People Mover Reviews

When you get right down it it's a still a big, square box on wheels with one real purpose in life and that's transporting people.But it's the technology that sets Volkswagen's Multivan apart from the rank and file. This one boasts VW's 4MOTION all wheel drive system, now available in conjunction with its most powerful twin turbo diesel and, for the first time - its the cutting edge 7-speed DSG double-clutch style gearbox.The two are a dynamite combination. Multivan is VW's top of the line passenger van derivative of its commercial Transporter range. But it's not cheap.Our test vehicle, the Multivan Highline 2.0TDI 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION, is priced from a hefty $77,990. That's going to buy a lot of everything else, including one of Benz's Viano vans for around the same price.The Benz however won't have all wheel drive, but the rear drive van does produce more power and torque and boasts slightly better fuel consumption. 4Motion adds $4000 to the price of hte car.If you need to get in and out of some tough spots all wheel drive can be a god send. But bear in mind this is no offroader, not by any stretch of the imagination - although you can jack it up and fit all terrain tyres if required.4MOTION offers better traction in slippery environments like the snowfields and also adds an extra safety dimension to the equation, because a van equip[ed with all-wheel drive will go around corners a lot faster than you might think.Finished in metallic brown or bronze if you want to get technical and sitting on 17 inch alloys with low profile rubber, our shiny test vehicle certainly exuded a level of class that belies its modest origins.Inside, the feel is just as classy as Highline models get leather trim and three-zone climate controlled airconditioning. The 2.0-litre twin turbo four cylinder diesel produces 132kW of power at 4000 revs and 400Nm of torque from a low 1500 revs.Fuel consumption is rated at 8.8 litres/100km for the all-wheel drive model, compared to 8.1 for the front driver, so you pay a penalty for the four-law grip. With an 80-litre fuel tank it has a theoretical range of just over 900km.There's also a more modestly equipped Comfortline model with the same engine priced from $56,990, or a 103kW diesel priced from $49,990. The choice is yours.Multivan seats seven people in a 2 + 2 + 3 arrangement, with a second row of seats that can face backward if required and a third row that slides forward to provide more luggage space. There's also a sliding console box.Access to the rear is via twin sliding doors either side and the doors on our test vehicle were electrically operated and could be opened or closed using the remote control. The Highline model also comes with satellite navigation and an eight speaker sound system as standard.About the only thing missing is Bluetooth for mobile phone connection. On the road it is necessary to be mindful of the Multivan's size and length when negotiating carparks, especially being careful not to turn too sharply or the rear wheels are likely to collect the gutter.As a one-time van driver, it soon becomes second nature. At 4892mm in length it's not as long as you might think, but standing at 1970mm in height, some carparks could well be an issue  but for the most part it should be okay.Our test vehicle had front and rear parking sensor as well as a reversing camera - all of which make parking a vehicle of this size much easier. The rapid fire DSG transmission gets you off the line quickly, with a sport setting as well as the option of changing gears manually.With lots of lovely torque it flies up hills, but a leisurely approach to driving is recommended and produces a better result. The van scores a five-star safety rating, with six airbags and a raft of electronic aids to keep you on the road including electronic stability control.Towing capacity is 2000kg and the boot hides a full size spare.

Mazda CX-9 and Kia Grand Carnival go head-to-head in this comparative review.

We turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?What is it?The Tardus of people movers. The Volkswagen Caddy is larger on the inside than it looks, with seating for seven people. If you thought the Caddy is a small car, try parking one next to a Pajero wagon and compare them — the Caddy is longer. This is the longer version (4.876m) with the addition of all-wheel drive.How much?Just the one model priced from $45,490 plus on road costs.What are the competitors?None really, except perhaps for Kia's cheaper Rondo 7. You'll be shopping for this one against larger people movers based on the price. For instance for almost the same price you could buy a top of the range Honda Odyssey which also seats seven.What's under the bonnet?This one comes with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that churns out 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque, the latter from a low 1500 revs. It's hooked up to a six-speed double clutch manumatic that provides the driver with the option to change gears manually.How does it go?Like a rocket, but we wonder whether all-wheel drive is really necessary, given that it adds $3500 to the price and the extra weight of the system adds to fuel consumption (6.5 for the 2WD versus 6.8 litres/100km for the AWD)Is it economical?Still, 6.8 litres/100km is nothing to be sneezed at. With a 60-litre tank it has a theoretical range of more than 880km.Is it `Green?'Gets 3.5 out of five stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets five), with a greenhouse rating of 7 and air pollution rating of 6 out of 10 (where 10 is best). Generates 179g/km CO2.Is it safe?Caddy is a four-star car. Driver and front passenger are well taken care of, with front and side airbags, but rear passengers miss out. Comes with a full complement of safety equipment including stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist.Is it comfortable?In a delivery van sort of way. Seating feels small and upright, but not uncomfortable, at least not in the short-term. Second and third rows of seating are removable for carrying larger items, offering up to 3880 litres of cargo capacity.What's it like to drive?Very easy to drive. Quick off the mark and has plenty of mid-range response thanks to the diesel. Wheel has multi-function controls for audio and the computer, with an AUX input for music players — but misses out on Bluetooth (it's a dealer fit option but costs a bomb).Is it value for money?Dual zone climate air, automatic lights and wipers, fully featured trip computer with distance to empty, cruise control and rear parking sensors — to name a few.Would we buy one?No. The tribe has left home. This vehicle will appeal to a select few, primarily those that want seven seats and the Volkswagen name for a budget price. 

Kia pretty much owns the people mover segment and after driving the latest incarnation of the Carnival it's easy to see why. It's big, seats up to eight people, there's a substantial amount of luggage space leftover and it doesn't cost an arm or a leg. Why would you bother with anything else?Two engines and four models from which to choose: S, Si, SLi and Platinum _ all of them auto (no diesel S). The turbo diesel version costs $4000 more than a petrol V6, but it's the one you want.The range has recently upgraded with the addition of Kia's killer 2.2-litre turbo diesel together with a six-speed automatic that gives the driver the option to change gears manually.Bluetooth is also now standard across the range with steering wheel phone and audio controls and two sets of two 12 volt outlets front and back.Priced from $56,190 the top of the range Platinum comes with pretty much everything including leather, tri-zone airconditioning and a sunroof along with a power tailgate and sliding rear doors.Still basically old tech. The engine and transmission are state of the art, but the car itself is due for replacement which probably won't happen until 2013. The green lit dash is a dead giveaway because all the latest models now have orange backlighting.The 2.2-litre diesel delivers 143kW of power and an impressive 429Nm of torque. We don't have any performance figures, but let's just say it will surprise the pants off other drivers.No trip computer so no distance to empty which is also an indication of the Carnival's age. Marks deducted for the space saver spare too. Can tow a 2000kg load.Kia recently dropped the short wheelbase version which was a good move. The bigger better Grand Carnival has more room inside and especially more boot space with the third row of seats in use. Can't wait to see what Kia's design guru Peter Schreyer does with this one when he gets his hands on it? The K7 concept could point the way and looks in shape like a larger version of the Soul.Gets four out five stars for safety, with six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes. SLi and Platinum get a reversing camera too (built into he rear view mirror). Platinum also gets reverse parking sensors.Not based on a commercial vehicle and as such drives just like a car. Smooth and easy to steer with a high driving position. Drive is through the front wheels and for a large vehicle it is amazingly light on its feet. Five minutes after getting into this one I recalled why I like this diesel so much ... it has to be one of the smoothest and most powerful out there.Cruises easily, with good acceleration off the line and strong mid-range response. Not phased by lots of passengers and sips lightly too. Rated at 6.6 litres/100km, we got 500km out of half an 80-litre tank.Just the ticket, bus ticket that is. Does what it does with little fuss. The competition is all smaller or more expensive, with the exception of Ssangyong's visually challenged Stavic. Cheaper to buy, maintain and run that a four-wheel drive wagon and has more space inside.

The big Aussie families who need the most help into a new car have just lost a lifeline. The Kia Carnival has copped a $5010 price increase with the loss of the bottom-end family wagon and a new focus on the upmarket equipment favoured by more people mover buyers. Just like the Oldsmobile Silhouette driven by Chili Palmer in the 1995 movie 'Get Shorty', the new Grand Carnival is more like the Cadillac of minivans.The 2012 update to the Carnival lineup means the loss of the short-wheelbase models and the end to the manual gearbox, which had held the potential bottom line down to $33,890. So the starter car is now the Grand Carnival V6 auto at $38,990. That's not cheap but it is still good value and Kia Australia has figures to support its move."Why have we discontinued the short-wheelbase Carnival? Because no-one was buying it," says Kia spokesman, Kevin Hepworth. "The problem with the short-wheelbase Carnival was that it was seriously compromised as an eight-seater. It was more suitable for a family of five who sometimes took friends along. People who wanted to travel with eight found the luggage capacity was lacking."Kia says only five people bought a short-wheelbase Carnival last month, from a total of 362 deliveries, with the Grand Carnival Si - from $49,990 - accounting for more than half of all sales.The 2012 Grand Carnival has had tweak with an optional 2.7-litre diesel engine and Bluetooth across the range, while everything from the Si upwards gets roof rails, electric windows for the third-row seats, rear aircon controls and heated mirrors. The Si also picks up alloy wheels.Even the basic car has a 3.5-litre V6 engine and that gives it an edge over a Toyota Tarago, while the price line helps in a comparison with the Chrysler Grand Voyager now from $55,000 and the loaded Mercedes- Benz Viano from $74,990.The price spread for the Grand Carnival has most of its meat in in the $40,000 range, although the top-line Platinum is getting pricey from $52,190. "You can still buy a very affordable Carnival," says Hepworth. And there is the five-year warranty to sweeten any deal.There is nothing particularly special about the design or mechanical package on the Grand Carnival, although the 2.7-litre petrol engine is gone and most are now being delivered with the more powerful and efficient 3.5-litre, double-overhead camshaft.Si, SLi and Platinum shoppers can now also go for the 2.2-litre, four- cylinder R-series turbodiesel, which has more power and greater efficiency than the 2.9-litre predecessor with 143 kiloWatts and a 429 Newton-metre thump of torque. There is a transmission upgrade for the '12 cars thanks to a six-speed automatic that's actually smaller, lighter and more efficient than the old five-speeder.The Grand Carnival is a big box and there is no disguising its heft. It's the single biggest reason why some people like it - and other people movers - and others race straight to the chunkiness of an SUV. The upside is lots of space and lots of convenience, but the downside is an instant branding as a breeder.The interior of the Carnival for The Waltons has some nice tweaks and touches, from the fold-down table between the front buckets to aircon controls for the back seats, lots of cupholders, easy-fold seats - with a third row that drops down flat - and even ISOFIX child seat anchorages in the outboard spots in the middle row. The top-tether mounts are also built into the seats so you don't get metres of belt trailing around the place.There is no ANCAP star rating for the Grand Carnival, but the Carnival is a four-star performer since 2007 and that should translate directly to the long-wheelbase model. The safety package runs to ABS brakes and ESP stability control with front-side-curtain airbags in all models.The Carsguide family feels just like Chili Palmer when the Grand Carnival arrives with automatic electric side sliding doors and a tail lift in the Platinum package. There is also leather across the cabin, punchy sound and alloys on the outside. But perhaps that's a package for hotel pickups ahead of families, although the bottom line is much more affordable than the Tarago V6, Grand Voyager or Viano. The leather is good with little ones but the bottom line is likely to be the bottom line if you really need eight spots for the crew.Driving the Kia is exactly what you expect - nothing special. It rides alright, even with a big posse on board, it stops alright and the cornering is alright. But as the two-year-old says, "Where is the sports car daddy?"It does have some punch with the V6 engine but it can get thirsty around town. There is definitely a case for diesel drive for interstate work. It's easy enough to park, with a nifty rearview camera built into the rear-vision mirror and a reasonable turning circle, but it's pretty big when you head into the supermarket spots.So the Grand Carnival is all about practicality and nothing about driving, something proven by a driver's seat that's more like a cockatoo perch. It's too high, with no support, and does nothing to encourage either comfort or crisp cornering. Still, when you're loading a bunch of youngsters with bikes and balls, it does the job. And the Platinum pack makes life a little special - especially showboating with the electric doors.The Kia kicks a goal over similar rivals by combining lots and lots of space for the money, more equipment for less money, a V6 that gets it moving, and a bottom line with five-year warranty backup. Anyone who says a big van just brands you as a breeder should try one for size - and flexibility and, yes, fun.Anyway, there is always dark window tint if you cannot front up to the SUV stampede on the school run without some disguise.

Quirky is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Citroen. The company has always produced cars that don't fit in the box, they have sometimes been groundbreaking and innovative, but they have always been challenging.Rusted-on Citroen buyers revel in the quirkiness of their cars, they celebrate the things that separate them from the mundane pack. For others not so committed to the brand and being different, buying a Citroen is a leap of faith. It's particularly so when it comes to peoplemovers, which are dominated by the big Japanese brands.The C4 Picasso is a seven-seater peoplemover based on the mid-sized, front-wheel drive C4 hatch. Unusually for a Citroen its looks aren't challenging.DESIGNThe Picasso is a sleek, attractive vehicle, particularly in its class, which pretty much determines what it will look like.It's inside that the Picasso comes alive with a mix and match cabin layout that can be adjusted to carry pretty much anything you want, from seven people, to oodles of sports gear, camping equipment, even a spot of cargo if the need demands.There is also a large array of features to get used to, from a second rear view mirror to keep track of the kids out back, an in-dash chiller bin, a plug-in torch in the boot, picnic tables, power points, heaps of storage options, and even drop-down sunshades to cut the glare from the sweeping windscreen.You also need to get used to the steering wheel that twirls around a stationary centre boss, a tiny gearshift in the steering column, and the automatic park brake.If quirky is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Citroen then comfort must surely be the next. Citroens have always been supremely comfortable, in seating and in ride, and the C4 Picasso is similarly so. The ride is supple, the seats plush.TECHNOLOGYThe engine choices were a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that boasted 103kW and 200Nm that delivered reasonable if not scintillating performance, and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 100 kW and 270 Nm that gave great fuel economy.DRIVINGOut on the road the C4 Picasso rides comfortably and shows good performance, but isn't the greatest handling car around. For those concerned about visibility and being able to see out of a car the Picasso is great with very good all-round visibility.IN THE SHOPCitroens are not exactly thick on the ground in this country so there isn't a lot of accumulated data about them. Generally they are well built and that seems to stand them in good stead, but buying one is a leap of faith. The other issue is that dealers aren't located on every street corner, so it's worth working out where you will have it serviced and repaired should you buy one.IN A CRASHFive stars from ANCAP is suggestion enough to tell you the C4 Picasso is a safety leader. Not surprising given that it came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety goodies, from front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control.UNDER THE PUMPUnder test by CarsGuide the C4 Picasso diesel averaged 8.4L/100km, well above the claimed average of 7.4L/100km, but still impressive given the size and shape of the beast. The petrol version was claimed to average 8.9L/100km on the recommended 95-octane Premium unleaded. To save a few bucks Citroen says you can use E10 ethanol blend fuel.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $39,990 to $48,990Engines: 2.0-litre petrol, 103 kW/200 Nm; 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 100 kW/270 Nm.Transmission: 4-speed auto (petrol), 6-speed auto (diesel); front- wheel drive.Economy: 8.9 L/100 km (petrol), 7.4 L/100 km (diesel)Body: seven-seat peoplemoverVariants: Base and ExclusiveSafety: 5-star ANCAPExpect to pay: $20,000 to $25,500 for the base petrol model; $22,500 to $28,500 for the diesel; add $2000 to $2500 for the Exclusive.VERDICTNot as good as the Tarago, but has a great cabin with lots of useful features for the family. Definitely worth a look.

With heaps of space, flexible seating and the punch of a big V6 engine it's no wonder the Kia Grand Carnival has become a family favourite.MODEL WATCHThe Grand Carnival won't win any beauty contests, but it's not intended to. Its bulky box-like shape is perfect for the purpose for which it was created, which was to move large families efficiently.Inside it can seat up to eight in three rows of seating that can be shuffled around, folded or removed altogether depending on the need. Removing the second row and folding the third one leaves an enormous cavity that can be filled with all manner of things, from cargo for a small business to sporting or camping gear for weekend fun.From 2006 the Carnival used a 3.8-litre V6 that developed 184 kW and 343 Nm, enough to give it the punch many Aussies still demand from their cars. The downside is that it can be quite thirsty. Kia offered a five-speed auto across the range, with the added feature of manual shifting available on the Premium range-topper.On the road the big Carnival drove well, although its bulk meant it was never going to brilliant, the suspension was at its most comfortable when loaded, and the throttle reaction was a little on the sharp side.All models were well equipped, even the base model had auto air and cruise on top of the expected things like power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and CD sound.IN THE SHOPUnlike the first Carnivals the second-generation models only see the inside of a workshop when it's time for a service. Owners report that they are more than happy with the reliability and function of their cars, few report any issues at all. Check for service records and inspect bodywork for damage and the interior for the sort of wear and tear caused by transporting kids.IN A CRASHThe Carnival has most of the safety gear demanded by today's buyers. All models came standard with dual front airbags and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, but the EX-L had the added safety of head and side front airbags. The best of all was the Premium, which also had electronic stability control. The only downside was the lack of three-point seat belts in the centre seating positions in the second and third rows.UNDER THE PUMPWith a big and bulky shape and a large engine the Grand Carnival was never going to be a fuel miser. The official claim was 12.8 L/100 km, but expect mid-teens if you can't keep your foot out of the throttle.OWNERS SAYJohn James' company runs four Carnivals, three of which are driven by sales reps, and he could not be happier with them. The company used to run Falcon wagons, but switched because of the high number of warranty problems with the Fords."There have been virtually no mechanical problems, they have plenty of power, they're very comfortable and they have a huge space for carrying things, which makes them ideal reps cars."AT A GLANCEEngine: 3.8-litre V6 petrol; 184 kW/343 NmTransmission: 5-speed automatic, front-wheel driveEconomy: 12.8 L/100 kmBody: 5-door, 8-seat peoplemoverVariants: EX, EX-L and PremiumTHE BOTTOM LINEBig efficient people transporter that gets the job done.RATING3.5 stars

It is one of the best days of your life. Or should be because through the euphoria comes Mr Logic. He's been napping in your head for the past year or so and is now very much awake and wants to know where you're going to put the new arrival.  That's another bedroom and a bigger car. You won't be able to cart junior in the car with the other three, he says.Society is comfortable with designing one-size-fits-all boxes.  The sedan car holds five people and homes have four bedrooms so the maximum accommodation that society builds for us is five - two adults, three children.Children, lots of them, produce uncomfortable squirms in house and car designers.  In my case, Child No.4 led to a Nissan Nomad, a commercial van that replaced the bare-metal expanse in the rear with two extra rows of seats to accommodate up to six children. A frightening thought.But the Nomad struggled through its tenure at our house, safely carted our kids and their friends to various sport and social functions and doubled as a furniture pick-up truck. It broke down a few times - radiator hoses, mainly - but generally was a content family bus.It was loved, hated, crunched, thrown up in, became an occasional bed and nappy changeroom, and finally sent to another home to repeat the experiment that is child rearing. This is not an excuse to go forth and breed. But it is a list of quality new - and used - vehicles with six seats or more that will fit more than the predetermined maximum of three kids.NEWCitroen C4 Picasso (from $39,990): Very clever car with lots of great ideas, flexibility and driving enjoyment. Expensive and a bit off the wall but worth a look.Honda Odyssey (from $41,990): Safest bet - excellent all-round vehicle let down only by its asthmatic performance when fully laden or - gasp when asked to tow a trailer. Safe, economical, flexible and with excellent resale value.Dodge Journey (from $36,990): Newer entrant with pleasant ambience and good pricing and doesnt look like a tradies van.Hyundai iMax (from $36,990): Basically a commercial van made for people, but one of the better attempts. Has a four-star crash rating and is economical, affordable and roomy. Diesel engine is a no-brainer. Kia Grand Carnival (from $39,990): Market leader in terms of volume and more recently has overcome earlier mechanical woes. Good compromise for space and economy, especially the diesel.Kia Rondo 7 (from $25,990): Better for a small brood as third row rom is precious and luggage area is tight. The price is a winner but youll be upgrading when the kids start growing - apparently they all do that.Mercedes Viano (from $78,826): Expensive but maximum five-star safety van.Ssangyong Stavic (from $32,990): Best seen while blindfolded, theres no doubting the keen price, high feature list, economy of the diesel and paltry resale value.Toyota Tarago (from $52,490): Expensive but top notch quality. The Honda Odyssey can match it in all but performance. VW Caddy Maxi Life (from $39,990): Makes sense but a bit too van-like to make a statement in the pre-school carpark.VW Caravelle (from $49,990) - Seats nine so go for your life. Diesel only and may require special driving licence in some states.VW Multivan (from $49,990): More restrained seven-seat version of Caravelle. Also diesel only.Peugeot 4007 (from $45,190): This is a seven-seat version of the 4007 and its clone, the Mitsubishi Outlander.Ford Territory (from $44,890): Seats seven from TS model up. Comes as cheaper 2WD version. New model with frugal diesel engine here soon so best to wait.Holden Captiva 7 (from $35,490): Just upgraded and worth a look. Diesel is good and car has plenty of flexibility and family-friendly features.Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990): Hot seller for ages and seats seven with god room. But do you need an SUV?Kia Sorento (from $36,490): Same issue as Santa Fe, just looks a bit better.Mazda CX-9 (from $50,015): Not cheap but follows Mazdas line of great quality. A bit thirsty on petrol, though, and no diesel option. Other SUVs include:Mitsubishi Challenger (from $49,390):Mitsubishi Pajero (from $50,490):Nissan Pathfinder (from $48,490):Ssangyong Rexton (from $36,990):Subaru Tribeca (from $56,990):Toyota Kluger (from $39,990):Toyota Prado (from $60,904):Nissan Patrol (from $53,190):Toyota Landcruiser (from $77,414):Audi Q7 (from $88,614):Mercedes R-Class (from $92,200):Volvo XC90 (from $69,950):  USEDFord Territory 2005 - $23,000Subaru Tribeca 2007 (old face) - $35,000Volvo XC90 2006 - $39,000Chrysler Grand Voyager 2002 - $10,000Ssangyong Stavic 2005 - $23,000Ford Fairlane 8-str limousine 1989 - $18,000Toyota Tarago 2006 - $27,000Toyota Tarago 1998 - $7000Toyota Prado 2005 - $40,000Mitsubishi Delica 2005 - $11,000Hyundai Santa Fe V6 2006 - $17,000Land Rover Discovery 2007 - $48,000Jeep Commander 2009 - $39,000

The box-on-wheels look won't endear the Caddy Life to mums and dads but if it's what's on the inside that counts, then the Volkswagen people-mover is worth a second look.The Caddy van is a top-selling tool for tradies and couriers and its five-seater sibling still has a cavernous cargo area, or you can add a third-row two-person bench seat for $690 to transform it into a minibus. Both rows of seats are easily removed if there's a need for more load capacity, making the Caddy a truly handy machine.VALUEThe base Caddy Life comes with a five-speed manual transmission for $28,990. A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch semi-automatic is a $3000 option and probably the pick for suburban use. Daytime running lights and electronic stability control were made standard as part of a refresh of the range late last year, but a rear parking sensor will still cost $590 and is a box you almost must tick. Paying about $33,000 for a vehicle that can take seven people, or carry 3200 litres, is still a good buy.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrain is the Caddy's best feature. The common rail turbodiesel has all the pulling power most drivers will need, step up to the 2-litre turbodiesel in the long wheelbase Caddy Maxi seven-seater for $39,990 if you insist on more, and the seven-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission has been mapped to suit its strengths.The DSG is a hefty premium, but it shifts quickly through the cogs to ensure you're in the right gear at the right time. Fuel use is 5.8 litres for 100km (the same as the manual) which is outstanding for a large vehicle.STYLINGThe nose of the Caddy Life is corporate Volkswagen, right down to the horizontal grille and central VW logo.It looks as smart as any van doing the rounds and better than most, but there's no hiding its commercial vehicle heritage from behind the B pillar, the sliding doors on either side are a bit of a giveaway. That's not a bad thing if you need maximum internal space but it can't compete with something like Honda's Odyssey on looks. The Odyssey isn't in the hunt on load carrying, though, so it's a swings-and-roundabouts proposition.The interior looks like a Polo or Golf. The plastics might be a bit more durable, but they still have enough "soft touch" feel to look classy against the competition. Ditto with the horizontal "Takato" design seat stripes, it's not my first choice, but better than uniform grey.SAFETYElectronic stability control is now standard across the range, a first for this class of vehicle. NCAP last tested the vehicle in late 2008, before the launch of the latest T5 range, and awarded it four stars. Only the Mercedes-Benz Vito does better, earning a full five stars. Working against the Caddy is the fact only two airbags are standard, heat/thorax bags for the driver and passenger are $890.DRIVINGIT isn't hard to forget the Caddy isn't a van. There a faint echo from the rear with only two aboard but load up the back seats or put some luggage in the cargo area and it's as quiet as any car on the road. It also goes like one - with 75kW/250Nm the Caddy Life is no hot hatch but will keep up with most four-cylinders on the market and the off-the-line launch is surprising. It is also surprisingly manoeuvrable in carparks (thank the couriers for that), but reverse parking is a chore without the rear sensors.As a compromise car that will fit a full family and do double-duty as a small business runabout it is hard to go past. The sound system is MP3 compatible and puts out a respectable volume and quality of noise, the instrument cluster is straight out of a VW passenger car and the big side and rear windows give everyone a pew with a view. Even loading half a tonne of weight over the rear axle doesn't cause the handling or engine much discomfort.The biggest downside to owning a Caddy Life is getting the kids over the culture shock and convincing them their egos won't be irreparably injured by being seen in it. A hoodie helped the teenage son cope; the pre-teen daughter is still trying to reconcile Caddy with chic. Both concede, though, the ride and handling was as good as several "real" cars that have been through the Carsguide garage recently.VERDICTA dual-purpose workhorse that marries the people hauling of a Honda Odyssey with the volume of a regular van.VW CADDY LIFEPrice: from $28,990 (add $3000 for seven-speed semi-auto)Engine: 1.6-litre direct injection turbodieselPower: 75kW at 4400 revsTorque: 250Nm from 1500-2500 revsTransmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive Fuel use: 5.8 litres/100kmCO2 emissions: 152g/kmBody: Five-door vanSeats: fiveDimensions: length 4406mm, width 1794mm, height 1822mmWheelbase: 2681mm tracks front/rear 1531/1538mmSteering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinionSuspension: MacPherson strut front, leaf spring rearFuel tank: 60 litresFuel type: DieselWeight: 1541kg (manual); 1561 (DGS)Brakes: Four-wheel discsWheels: 15-inch alloysTyres: 205/55Warranty: Three years, unlimited kmSafety gear: ABS brakes with hill-hold assist, electronic stability control, dual airbags, daytime running lightsFEATURESAirconditioningAlloy wheels.

Volkswagen can’t put a wheel wrong at the moment. The Golf won last year’s Carsguide Car of the Year; it’s small sibling Polo collected both this year’s CCOTY and our Best Green Car award, to say nothing of a swag of honours from lesser media outlets.A brand which was a local also ran five short years ago, is now a permanent fixture in the top 10. And, globally, Toyota quakes at the gathering momentum of VW’s tilt at global dominance.The Golf remains VeeWee’s lifeblood though. Versions of that perennial model and those others that it underpins are becoming too numerous to count.The Caddy range, a comparative newcomer to these shores (it debuted here in 2004), is in its commercial van guise Europe’s most successful compact cargo carrier. The people moving version, the Caddy Life and the long wheelbase Caddy Maxi Life, have seats – seven in the latter’s case – where the van has space.It is essentially a long, tall Golf. We drove the range topping Maxi TDI320 at its Australian launch this week.VALUEWhile the commercial Caddy vans start from as little as $22K, the five seat Caddy Life is $28,990 for the manual TDI250, $31,990 with the seven speed version of the twin clutch DSG auto. A third row of removable seats is a $690 option.That’s a standard fitting on the long wheelbase Maxi Life, as are roof rails, tinted and DSG. It’s $39,990 for the TDI250, $42,990 for our TDI320.If you see the seven-seater as a rival for those people movers listed below, then its right among them in terms of go for the dough – at least the TDI320 is. Torque doesn’t come cheap, but even without experiencing the smaller engine variant, you feel it’d struggle to stay in the hunt with seven souls and their gear aboard.Confusingly for other VW buyers, but in keeping with commercial customer demand, it is the torque rather than power figure that gives each model its marketing name. The three grand for the TDI 320’s extra 70 Newton metres strikes us as money well spent.  The top dog also gets chrome bling, 17-inch alloys, roof rails and removable rear seating.TECHNOLOGYWhile the TDI250 has the newer seven–speed DSG, the 320 has the heavier hitting six-speed on the 320 to deal with the common rail direct injection four-cylinder turbo diesel. It’s a drivetrain familiar enough by now, but one its competitors cannot match for sophistication nor economy.DESIGNAll models get twin sliding doors, and the choice of a barn door or a tailgate at the back. The Maxi, 40cm longer than the five-seater at more than 4.8 metres and as tall at 1.2 metres, is cavernous within.With seven seats up (the back two are strictly for kids), there’s 530 litres to stick stuff, 3700 with five seats stowed. Its commercial antecedents are a bit too obvious at this money, though the rather delivery van look also means plenty of storage nooks in which children can stick half chewed confections and lose fiddly playthings.Up front it’s pure Mark VI Golf, with steering wheel mounted audio controls and multi function display on which the speedo might just be the most useful. Factory sat-nav can be optioned. SAFETY Top notch as it ought to be, with assertive if slightly touchy brakes, vouchsafed by ABS, electronic stability program, brake assist and a full array of airbags. Golf scores five stars in European crash testing, as should this.DRIVINGIt’s a bit, like, well … a long, tall Golf. Which can only be, within the constraints of its type and intended use, about as good as it gets.Mildly stretched on a bit of the old Pacific Highway, the Maxi was easily capable of holding double the signposted cornering speed. The DSG, so often accused of being hesitant off the mark, for some reason runs better works better with this engine in this model than any of the many in which we’ve tried it.The Golf’s steering seemed to loose feeling in the transition between Marks V and VI, and that’s another aspect that carries over to the people-moving version. But it is direct and accurate, certainly more than enough for its likely use.  The real test would come fully loaded, but it’s hard to imagine the TDI320 not having enough grunt to get he job done.VERDICTIt’ll move the people and/or most of their stuff. 70/100VOLKSWAGEN CADDY MAXI LIFEPrice: $39,990-$42,990Engines: 1.6L turbo diesel (75kW/250Nm), 2.0L turbo diesel (103kW/320Nm)Transmissions: 7- or 6-speed twin clutch autoThirst: 5.8/100km (TDI250); 6.3L/100 (TDI320)