• Versatile interior
• Pretty van-like
• Loads of space

How much space is there?

As you’d expect with something so square, space is what the VW Caddy specialises in. Up front it’s very van-like, so expect people six foot five and above not to bang their heads.

The door storage area has a mini bin within it, which is a nice touch. Plus there’s the usual glovebox area and a bit more room in the armrest.

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Move to the back (via the sliding rear doors, which can be closed electronically) and you’ll find three separate seats. Each has loads of room and six footers can easily fit back here. There are even picnic tables attached to the rear of the front seats. Perfect for when your picnic is inevitably brought inside by the weather.

Each model has the option for seven seats, which pull up from the boot. We’re yet to test these.

Boot space and storage

Once again, ample space back here. Total volume measures in at 446 litres with all seven seats up, while literage ranges from 1,213-1,720 with five seats up, depending on if you opt for a long or short wheelbase option.

This makes it on par with similar cars such as the Citroen e-Berlingo but around three times larger than the typical family crossover, aka the Nissan Qashqai.

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Unlike with a van, there’s a luggage compartment cover. But this can be taken out and the seats fold back to a 60:40 split to turn it almost into a full on commercial vehicle. 

It’s worth noting that the boot door is massive, heavy and not the easiest of things to open and close.

Is it easy to park?

Yes and no. Short-wheelbase models are 4,500 mm long which is only around 75mm longer than a Nissan Qashqai. But long-wheelbase cars are 4,853mm, which is more around the same length as a BMW X5.

Parking sensors aren’t standard either, you’ll need to upgrade to a Life model for that. And you’ll need to spec a rear-view camera separately. At least it has a rear window, unlike with a van.

Safety

• Five star Euro NCAP test
• Scores high for adult occupant
• Very similar to VW Golf

The Caddy received a five out of five from European crash regulators Euro NCAP. It borrows most of its safety equipment from the VW Golf, which also scored highly. This means there’s autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane assist and a driver alert system as standard.

Plus you can option adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. During our testing of this it performed perfectly fine, not getting caught out by changing lighting conditions or cars switching lanes suddenly.