Volkswagen's Caddy and Caddy Life MPV models offer an interesting take on the van-based MPV theme. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Van-based MPVs have, to date, failed to disguise their utilitarian roots. The Volkswagen Caddy and Caddy Life people carriers offer a rather more upmarket feel and a drive that's a good deal more spirited than most. You can have seven seats, yet in a car that's easy to park in the tightest multi-storey - and all the technology a family could want. As a compromise between relative sophistication and solid common sense, these compact Caddy people movers work extremely well.

Background

The problem with van-based MPVs is easy to identify. It's the lingering feeling that no matter how much glazing you have around the outside, when you're behind the wheel you'll still feel as if you're delivering pizzas. No matter how hard many manufacturers have tried to get away from the light commercial origins, these vehicles can't shake off the faint whiff of deep pan pepperoni. But if you were to lay odds on anyone to crack this thorny issue, it would be Volkswagen. With a range of increasingly sophisticated passenger cars, Volkswagen has decided to sprinkle a little of that urbane charm onto the fourth generation range of its compact Caddy people carriers, van-based MPVs that aim to be cut above the norm. The challenge is to do so while still keeping prices in the ballpark that van-based MPV customers expect. It's a tougher brief than you might expect.

Driving Experience

No previous Caddy model has been better prepared to function like a car. Because no previous model has used car-like coil-sprung suspension, older generation Caddy MPVs having shared the same van-like leaf-sprung suspension as their LCV cousins. A much more sophisticated chassis also helps, the much stiffer Modular Transverse Matrix platform used on all Volkswagen's current Golf, Passat and Tiguan-sized car models. Plus there's a fresh electrically assisted power steering rack with a more direct feel. All of this is the same of course as you get with the rejuvenated current Caddy Cargo van model, though the payload of this MPV version is 100kgs lower (506kgs). The engines on offer are the same as those in the Caddy Cargo of course too. There are three - a 1.5-litre TSI petrol unit with 116PS, offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox with the Caddy and with a 7-speed DSG auto with the Caddy Life. Alternatively, there's a choice of 2.0-litre TDI diesels, one with 102PS only offered with that manual gearbox; and the other with 122PS which comes only in DSG auto form with a Caddy but can be had with either a manual or an auto with the Caddy Life. At the time of this test in Autumn 2021, Volkswagen wasn't offering this MPV design with the optional 4MOTION 4WD system you can get with the Caddy Cargo van.

Design and Build

Bet you weren't expecting a van-based MPV to look as good as this? The fourth generation Caddy Cargo van's sleeker looks translate well into this MPV model. It's offered in standard 'Caddy' and plusher 'Caddy Life' forms (the latter recognisable by 16-inch 'Wien' alloy wheels and black roof rails). And, as with the van, you get a choice of standard short wheelbase or 'Maxi' long wheelbase body styles. You'll obviously want the 'Maxi' version if you're looking for seven seats (though a third seating row can also be added into the short wheelbase variant as an option). All variants get twin side sliding doors, but those on the 'Maxi' version (844mm wide) are 143mm wider than the ones on the short wheelbase version. The ambiance up-front is very car-like. And further back, there'll obviously be a lot more seating room in the second and third rows with the Caddy Maxi's long wheelbase, which gives you an extra 353mm of length with a larger luggage area. Even with all three seating rows in place, a Caddy Maxi can offer 446-litre of space. In five-seat format, you're looking at 1,720-litres of space in the Maxi - or 1,213-litres with the standard version. Fold the second row seats and it really does get van-like, 3,105-litres of space in the Maxi - or 2,556-litres with the standard version.

Market and Model

The story here is that you get two spec levels, a basic minibus-type version (that the model badged merely 'Caddy'); or an MPV that really feels much more like a car (the 'Caddy Life'). Either way, as we said in our 'Design' section, there's the choice of either a short wheelbase model with the option of seven seats. Or a seven-seat long wheelbase 'Maxi' body style (from which you can delete the third seating row if you really don't want it). Prices start at just over £29,000 for the Caddy short wheelbase: add around £4,000 to that if you want the Caddy Life version. Many will want to find the extra £1,500 Volkswagen wants for the long 'Maxi' versions, which obviously have much more space for the third seating row. But the longer 'Maxi' shape brings the cost up of course - to around the £35,000 mark if you want a Caddy Maxi Life model, as many families will. Adding the 3rd row package into the short wheelbase model costs just over £800 more - we can't really see why you'd do that because it doesn't save much in the final analysis. With base 'Caddy' spec, you are of course limited to the basics, though they do include a 'Composition' infotainment system with a 6.5-inch centre screen, twin side sliding doors and a very complete rosta of camera safety kit. The 'Caddy Life' variants of course offer much more. As we said in our 'Design' section, visually, 'Life'-spec is marked out by 16-inch 'Wien' alloy wheels and black roof rails, plus you get LED rear tail lamps. With the 'Life' version, you also get power-folding mirrors and all-round parking sensors, while inside, there's a removable waste bin and the seats get smarter 'Trialog' upholstery and at the front, feature lumbar support and sliding drawers. 'Life'-spec gets you a bigger 8.25-inch 'Composition' central infotainment screen with 'App Connect' (enabling 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring), along with 'We Connect Plus' preparation (so that you can interact with the screen and the car using your smartphone).

Cost of Ownership

As you'd expect, this Volkswagen delivers a frugal set of running cost returns. In standard Caddy form, the short wheelbase model in 2.0 TDI 102PS manual form manages up to 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 126g/km; for the 2.0 TDI 122PS DSG auto version, the figures are up to 55.4mpg and up to 134g/km. With the 1.5 TSI petrol manual model, it's up to 44.1mpg and up to 144g/km. These figures are only fractionally reduced if you choose either the 'Maxi' body shape and / or the 'Life' model spec. As for service intervals, the efficient engine range enables Volkswagen to offer service intervals spread quite far apart - every 18,600 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Various service plans are of course available to spread the cost of maintenance. And there's a 'Service' section of the 'Vehicle' screen telling you when oil change maintenance and inspections are due. You'll need to get the 15-litre AdBlue tank topped up as part of regular servicing too. Finally, there's the three year warranty. This one gets the cover package applicable to a Volkswagen van, so the mileage limit in this period is raised from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's also three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance also included with no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and the Caddy is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion body warranty.

Summary

As an exercise in managing compromise, the Caddy people carrier is a triumph. Volkswagen has managed to keep prices reasonably competitive for this type of vehicle, while at the same time injecting enough sophistication to distance it from its light commercial roots. That it has done this without compromising practicality in any significant manner marks this Caddy MPV as one for the shortlist if you're after really sensible family transport. With its neat styling and rugged utility, this is a proper multi-role vehicle, and in seven-seat guise it has more passenger space in the third row than you'd get from a seven-seat SUV costing maybe £10,000 more. In short, if you need a vehicle that can discharge some arduous family responsibilities and emerge unscathed, this one's well worth a look.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Rain sensor

Rear window wiper and washer system with intermittent control

Heated rear window

Fixed side window in load/passenger compartment

Windscreen wiper with variable intermittent delay and wash wipe system

Brakes

Traction control system (TCS)

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Brake assist

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Engine drag torque control

Automatic post collision braking system

Electronic Stability Programme

Electronic brake force distribution

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet floor covering in cab

Carpet floor covering in passenger compartment

Communication

Bluetooth mobile phone interface

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Driver alert system

Lane assist

Driver Convenience

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Driver Information

On board computer

Service interval indicator

Gesture control

Digital cockpit

Multi function display

We connect plus preparation

Driving Mirrors

Anti dazzle rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Decorative inserts birch vein

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

2 Type C USB

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Twin near side and off side sliding doors

Exterior Lights

Automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking

Third high level brake light

LED rear tail lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electrically controlled heating system

Interior Features

Centre console with 2 cupholders

Retractable luggage compartment cover

Glove compartment cover with light

Illumination lockable glovebox compartment

12V socket in passenger compartment

Sliding trunk cover

Removable waste bin with cover for cab

Trialog cloth upholstery

Centre console high with armrests adjustable

Door and side trim panel in fabric

Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Storage drawers under front seats

Interior Lights

Interior light in headliner incorporating LED technology

5 standard interior lights in passenger compartment

Packs

7 seat pack - Caddy

Assistance package - Caddy

Safety

Child locks on rear doors

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

Direct tyre pressure monitoring system

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Power operated child safety locks

3-point seat belts in front with pretensioner and height adjustment

Side and curtain airbag for driver and front passenger

Curtain airbag for outer seats in rear

Front centre airbag

Seat belt warning if unfastened, front and rear

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Seats

Backrest release for front passenger seat

Seat occupied recognition for front seats

Manual adjustable lumbar support in front seats

Front passenger seat foldable

Isofix on 2nd row outer seats

Manual front seats with height adjustment

Front head restraints

Split folding/removable rear seat

Height adjustable head restraints

Folding table on front seat backrests

Rear head restraints

Security

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn and towing protection

Electronic engine immobiliser

Wheel bolts unlockable anti-theft protection

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with mirror and airbag label on front passenger

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 157

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 163

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 157

Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 12.5:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

CC: 1498

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 39.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.2

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 11E

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 84

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 69

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 116

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 5

Coin Series: Life [Tech Pack]

Coin Description: TSI 116

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 22.4

Top Speed: 113

0 to 62 mph (secs): 12.4

Engine Power - KW: 85

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 116

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 162

Engine Torque - NM: 220

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: WIEN

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2100

Height: 1800

Height (including roof rails): 1860

Width: 1855

Wheelbase: 2970

Length: 4853

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2250

Minimum Kerbweight: 1515

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 735

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 446

No. of Seats: 7

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 3105

Max. Roof Load: 100

Body Glass

Dark tinted glass in rear seat area heat-insulating glass in front area

Hinged windows in passenger compartment

Carpets/Rugs

Front/rear floor mats

Rubber floor covering in cab and passenger/load compartment

Communication

Wireless app connect for apple carPlay

Driver Aids

Dynamic road sign display

Trailer maneuvering system with park assist

Trailer maneuvering system with parking sensors - front and rear

Power steering with mobility aid

Driver Convenience

Tailgate with window aperture and with power latching

Function control module without body builder programming

Voice control

Function control module

Driver Information

Discover media navigation system and infotainment system with 10" colour touch screen including streaming and Internet, 6 speakers, voice control

Driving Mirrors

Black door mirrors, body coloured door handles and black sliding door rails

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Engine

Increased battery/alternator capacity

Preparation for second battery

Entertainment

Discover Pro navigation system with 10" colour touch screen including streaming and Internet, 6 speakers

Ready 2 discover infotainment system with 10" colour touch-screen Includes Streaming and Internet, 6 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Power latching for passenger side sliding door

Metallic paint

Black loading edge protection plastic cover in front of rear aperture to protect painted bumper

Loading edge protection in stainless steel look plastic cover in front of rear aperture to protect painted bumper

Driver door reinforced

Reinforced cab doors

Additional front underbody guard

Fixed panoramic glass roof with 2 roof grab handles

Pearlescent paint

Special solid paint

Power latching for driver side sliding door

Silver roof rails

Exterior Lights

High beam assist

LED headlights with LED separate daytime running lights

LED main headlights with seperate LED daytime running light

LED tailgate surround lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air conditioning - 2 zone electronic climate control

Roof ventilator in passenger and load compartment

Interior Features

12V socket in load compartment and dashboard

230V inverter and outlet for UK

Net partition in passenger compartment - 3 mounting points

Adjustable partition

12V outlet with cigarette lighter and ashtray

Packs

Assistance package - Caddy

Winter package plus - Caddy

Winter pack - Caddy

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Golden Green

Metallic - Indium grey

Metallic - Costa Azul

Metallic - Copper bronze

Metallic - Fortana red

Metallic - Mojave beige

Metallic - Starlight blue

Metallic - Reflex silver

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Cherry red

Paint - Special

Special solid - Candy white

Seats

ErgoComfort seats for driver and passenger with armrests

Security

Central locking system "Keyless Entry" with fingerprint "two-stage unlocking"

4 remote control keys for locking system

Towing

Towbar preparation

Removable/lockable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Trialog cloth - Soul/soul-soul/black

Wheels

225/45 R18 low rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Alloy

All season 215/55 R17 low rolling resistance tyres for 17" alloy wheels

All season 205/60 R16 low rolling resistance tyres for 16" alloy wheels

18" Monterosso glossy black alloy wheels

17" Colombo glossy black alloy wheels

17" Barahona silver alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Alloy spare wheel with original equipment tyre