures and low loading lip. The flat floor and sides take even odd-shaped loads that can be secured by tie-down loops in the floor.

Whichever way you turn in the cabin there are storage spaces. Door pockets take up to two large bottles; the centre console has space for bits and pieces; there’s a wide glove box and two slots above the windscreen to take a clip board or paperwork. Best of all however, are two pits in the floor under the driver and passenger seats that can be used for carrying small packages or grocery items without the risk of their rolling around.

INFOTAINMENT

Van drivers can lead a solitary, even lonely life, so a decent sound system is a must. The Caddy’s standard system has CD/MP3 connectivity. A mobile device can be linked through an AUX-IN in the glove compartment to connect external audio sources.

SAFETY

Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs, rear. An anti-lock braking system is complemented by electronic brake-pressure distribution, brake assist and an electronic stabilisation program. A hill holder prevents the vehicle rolling when starting off on an incline.

DRIVING

There’s no escaping the fact that the Caddy is a van and, as such, its high sides can make it susceptible to cross-winds. Despite the lack of windows, good visibility is provided all round by a high seating position for the driver backed up by a large windscreen area, deep windows in the back doors and super-sized exterior mirrors.

There’s a new-found lightness of step to the Caddy TDI 250 Maxi Van these days. Being diesel powered the vehicle’s 260Nm of torque was left to do the work. Maintaining minimum throttle position saved on fuel, consumption in town being in the low to mid six litres per 100 kilometres range.

Gear changes were few and far between and relaxed thanks to the relatively short-throw shifter – no broom handle lever to wrestle with here. Depending on the road surface, a range of sounds echoed through an empty van. Loaded up, cabin noise was inversely proportional to the bulk of cargo in the back and its ability to absorb sound.

SUMMING UP

All in all, the Caddy Maxi Van 250 TDI with BlueMotion lives up to a fine VW light commercial vehicle pedigree.