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What a great line up from Volkswagen. There must be a vehicle to suit everyone amongst this bevvy of classy rivals. You may find yourself drawn to more than one as I was.  The Caddy Maxi Life is a very roomy, and I mean for your head also, good to drive vehicle. I made the trip down to the launch in my Daihatsu Terios, whom I love dearly, but I was soon reminded that I bought the Terios for practical hard terrain driving reasons and not as a driver's car. To be behind the wheel of a vehicle again that makes you want to hit the open road and just keep going is something I haven't experienced for a while. The new VW's were something of a revelation for me, they awakened by desire to drive again, the old thrill from taking corners, changing gear and cruising suddenly returned in all their glory and my little Terios (Hercules is his name) days became numbered.

With so many to drive it is difficult to say which stood out most in my mind. I have always had a soft spot for the Passat, with it's sleek lines and comfortable driving or the Golf with the sporty feel. Then there is the Blu Motion aspect which could be the next best thing in the fight against rising fuel prices. In truth, all the cars had something I really liked about them and the closest to the next vehicle I would buy was the Caddy Maxi Life. Masses of space for a few dogs and wonderful, easy opening sliding doors. Plus a medium sized car to drive. My only problem with it and most of the others was the towing capabilities. With so many horsey people towing trailers now, the crackdown on illegal towing has increased. Very few cars on the market have the ability to pull two horses and a trailer. The Caddy Maxi Life would allow a trailer and one horse or two ponies.

I am still looking for my perfect vehicle, though VW comes close with many of it's superb range, I just haven't found it quite yet but maybe they are close enough.

 

 

BlueMotion                                                                                                                  

The term BlueMotion denotes the most fuel and CO2 efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges.  BlueMotion models use existing but modified diesel engines, and feature changes to gearing, aerodynamics and tyres to produce low-cost vehic les that match or beat hybrids currently available in the UK market while being conventional to service and repair

 

Alternative fuels                                                                                                            

End of life vehicle solutions                                                                                        

Volkswagen Individual                                                                                                 

 

The Polo BlueMotion                                                                                                    

The Golf BlueMotion                                                                                                    

The Golf Plus BlueMotion                                                                                            

The Passat BlueMotion                                                                                              

 

 

The Tiguan                                                                                                                  

Recently launched compact 4x4 takes styling from ‘big brother’ Touareg and offers customers a quality package combining practicality, value for money and versatility

 

 

The Touareg R50                                                                                                         

Range-topping Touareg luxury off-roader gains power boost from 313 to 350 PS
plus 850 Nm of torque from its award-winning 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine

 

 

The Caddy Maxi                                                                                                             

Bridging the gap between the compact Caddy van and evergreen Transporter, the Caddy Maxi has a loadspace of 4.2 m3 and 800 kg maximum payload

 

 

The Caddy Maxi Life                                                                                                   

New compact MPV gives customers a spacious and practical choice, with sliding doors, seven seats, strong safety features and prices from £15,995

 

 


BlueMotion technology

 

What is the BlueMotion range?

BlueMotion is a new range from Volkswagen, essentially a brand name which denotes the most fuel and CO2 efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges. 

 

The first model offered was the Polo BlueMotion which was launched in the UK in September 2007.  With a combined fuel consumption figure of 74.3 mpg and a rating of just 99 g/km of carbon dioxide, the Polo BlueMotion quickly became recognised by motoring experts and fleet and retail customers as a popular choice for those wanting a conventional, practical, stylish and affordable car with class-leading CO2 performance.

 

In fact its popularity both in the UK and across Europe meant demand soon outstripped planned supply and production at the Polo factory in Pamplona , Spain , had to be increased threefold.  In the UK an initial allocation of 850 vehic les for 2008 quickly sold out with Volkswagen now predicting annual Polo BlueMotion sa les of 2,050.

 

Early in 2008, Volkswagen began to increase the availability of BlueMotion models across a number of its passenger car ranges.  The ever-popular hatchback, the Golf, is now available in BlueMotion form and in basic S as well as Match trim.  These models offer customers all the assets for which the Golf is renowned but with a combined economy figure of 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.  As such it will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge from October 27th this year under the Mayor of London’s new emissions-based plans.

 

BlueMotion models are also available in the Golf Plus mini-MPV, Jetta compact saloon as well as Passat saloon and Estate line-ups.  In the future, Volkswagen plans to extend further with the addition of a Touran and Sharan BlueMotion.

 

It is important to note that while the BlueMotion models have undergone substantial modifications to increase efficiency, they still retain all the features of the standard cars on which they are based so not only are they conventional to service and repair, customers also do not have to compromise on safety, practicality or comfort.

 

What is BlueMotion?

BlueMotion is a term used to describe the most fuel and CO2 efficient model in a particular range.  Many of these changes are repeated across Volkswagen’s model ranges thereby ensuring BlueMotion models are affordable as well as efficient. 

 

All BlueMotion models have diesel engines, already renowned for their efficiency, which use Volkswagen’s ‘Pumpe Düse’ or unit injector technology.  The Polo BlueMotion has a three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI unit producing 80 PS, while all other models use as their base the award-winning 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS engine.  

 

All BlueMotion engines also have as standard an oxidation catalyst and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which reduce oxides of nitrogen and carbon partic les almost to zero.  A variable geometry turbocharger is also added to provide high levels of torque from just above idling speed.

 

Elsewhere on the drivetrain, the cars’ standard five-speed manual gearboxes are modified to lengthen the gearing in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears; this decreases engine speed and also improves economy.

 

Simple aerodynamic changes have the effect of reducing drag on all BlueMotion models.  These modifications may include changes to the front spoiler below the front bumper, smaller intakes for the engine cooling system, a modified rear spoiler and different exterior mirror design.  Lowered suspension is also employed on some versions.  Further alterations include the use of low rolling resistance tyres. 

 

Alternative fuels

Volkswagen takes the environmental impact of its vehic les from production to end-of-life very seriously and is developing a number of processes to minimise any harmful effects on the environment.  BlueMotion models use existing technology that has been refined to increase efficiency and reduce impact. 

 

In future, Volkswagen plans to offer a wide range of more environmentally friendly technologies and mobility solutions.  At the recent Geneva Motor Show, the company unveiled the Golf TDI Hybrid concept which uses for the first time a diesel engine in combination with an electric motor and the very latest seven-speed DSG gearbox.  The car is capable of achieving 83 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 89 g/km of CO2; around town the vehicle reverts to purely electric mode to be emission-free. 

 

Also at Geneva was the Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel concept, which uses a 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS engine running on either conventional petrol or natural gas.  Research is also underway to develop a new kind of fuel cell, alongside new concept cars such as the innovative space up! blue which was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year.

 

End-of-life solutions: the Volkswagen-SiCon process

It’s not just the effect cars have on the environment when they are in use that needs to be taken into consideration.  For this reason, Volkswagen is as concerned about the disposal of vehicles at the end of their life and the damage this can do.

 

In recognition of the work it has done in this area, Volkswagen was presented in June 2007 with two certificates by the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Germany, to confirm that the Volkswagen Group is the first automaker worldwide to produce series vehic les which are recyclable to a minimum of 85 per cent and reusable to a minimum of 95 per cent by mass.

 

The ‘Reusability, Recoverability and Recyclability’ certificate issued by the Federal Motor Transport Authority on behalf of the EU confirms that Volkswagen already complies with the administrative and technical requirements of the new EU Directive 2005/64/EC before it comes into effect.  From December 2008, when the new Directive is enforced, all vehicle manufacturers will be obliged to provide evidence of recyclability when applying for type-approval of new vehicles.  The Directive specifies that new vehicles must be reusable and/or recyclable to a minimum of 85 per cent and reusable and/or recoverable to a minimum of 95 per cent by mass.

 

The new recycling requirements will become part of the type-approval procedure and oblige all vehicle manufacturers to submit a satisfactory strategy for ensuring the reusability of components and for the recyclability and recoverability of materials.  Furthermore, the arrangements and procedures put in place by the vehicle manufacturer to manage all information received from suppliers will also be assessed.

 

As part of achieving its aims and the specified criteria, Volkswagen teamed up with SiCon GmbH back in 1999 to develop a recycling process for end-of-life vehicles which is particularly effective in protecting the environment and preserving resources.  The much-acclaimed Volkswagen-SiCon process recovers materials from end-of-life vehicles for use as a valuable source of raw materials.  Following treatment, hard plastics, rubber, textiles, glass and metal residues replace primary raw materials and thus contribute to protecting natural resources.  Apart from the ecological aspect, this process presents an economically attractive alternative for secondary raw material users as raw material prices continue to rise.

 

Volkswagen Individual

Established in 2003 and based in Wolfsburg , Volkswagen Individual has the ability to design, engineer and partially manufacture vehic les and is assigned responsibility for special projects.  These include highly efficient vehic les such as the BlueMotion range and high-performance products such as the Golf R32, Passat R36 and Touareg R50.

 

Individual also produces a range of bespoke styling options for vehic les under the ‘R-Line’ banner.  This can extend from unique interior colours and finishes through to bodystyling and wheel designs.

 

In the case of the Polo BlueMotion, for example, a separate ‘Individual’ production line assigned to the BlueMotion model runs parallel to the conventional Polo line.  The Polo shell is diverted onto the Individual line to have the bespoke elements that make the BlueMotion model unique added – including the aerodynamic elements, gearbox, turbocharger and interior – before it’s returned to the conventional production line to be completed.

 

The Polo BlueMotion

 

Key facts

 

·         BlueMotion defines the most fuel and CO2 efficient model in each Volkswagen passenger car range

·         Polo BlueMotion has a combined fuel consumption figure of 74.3 mpg and emissions of 99 g/km of CO2

·         Fitted with a 45-litre fuel tank the Polo BlueMotion has a theoretical range in excess of 700 mi les

·         Weight saving, reduced aerodynamic drag and longer gearing lead to the improvement in fuel efficiency

·         Polo BlueMotion uses an 80 PS 1.4-litre, three-cylinder TDI engine fitted with electronically controlled, high-pressure direct injection

·         A variable geometry turbocharger is added to provide high levels of torque from just above idling speed

·         Engine management modifications further improve fuel efficiency

·         Revised engine is linked to a five speed gearbox with new, longer ratios designed to decrease engine speed and improve economy

·         The Polo BlueMotion can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 12.8 seconds before reaching a maximum of 109 mph

·         Extensive yet subtle changes have been made to the body to reduce drag and maximise fuel efficiency.  These include a new grille section and revised splitter below the bumper and a rear spoiler.  A set of alloy wheels reduce weight and hard compound tyres decrease rolling resistance

·         Despite the increases in efficiency the levels of equipment on the Polo BlueMotion remain high with a CD/radio, electric front windows, six airbags, a multifunction computer, central locking and ABS all fitted as standard

·         Comes in two trim levels – Polo BlueMotion 1 and 2.  BlueMotion 2 adds air conditioning, remote central locking, an alarm, leather steering wheel and gear knob trim and a coming/leaving home lighting function

·         Unique trim finishes and badging join the changes to the body and drivetrain

·         Volkswagen UK predicts annual sa les of 2,050 Polo BlueMotions for 2008 (just under six per cent of total Polo sa les of 35,640)

·         Around 70 per cent of people will opt for the higher specced BlueMotion 2 model

 

 

The Golf BlueMotion

 

Key facts

 

·         Launched in mainland Europe at end of 2007; on sale in the UK early 2008 the Golf BlueMotion is capable of returning a combined economy figure of 62.8 mpg while emitting 119 g/km of CO2.  The standard 1.9-litre TDI vehicle returns 55.4 mpg and emits 132 g/km of CO2

·         The third vehicle to join the BlueMotion range after the Polo and Passat.  By the end of 2008 Volkswagen expects to offer a total of nine BlueMotion variants

·         Fitted with a 55-litre fuel tank the Golf BlueMotion is granted a theoretical range of 745 mi les

·         Weight saving, aerodynamic improvements and changes to the drivetrain make the economy gains possible

·         Golf BlueMotion adopts a 1.9-litre, four-cylinder TDI 105 PS engine linked to a revised engine management system and a reduced idle speed.  The modifications increase the engine’s efficiency to allow greater performance while simultaneously using les s fuel

·         Revised engine is linked to a five speed gearbox with new, longer ratios for 3rd, 4th and 5th gears to decrease engine speed and improve economy

·         The changes to the Golf’s body are subtle in appearance yet extensive with modifications to the underside of the vehicle to smooth off the airflow in conjunction with blanked off sections of the front grille to reduce cooling system drag as les s heat is rejected by the engine

·         Golf BlueMotion models also have lower suspension which reduces frontal area and aerodynamic drag

·         A multifunction computer with visual gear change recommendation for optimum fuel consumption is also added to enhance economy

·         The Golf BlueMotion is offered in both S and Match trim levels along with unique trim finishes and BlueMotion badging

·         Despite the increases in efficiency the levels of equipment on the Golf BlueMotion remain high with a CD/radio, electric front windows, six airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), ABS and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) all fitted as standard

·         Match adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumper strips, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip, alarm, cruise control, automatic coming/leaving home lighting function and dusk sensor, arm-rest mounted iPod preparation and rain sensor and automatic dimming rear view mirror among a number of other features

·         Built at Wolfsburg plant alongside standard Golf

·         Volkswagen plans to sell 2,540 Golf BlueMotions in the UK in 2008 (around four per cent of total Golf volume of 63,500 cars)

·         Around 65 per cent of Golf BlueMotion buyers will opt for the Match trim

 

 

The Golf Plus BlueMotion

 

Key facts

 

·         The Golf Plus BlueMotion combines the virtues of optimised aerodynamics, revised gear ratios and reduced weight first seen on the Polo BlueMotion to improve efficiency and lower emissions

·         Golf Plus BlueMotion has a combined economy figure of 58.9 mpg while emitting 127 g/km of CO2

·         The practical bodyshape of the Golf Plus has been lowered by 15 mm.  This, along with a revised front grille and underbody design result in a reduction in the coefficient of drag which falls from 0.32 to 0.30

·         Like the Golf and Passat models the Golf Plus BlueMotion is equipped with a 105 PS 1.9-litre, four-cylinder TDI engine with a revised engine management system and reduced idle speed.  The modifications increase the engine’s fuel efficiency

·         Revised engine is linked to a five speed gearbox with new, longer ratios for 3rd, 4th and 5th gears designed to decrease engine speed and improve economy

·         The Golf Plus BlueMotion can achieve a maximum range in excess of 700 mi les on a single 55 litre tank of fuel

·         The Golf Plus BlueMotion is fitted with low rolling resistance tyres

·         Despite the increases in efficiency the levels of equipment on the Golf Plus BlueMotion remain high with a CD/radio, electric windows, six airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), ABS and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) all fitted as standard

·         Just one trim level is available, based on the standard Golf Plus Luna specification

·         On top of Luna features, Golf Plus BlueMotion adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction computer with visual gear change recommendation for optimum fuel consumption and sports suspension

·         Unique trim finishes and badging join the changes to the body and drivetrain

·         BlueMotion will account for five per cent of Golf Plus sa les in 2008: 295 cars out of a total volume of just under 6,000

 

 

The Passat BlueMotion

 

Key facts

 

·         Made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007

·         Launched in Germany in June 2007; UK on sale now – available in saloon and estate bodysty les

·         Passat BlueMotion is powered by a 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS engine linked to a revised five-speed gearbox with longer gearing and an engine management system designed to improve fuel efficiency

·         Combined fuel consumption figure improves from 49.6 to 55.3 mpg for the saloon and from 47.9 to 54.3 mpg for the estate, while CO2 is lowered to just 136 g/km and 137 g/km respectively

·         As a result of reduced aerodynamic drag the Passat BlueMotion has a slightly higher top speed than the standard car – 119 mph versus 117 mph for the saloon.  The sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes 12.1 seconds

·         A 12 per cent reduction in aerodynamic drag has been achieved and a drag coefficient of 0.27.  This results from lower cooling system drag, more efficient underbody airflow and suspension that is lowered by 15 mm at the front and 8 mm at the rear

·         As with the Polo BlueMotion, the Passat uses low rolling resistance tyres

·         A revised engine management system, lower engine idle speed and ‘up-shift’ light in the instrument panel provide further efficiency potential

·         Despite its gains in economy, levels of equipment on the Passat BlueMotion remain high with ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, electric windows, twin front and side and curtain airbags and an electronic handbrake all fitted as standard 

·         External styling changes to the Passat BlueMotion include a new grille section incorporating chrome highlights and discreet ‘BlueMotion’ badging

·         In 2008, its first full year on sale, Volkswagen UK expects to sell around 1,190 Passat BlueMotion saloons and 510 estates

·         In 2007 over 37,000 examp les of the Passat were sold in the UK

 

   

 

The Tiguan

 

The Tiguan, which went on sale in the UK on 1 February 2008 , is Volkswagen’s first compact SUV.  Taking visual cues from its ‘big brother’ off-roader, the Touareg, and adopting much of that vehicle’s versatility, it also offers buyers high levels of interior space, comfort and specification, as well as value for money. 

 

Unveiled as Concept Tiguan at the Los Ange les Motor Show in November 2006, Volkswagen’s latest model then made its public debut in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, just ahead of its European launch.

 

All Tiguan models are offered with standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive.  The front axle adopts a strut type system linked to a lightweight aluminium subframe with electro-mechanical power steering.  A four-link rear axle lends the Tiguan excellent on-road handling while still being suited to off-road driving. 

 

The range will be split into four trim levels: S, SE and Sport which have a front end treatment biased towards on-road applications and an 18 degree angle of approach.  Additionally an Escape trim level will be offered for those customers looking for additional off-road capability.  This has a unique front end design featuring a shorter overhang, protective element over the front radiator grille, a sump guard, hill descent assist and a compass as well as a 28 degree angle of approach.

 

Three engines are currently available: a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS common rail diesel and, just on sale from the end of March, a new 170 PS TDI; plus a 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS petrol unit.  Two higher powered TSIs – with 170 and 200 PS – will be added to the line-up in due course.  All diesel engines comply with the strict Euro 5 emissions standard that comes into effect in 2009.  Both six-speed manual and tiptronic automatic transmissions will be offered.

 

Slightly larger externally than the Touran MPV, the Tiguan boasts a class-leading towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg.  The rear bench, which can be moved fore and
aft by 16 cm to liberate extra leg or luggage room, provides seating for three passengers; and when the rear seats are folded away, the Tiguan has a load volume of up to 1,510 litres. 

 

Standard equipment levels are high, with all Tiguans featuring alloy wheels, air conditioning, MP3 compatible CD player, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), a curtain airbag system plus twin front and side airbags among a host of other items.

 

A number of innovative options are also available, including Volkswagen’s new RNS 510 touchscreen satellite navigation and audio system incorporating special navigation software to allow route guidance while off-road.  The Park Assist system which was pioneered on the Touran and takes over steering inputs from the driver whilst undertaking reverse parking manoeuvres is also offered on the Tiguan.

 

Volkswagen is predicting first year sa les of around 10,500 units in the UK – around the same volume as the Touran compact MPV.

 

 

 

 

The Tiguan

 

Key facts

 

·         The Frankfurt Motor Show marked the public debut of Volkswagen’s new compact off-roader; based on the Concept Tiguan study unveiled at the Los Ange les Motor Show in November 2006

·         On sale in mainland Europe end of 2007; UK on sale date 1 February 2008

·         Tiguan represents Volkswagen’s entry into the compact 4x4 market

·         Split into four trim levels: S, SE and Sport with a front end treatment biased towards on-road applications.  Escape trim level will be offered with a unique front end design adapted for off-road use

·         Offered with a choice of three engines – 2.0-litre TDI 140 or 170 PS diesel units or a 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS petrol engine.  Later in 2008 a further pair of TSI petrol engines will be available.  All diesel engines comply with the strict Euro 5 emissions standard that comes into effect in 2009

·         Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available

·         4MOTION four-wheel drive will be standard at launch, linked to an 18 degree angle of approach.  Customers requiring additional off-road capability can choose a 28 degree angle of approach front end with a shorter overhang (Escape trim)

·         The Tiguan has a maximum trailer weight rating of 2,500 kg

·         Off-road biased model is also equipped with a protective element over the front radiator grille, a sump guard, hill descent control and a compass

·         Front axle adopts a strut type system and electro-mechanical power steering mounted on a lightweight aluminium subframe.  A four-link rear axle combines excellent on-road handling with good off-road ride

·         The Tiguan can be specified with the new RNS 510 touchscreen satellite navigation and audio system incorporating special navigation software to allow route guidance while off-road

·         Volkswagen’s advanced Park Assist system first applied to the Touran is available as an option on the Tiguan.  The system takes over steering inputs from the driver whilst undertaking reverse parallel parking manoeuvres

·         With the sliding rear seats folded away the Tiguan benefits from a load volume of up to 1,510 litres

·         Safety features including ABS, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), a curtain airbag system, side airbags and driver and front passenger airbags are all standard equipment

 

 

 

The Touareg R50

 

Volkswagen has launched its range-topping Touareg luxury 4x4 – the R50 – which offers customers more power and equipment, and boasts one of the most powerful diesel engines available on the market.

 

At the heart of the Touareg R50 is Volkswagen’s award-winning 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine, uprated from 313 PS to produce 350 PS at 3,500 rpm.  Beyond the power output, the R50’s engine has also been given a substantial boost to produce an extra 100 Nm of torque: if the standard car’s 750 Nm was more than enough to enable the Touareg to tow a Boeing 747, pulling power of an enormous 850 Nm (627 lbs ft) at just 2,000 rpm sets the R50 yet further apart from the crowd.

 

These figures translate into on road performance which would leave many hot hatches standing.  The R50 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds, and can hit a top speed of 146 mph.  Compare this, for example, with the ‘R’ branded Golf, the R32, which goes to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and has a 155 mph top speed.  Yet, despite its extra punch the Touareg R50 has the same fuel economy and CO2 output as the standard V10 TDI (22.4 mpg combined and 333 g/km).  Naturally the R50 benefits from standard 4XMOTION four-wheel drive which is channelled through a six-speed automatic gearbox.  CDC (Continuous Damping Control) with sports modification which sees the car lowered by around 20 mm is also a standard feature on the R50.

 

Distinguishing the R50 from the previous range-topper, the Altitude V10 TDI, are a set of 21-inch ‘Omanyt’ ten-spoke alloy wheels as well as the Touareg ‘R’ design package.  This includes at the back a body-coloured roof spoiler, restyled body-coloured bumper and oval tailpipe trims.  Wheel arch extensions and blue brake callipers enhance the distinctive wheels, while at the front the R50 gains a matt chrome radiator grille and louvres as well as honeycomb-style inserts in the airdams.  

 

Inside, and on top of the Altitude V10’s already luxurious specification, the R50 has ‘R’ logos on the pedals, door sill protectors and Nappa leather sports seats, as well as heated outer rear seats, a ski sack and a net partition. 

 

The standard Altitude V10 has everything you would expect on a car in this class, including leather upholstery, bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting, DVD touchscreen satellite navigation and radio system with colour screen and 2Zone electronic climate control.

 

The R50 is priced at £61,990 (RRP OTR), representing a £3,885 premium over the Altitude V10 TDI.  Prices for the Touareg range start at £29,985. 

 

 

The Caddy Maxi

 

On 18 February, Volkswagen Commercial Vehic les launched the new Caddy Maxi range, creating a new class of compact van for Volkswagen between its existing Caddy and Transporter models.

 

The new Caddy Maxi is 470 mm longer than the Caddy and offers an extra 1.0 m³ load volume and up to 80 kg extra payload – meaning a 4.2 m³ load volume and a payload of up to 800 kg.  It is available in three derivatives: a panel van; a five-seat window van with a second row of seats; and the Life – an MPV with seven seats in three rows.  Insurance group ratings are 4A for Caddy Maxi vans and 6E (104 PS) or 8E (140 PS) for the Life.

 

Prices for the Caddy Maxi start from £12,650 (or £15,593.75 including VAT and OTR costs) for the panel van range, £12,750 (or £15,676.25 OTR including VAT) for the window van range, and £13,021.28 (or £15,995 OTR including VAT) for Life models.

 

A choice of powerful turbodiesel engines includes: the 1.9-litre TDI PD 104 PS which is available with a five-speed manual or Volkswagen’s advanced six-speed DSG gearbox with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter); and the new 2.0-litre TDI PD 140 PS engine with DPF and six-speed manual gearbox.

 

Specification on all models includes remote central locking, radio and CD, front and rear anti-roll bars and ABS anti-lock braking system.  In addition, safety features include EBC (Engine Braking Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and TCS (Traction Control System), while ESP Plus (Electronic Stabilisation Programme Plus), which includes DSR (Driver Steering Response) and a trailer stabilisation function, is an affordable option at £282 (inc VAT).

 

Practical features for the panel van include a generous overhead storage area, two in-dash storage trays, a centre console with four drinks holders and more storage space, sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle, a full height, solid bulkhead, half-height side lining in painted hardboard and rear wing doors. 

 

As its name suggests, the five-seater window van model has full side windows plus a rear, three-seat split and folding bench seat with a sliding door on the nearside.  It is also differentiated by a tailgate with a heated rear window and wash/wipe.

 

To reflect its appeal to retail MPV buyers and the commercial taxi market, the higher standard specification of the Caddy Maxi Life includes ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, electric front windows, carpet, sliding windows and childlocks on both sliding side doors, four luggage nets in the roof lining and a 12v socket in the luggage area.  Externally, the Life is distinguished by a rear tailgate with heated window and wash/wipe, plus body coloured bumpers and electrically operated and heated mirrors.  For more details on the Life, please see page 19 of this press pack.

 

The list of options available for all models includes alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a leather trimmed, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and heated front seats.  Separate options for the panel and window vans include air conditioning, an ‘electric pack’ with electric windows and heated, adjustable door mirrors, or an ‘appearance pack’ with body-coloured bumpers and wing mirrors. 

 

 

The Caddy Maxi Life

 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehic les has launched the Caddy Maxi Life, a practical yet compact MPV with the convenience of sliding side passenger doors, three rows of seats and plenty of room for seven people and a generous amount of luggage.

 

Starting from £15,995 RRP on the road, this passenger carrier is likely to appeal to both retail and commercial customers wanting a more versatile and spacious vehicle than a conventional MPV.

 

The Caddy Maxi Life range has been kept simple with one trim level offering a high standard specification and a choice of two efficient turbodiesel engines.  These are a 1.9-litre TDI PD 104 PS available with Volkswagen’s advanced DSG gearbox or a five-speed manual ’box; plus a new 2.0-litre TDI PD 140 PS with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). 

 

Standard specification on the Caddy Maxi Life includes ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, electric front windows, carpet and full trim, sliding windows and childlocks on both sliding side doors, Isofix fittings for two rear seats, a generous overhead storage shelf above the driver, four luggage nets in the roof lining, a 12V socket in the luggage area, plus remote central locking, radio and CD player with six speakers and front fog lights.

 

Externally, the Life has a rear tailgate with heated window and wash/wipe, plus body coloured bumpers and mirrors – which are also electrically operated and heated.

 

The list of safety features is impressive, with ABS brakes, EBC (Engine Braking Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and TCS (Traction Control System) all standard; plus there is also the option of ‘ESP plus’, which includes DSR (Driver Steering Response) and a trailer stabilisation function. 

 

All the usual options are available if customers want to customise their Caddy Maxi Life further.  Options include: alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, a leather trimm