Volkswagen Caddy Cargo

Caddy Cargo is a car-like treat for the delivery team

Andrew Walker is smitten by the small Volkswagen load-lugger’s driver appeal

The all-new Volkswagen Caddy Cargo is the first VW van to be based on the MQB platform that underpins most of the company’s cars. This makes it much more fun to drive than previous Caddys and it now features the same interior as the VW car range.

Improvements don’t stop there either. The new model also features new engines, new trim, improved suspension and improved tech and safety. There’s also much improved cabin quality and a more modern exterior.

Despite the clamour for electric vans, VW won’t be electrifying the Caddy and will instead wait for an electric ID Buzz Cargo, which will be built on an all-electric platform. So you have a choice of three 2.0 TDI turbo diesels, offering 75hp, 102 hp or 122hp plus a 1.5 TSI turbo petrol producing 114hp. All versions use AdBlue, with the Caddy’s system also featuring something called ‘twin dosing’ to reduce emissions even further. The new Caddy Cargo is offered in two sizes: standard short-wheelbase (SWB) and Maxi long-wheelbase (LWB). Both models feature lower loading floors and with wider real wheel arches on both, than were offered on the previous model, it now means that Euro pallets can now be loaded into the cargo area sideways, with two Euro pallets now fitting in side by side.

Most models have a 1,500kg braked towing capacity, with the 75hp diesel and 114hp petrol version limited to 1,400kg. The unbraked towing limit is 750kg.

Caddy Cargo is 93mm longer then the previous version, at 4,500mm. The wheelbase is also up by 73mm to 2,755mm. The van is 62mm wider, at 1,855mm, excluding the door mirrors and is 5mm lower at 1,818mm, than the previous model’s height. Outside dimensions are reduced so maximum loading length has fallen from 2,249mm to 2,150mm.

All Caddy Cargos come with a fixed bulkhead and six load-lashing points. SWB models come with a single sliding side door on the passenger side while Maxi models come with two on either side of the van. Twin opening rear doors are a given and the Caddy’s doors open extra wide, too. In a change from the previous model, the Caddy 5 comes with rear doors that don’t have windows but you can order glazed doors or a tailgate.

There are three trim levels – Commerce, Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro – with the entry model costing £22,458. It is well equipped, with Composition Audio infotainment with 6.5” touchscreen, DAB+ radio, Bluetooth, SD card slot, twin USB-C ports and two speakers, cruise control with speed limiter, electronic parking brake, electric door mirrors and windows and LED interior lighting. There is also a solid bulkhead and six load lashing rings.

It’s a good start and highlights the way Volkswagen has focused on improving the interior and giving the Caddy Cargo a premium feel. Taking its cue from the Golf 8 and ID.3, Volkswagen has decided to ‘clean up’ the dashboard, so there’s very few physical buttons, with almost everything controlled by a central infotainment touchscreen display and a digital dial cluster. The Active Info display, which sits in front of the driver, allows you to access the van’s functions, again, very car-like. The Discover Media nav system adds an excellent 10” colour touchscreen and four speakers.

Overall the cabin layout is the same as in the latest VW car range, so no complaints there. Build quality is top-notch and the floor and seat coverings look built to last.

Powered by the 2.0 litre 122hp diesel engine, our test van literally flew around and it’s really good fun to drive. Top speed is 115mph and maximum power offers you 320Nms of torque.

The engine comes with lowish CO2 emissions of 127g/km and claimed combined fuel economy is 57.6 mpg. Over our usual stomping ground of the M56, M53, M6, A556, A56 and Cheshire back lanes, we covered over 250 miles and averaged 47.8 mpg; that’s down from the claimed figure but to my mind, is pretty typical for a diesel van. The 50-litre tank means you can travel for 500 miles between fill-ups.

The smallish stature of the SWB version means excellent road holding, although the suspension is a little hard. The new electricallyassisted power steering is light and precise and the six-speed gearbox features a short, smooth shift. Changes to the front suspension have improved the steering response and the Caddy is easier to manoeuvre than the old model.

It also has brilliant build quality, and overall is the best small van for creature comforts and driveability. It truly handles like a small family hatchback and is worlds away from vans of even three years ago.

However, the sub-1,000kg payload will put some off. Standard equipment is good and way better then the Caddy 4. But others – notably Stellantis’ small vans – offer more for less, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even on entry level models. On wet roads, noise is more noticeable than I would have expected, and it’s not the cheapest van out there, but I loved driving the Caddy cargo: indeed, it’s comfortably the best small van I’ve ever driven.

CC&V VERDICT

A van that drives just like a car; Volkswagen hits all the right notes with the Caddy Cargo

CC&V RATING:

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