Volkswagen has announced a new version of its Caddy BlueMotion panel van with lower CO2 emissions and a greater driving range than the previous model.
The BlueMotion label is applied to VW’s most fuel-efficient engines and the new Caddy BlueMotion uses a 1.6-litre diesel engine with 100bhp and a helpful 250Nm of torque.
VW claims average fuel consumption of 61.4mpg while CO2 emissions are rated at 119g/km. Assuming that fuel economy figure holds true in day-to-day use, it means the van should be able to travel further than 800 miles on a tank of diesel.
This is a sizeable improvement over the old Caddy BlueMotion model, which averaged a claimed 55mpg with a driving range of 735 miles and had CO2 emissions rated at 134g/km.
Those gains in efficiency are partly down to three things which have been made lower: the ride height, for reduced aerodynamic drag; the van’s gross weight; and the rolling resistance of the tyres.
An updated engine management system, an engine stop/start system and energy recuperation system also play a part.
Volkswagen reckons that assuming an annual mileage of 30,000 miles and a diesel price of 140 pence per litre it will cost £744 a year less to run than a standard 1.6-litre diesel Caddy.
The BlueMotion is offered as a short wheelbase panel van only and the same specification is not available for the larger Caddy Maxi model.
It can be told apart from other Caddy panel van variants by a black and blue interior colour scheme, body-coloured side strips and different covers for its steel wheels.
Standard equipment includes cruise control and hill-hold assist.
The Caddy BlueMotion will be available to order from February, priced from £14,600 (excluding VAT).
Update: we’ve now road tested the new Volkswagen Caddy Bluemotion. Find out what it’s like here
