The Caddy Raises Its Game

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. As a result, if you're looking for something Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo or Ford Transit Connect-sized, it's a difficult option to ignore.

Under the bonnet, apart from the 109PS 2.0-litre petrol engine used in the minority interest CNG gas-powered version, it's a diesel-only line-up - and a far more efficient one these days. The top of the range 140PS 2.0 TDI variant may be tempting, but the reality is that most sales will actually be based around 1.6-litre TDI units offered with either 75 or 102PS and available in either standard or frugal BlueMotion Technology guises.

The 102PS variant comes with a pokey 250Nm of torque, the same in fact as you get from one other rather intriguing option, the model I'm trying here, the 110PS 2.0 TDI 4MOTION. Yes, that's right: 4WD in a compact van - a useful thing to have if your deliveries take you to slippery building sites or along rutted tracks. As with all VW SUVs, this is a set-up designed always to provide power to the wheels with most traction. Normally, it'll pull you from the front, but should conditions change, in a split second, 4MOTION can spread power to the rear wheels if required and immediately stop power to any wheel losing traction.

On the move, though this vehicle still rides on the floorplan of an old Golf MKV, 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 1.6 TDI model, rest to sixty occupying nearly 17s. For that reason, I'd council you to stretch to the 102PS version of this engine if you possibly can, the same increment here taking a far more acceptable 12.2s on the way to an academic maximum of 104mph, the same kind of pace as is achieved by the 2.0 TDI 4MOTION model I'm trying here. In contrast, the fastest 2.0 TDI 140 variant makes sixty in 10.0s on the way to 116mph.

What else? Well, a braked trailer capacity of up to 1,500kg is within the Caddy's remit and it's worth pointing out that pulling potential of this magnitude is rare in this sector. The reasons why have much to do with this vehicle's substantial mass. With gross vehicle weights between 2,175kg and 2,350kg, it's a much heavier LCV than any direct competitor. Many vans of this size after all, don't even break the 2,000kg barrier.

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. Check it out for yourself at Clark Commercials.

Watch the commercial below.

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