Volkswagen Caddy (04-10) - Review

With a 3.2 cubic metre capacity, the Caddy offers around 300 litres more load volume than the previous Caddy and well up with the class standards. Along with two asymmetrically split rear doors, it also features a standard sliding side door that opens to 700mm for easy access to the load area and the load height is 587mm. The rear doors open to 90 degrees with the door catch in place or 180 degrees without it. The maximum payload is a creditable 819kg and there's a maximum towing capacity of 1500kg. The level cargo floor can accommodate a Euro-standard pallet and there are six lashing eyes for securing loads.

Volkswagen has been particularly generous with the safety equipment and as standard it features ABS brakes, Traction Control and Engine Braking Control. There's also a driver's airbag and passenger and side airbag are optional. Disc brakes are fitted to all wheels and there's an electronic brakeforce distribution system to ensure optimum braking performance irrespective of load. Central locking with deadlocks and an immobiliser are standard, although an alarm is optional.

For vehicles bought through the Volkswagen dedicated Van Centres, there's a three year/100,000 mile warranty, with 12 years bodywork anti-corrosion protection and three years of roadside assistance. The first two years of warranty are operated through the manufacturer with the final year (or up to 100,000 miles) undertaken by the Van Centre. Use of parts common to the Golf and Touran cars helps keep costs down. Both engines require an oil change at intervals of 10,000 miles and major services need to be undertaken every two years.

The VW mechanicals are well proven and should stand up well to the rigours of commercial use.