Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Van : SPACE VAN

Expert Rating:

If you can't squeeze all the things you need to into a Caddy van, the Caddy Maxi is Volkswagen's tailor-made solution. Steve Walker reports

By adding a cubic metre of extra load space and 80kg or extra payload, the Caddy Maxi model opens up the Volkswagen Caddy van range to operators who may have though it too small. Otherwise it's the same as a standard Caddy, strong, comfortable - a very agreeable small van.

If you like the look of Volkswagen's compact Caddy van but feel that you might need a bit more room, a solution is at hand. The Caddy Maxi is a Caddy with nearly a cubic metre more space to offer. It's perfect for delaying the inevitable day when the stuff you need to shift won't fit. It's the situation every van driver dreads. There's an important job on that involves a large assortment of items being transported to a certain location. You begin loading your van and it rapidly becomes apparent that all this stuff isn't going to fit. Suddenly, you're looking at time consuming and costly alternatives. Two trips, hiring a larger vehicle, attaching a trailer, discarding unnecessary items (the sort that tend to prove absolutely crucial at some later point): none of the available solutions are particularly appealing. You find yourself wishing you'd opted for a van that was a little bit bigger. Today Volkswagen Caddy buyers can and that van is called the Caddy Maxi. There's a diesel only-engine range for Caddy Maxi customers to consider and the overwhelming majority of UK van operators wouldn't have it any other way. The 103bhp 1.9-litre TDI engine opens proceedings and is adequately forceful for moving a Caddy Maxi and its cargo thanks to torque of 250Nm that's generated at 1,900rpm. The alternative, however, has quite the powerhouse - by van standards at least. Packing 138bhp and 320Nm all the way from 1,750rpm to 2,500rpm, the 2.0-litre TDI can really move. Its strength low down in the rev range is perfect for getting weighty loads off the line or up steep inclines. The cut and thrust of motorway travel is also greatly simplified when you've got this much of the good stuff under your right foot.

"It's the extra space that will need to sell the Caddy Maxi because otherwise, it's the same as the standard Caddy vanâ€¦"

Both of the Caddy Maxi's diesel engines use direct injection technology rather than the common-rail injection set-up that tends to be smoother and more refined. There's the usual diesel rumble at start-up but once operating temperatures are achieved, the Caddy goes about its business in a reasonably hushed manner. The driving position is nice and high affording good viability and easy access. The dash-mounted gear shifter has a nice, positive feel and the braking performance inspires confidence. The Caddy isn't as enjoyable to hustle along as some of the other offerings in this sector but its suspension irons out the bumps well for an overall driving experience with high levels of comfort. It's the extra space that will need to sell the Caddy Maxi because otherwise, it's the same as the standard Caddy van. Neat but unspectacular styling in the best Volkswagen traditions dominates the outside while the interior is similarly efficient with build quality that's as good as anything in the small van sector. The Caddy Maxi is 470mm longer than a normal Caddy van with 151mm of that accounted for by a longer rear overhang and 319mm squeezed into the wheelbase. It all makes for a vehicle of 4,875mm in length with a 4.2m3 load volume that's up 1m3 on the standard van. The maximum payload is increased too. You can take around 720kg in a Caddy and 800kg in a Caddy Maxi. The Caddy is kept in check by disc brakes on all four wheels controlled by the standard ABS system. There's traction control too. Not many small vans can offer that as standard but not many small vans have the option of 138bhp. The whole package rides on suspension based on that of the MkV Golf at the front but the rear set-up has been beefed-up to cope with the Caddy's more taxing load-lugging duties. The rigid rear axle is mounted on leaf springs, while there are anti-roll bars fore and aft to keep everything nice and rigid for more composed cornering. All Caddy Maxi models have twin sliding side doors and glazing rear doors with opaque glass. The also have a solid bulkhead which helps keep cabin noise down. Standard equipment includes remote central locking, a must when you've got six doors to think about, a driver's airbag and a CD stereo. There's also height, rake and reach adjustment for the driver's seat and rake and height adjustment on the steering wheel, so getting comfortable should be simple. As well as the panel van model, the Caddy Maxi can also be ordered in Window Van and `Life' forms. These bring additional people carrying options, with the Window Van taking a basic minibus approach with a carpeted floor and bench seats. The Life model goes further coming over a bit MPV with a more luxurious specification and various additional storage solutions. Hop in behind the steering wheel: you'll see the cabin is typical Volkswagen and very similar to the Golf. Neat and unfussy with dark grey plastics prevailing on every surface. In passenger cars, this tried and tested VW decor occasionally comes in for criticism on the grounds that it's lacking in visual flair but it'd be rude to turn your nose up when you get an interior of this quality in a humble van. The layout is simple but effective, with the dials and buttons you need feeling solid and falling easily to hand. The extra weight that the Caddy carries over its competitors might not be obvious in the van's driving dynamics but it certainly manifests itself in the cab where there's an air of sturdiness that's uncommon in small LCVs. Storage provision is good too. The glovebox, dash-top trays and door pockets offer plenty of space for the tools of your trade but the long shelf above the windscreen may be less handy. Such arrangements are common in small vans but the presence of only a small lip along the leading edge always suggests they're angling to deposit their contents onto your head during sudden inclines or under hard acceleration. Paperwork and clothing won't be too much of a problem but, just for safety's sake, keep hammers, tins of paint and drinks flasks in the door pockets. Volkswagen has a very effective LCV line-up and the Caddy is a key part of it. In Maxi form, it's a little bit bigger and that will be exactly what some operators need. The engines are sound, the styling is attractive enough and the interior has a real quality about it. You will pay a premium for that Volkswagen branding but residual values are strong and maintenance costs low, so that extra outlay up front might pay dividends. If your load carry requirements are forcing you into a small panel van, the Caddy Maxi could be your saviour. As a compact van with extra space, it's affordable, manoeuvrable and a more enjoyable drive than the larger vehicle you were thinking about, whether you're taking to the back lanes or pounding the motorway. The 138bhp TDI engine gives it a brisk turn of pace too.

Facts At A Glance MANUFACTURER: Volkswagen MODEL: Caddy Maxi BHP: 103bhp - 138bhp PAY
LOAD CAPACITY: 800kg LOAD VOLUME: 4.2m3 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 2315-2350kg LENGTH: 4,875mm WIDTH: 1,794mm HEIGHT: 1,841mm February 27th 2008