6 minute read
Caddy 4Motion
FOUR SURE
If you need a bit of extra traction but don’t want the expense and size of a pick-up, VW’s Caddy is a possible solution, says Dan Gilkes
The dedicated all-wheel drive van market is relatively small, with the likes of Toyota’s Land Cruiser Commercial at one end and the Iveco Daily 4x4 at the other. These are true off-road vehicles that can tackle the toughest of site conditions, while offering decent on-road travel.
Of course, the 4x4 pick-up market achieves much the same thing, but without the load area privacy afforded by a panel van. When it comes to a more road-biased approach, Volkswagen’s 4Motion driveline has long been a favourite, offering primarily frontwheel drive, with the rear axle coming into play when needed.
Powertrain
For the fifth-generation Caddy, the 4Motion driveline is only available with the most powerful 122hp version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine. While this engine can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed DSG in two-wheel drive models, the 4Motion is manual only, though that is no hardship.
VW claims the same fuel consumption for both the manual and the DSG transmission with this engine, so the drop of around 5-6mpg listed for the 4Motion model is all down to the running gear. Despite not being in use all the time, the driveline will cost a little bit more at the pumps over the life of the van.
The 122hp engine, which delivers a sturdy 320Nm of torque, propels the Caddy with ease, even in its longer Maxi layout. It’s an easy companion for longer drives and you recontinued on p32 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Commerce 4Motion
Basic price £23,195 Engine 2.0-litre TDi Euro 6D Power 122hp @ 2,750-4,250rpm Torque 320Nm @ 1,600-2,500rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,400 Kerb weight 1,725 Payload 675Towing 1,500 Dimensions (mm) Load space length 2,150Load space width 1,614 Width between wheel arches 1,230 Load space height 1,275 Load volume 3.7m3 Cost considerations Mpg (WLTP) 51.4 CO2 143-149g/100km Fuel tank 50 litres AdBlue 15 litres Service interval Variable or 1 year/10,000 miles Warranty 3 years/100,000 miles
continued from p31 ally wouldn’t know that the van has four-wheel drive abilities unless you need them.
For those that do need to travel down the less beaten track though, the reassurance of all-wheel drive will certainly be welcomed.
Load carrying capacity
The 4Motion model can be had in the shorter Caddy or this longer Maxi model. The standard Caddy carries 3.1m3 , while this Maxi can handle 3.7m3. The 4Motion models have a higher gross weight, 2.4-tonnes in the Maxi version versus 2.3-tonnes for the same model with two-wheel drive, but carry slightly less load, due to the extra weight of that driven rear axle. For this 4Motion Maxi that means 675kg in Commerce trim. The van can pull up to a 1.5-tonne trailer though.
In the cab
As mentioned, the test van arrived in Commerce trim. That includes the Composition Audio system, with DAB radio, 6.5” colour touchscreen, Bluetooth and two USB-C slots. You get cruise control, an electronic parking brake, electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric windows, a multi-function steering wheel and Start/Stop technology.
You also get a host of ADAS equipment as standard, including Auto Post Collision Braking, Brake Assist, Driver Alert, Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking. Moving to Commerce Plus would have added Climatic air conditioning, but the VW Press Office had ticked that box for us, along with satellite navigation.
The Caddy interior is a comfortable place to spend the day, well-built and durable. It’s all a bit sombre and black, but the cabin feels like it will look exactly like that after a hard three or four-year first life. We’ve mentioned before the haptic sliders for temperature and infotainment volume, so won’t dwell on them again here. Suffice to say, further exposure has still not made us big fans.
On the road
While 122hp is certainly more than enough for a van of this size, it never feels over-engined and the Caddy Maxi is a relaxing drive, both in the town and on the dual carriageway. Steering and suspension are secure and reassuring and the van is easy to place on a country road.
The fifth generation Caddy, with its standard full bulkhead, is much quieter than previous models, especially those with a half mesh guard. Even at motorway speeds, it offers a comfortable, smooth ride that makes longer journeys a pleasure.
Volkswagen’s 4Motion driveline is not meant to make the Caddy a mud-plugging off-roader. It is intended for those users that require occasional additional grip and traction, when the terrain gets slippery.
That could be due to weather conditions, for those that live in more northerly parts, or for drivers that regularly have to tackle forest trails, construction haul roads or agricultural tracks. The fact that there is little more to say about 4Motion is more of a compliment than a criticism. It is there in the background if needed, yet remains unnoticed until that time. Admittedly, there is a small price to pay in fuel use, but it is not as drastic as some high-riding 4x4 vehicles.
In the higher Commerce Pro trim, where you can choose a 122hp engine with a manual gearbox and two or fourwheel drive, the 4Motion is £2,750 more than the front-driven van. For those that require it, that will no doubt be money well spent.
SAFETY STEPS
12V “SMART” version for vehicles with start-stop technology now available
EBERSPÄCHER HANDIWASH – HOT AND COLD WATER AT ANY LOCATION
Simple to use, effective in performance and reliable in operation. For anyone whose work brings them into contact with hazardous substances, or unhygienic conditions, they should be considered a necessity. Eberspächer handwash units can assist you in meeting occupational health and safety requirements.
www .eberspacher.com – 01425 480151
jn1073_92x132_handwash_vu.indd 1 07/03/2017 14:22
VAN LINERS, SPRAY LINERS, PROTECTIVE COATINGS SPEEDLINER® Europe Ltd. has an enviable 22 year track record by being recognised as the fi rst company to introduce a versatile spray-on truck-bed liner to the UK market back in 2000. It continues to be the most successful, longest established, independent and privately owned company offering the best low cost 'start up', non-franchise spray liner system available in the UK and many countries in Europe.
SPEEDLINER® Europe Ltd. products are now applied by over 140 authorised Dealers/Application Centres across 12 countries by many vehicle bodyshops and renowned, bespoke coach building and vehicle conversion companies. Due to ever increasing legislation, many panel vans require load area cleaning and washing capabilities to meet specifi c vehicle hygiene requirements.
01584 877513
www.speedlinereuro.com • info@speedlinereuro.com
