First drive: VW Caddy BlueMotion

The Caddy is VW's smallest panel van and it's now available with efficiency boosting BlueMotion tech. 

Originally launched as a pick-up version of the VW Golf back in 1982, it evolved into a van in 1995. Nowadays it competes with the likes of the Peugeot Partner and the Ford Transit Connect.  

Its 101bhp diesel engine pulls well, although it remains to be seen whether loading the rear up with cargo will hamper performance at all. 0-62mph is dispatched in 12.2 seconds.

Driving the Caddy around town is simple enough. The steering is direct and sharp, and the 11.1m turning circle is small enough to facilitate nimble manoeuvring. It drives like a small car, in fact.  

This version of the Caddy will return 55.4mpg combined, while emitting 134g/km CO2. These figures are thanks in no small part to BlueMotion technology, which includes stop/start, low friction tyres, revised gear ratios and a battery regeneration system. VW claims this can cut up to 10% from CO2 emissions and increase fuel economy by up to 11.7%.  

The latest Caddy gets a load volume of 3.2 cubic metres while max payload is 766kg. 

The interior is fairly refined for a van, with stylish yet hard-wearing materials used and a plethora of cubbies and storage compartments.  

A fixed full-height bulkhead with metal lower section and plastic mesh upper section means the interior can be a touch noisy, but if you want you can delete it at no extra cost.

Prices start at £14,064 and it is available to buy now. 

Also consider: 

Ford Transit Connect
Excellent all-round capabilities, versatile, comes with a wide range of load capacities.  

Citroen Berlingo
Huge improvement over last iteration, range of ready-made specialist conversions available, economical HDi engine. 

Peugeot Partner
Plenty of choice in the range, large cargo capacity, extremely versatile.