The all-new Caddy Maxi creates a new class of compact van for Volkswagen between the Caddy and Transporter ranges as its name suggests, the new Caddy Maxi is 47 cm longer than the award-winning Caddy. With the Caddy, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is building an urban delivery vehicle to its own plan for the first time. Production is carried out at the Poznan plant in Poland. The Caddy has given Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles the chance to profit from the scale effects of high volume VW production for the first time. By the use of modules from the Golf V and also the Touran, a higher use of common parts can be achieved. The front end is basically the same as that of the Touran thought it has been adapted to the specific requirements of a commercial vehicle.Three engines are available for the Caddy Maxi a 1.6 litre (102hp) petrol engine. Entry into the diesel world is provided, as before, with the proven 1.9 litre TDI (105 HP), which accelerates the Caddy Maxi to 62mph in 13.3 seconds. The most powerful engine for the Caddy Maxi is the 2.0 litre (140 HP) TDI and is recommended as a superior power source even at full payload capacity the sprint from 0 to 62mph is completed in just 10.5 seconds with a maximum speed of 115mph where the law permits. The 1.9-litre TDI is available with a five-speed manual gearbox or with Volkswagen’s advanced six-speed DSG gearbox with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter); and new 2.0-litre engine with DPF and six-speed manual gearbox. Depending on the engine, the Caddy Maxi can also tow trailers of up to 1500 kilograms in weight.
The Caddy Maxi handles well on A roads and B roads and does not wallow or pitch around corners, it's easy to manoeuvre, predictable in its responses and feels stable and secure on the road and offers a lively performance even without a load in the back. The steering is positive and the ride comfortable. You could be forgiven for thinking you are not actually in a commercial vehicle, so quiet is the ride and engine noise.
Inside, the Caddy Maxi takes cabin comfort to the maximum. The driver's seat can be adjusted in height for an optimal view over the instruments and for safe handling the steering wheel can also be adjusted for height and rake. German cars and vans all feature seats which at first feel a little hard and upright and the Caddy Maxi is no exception. It’s only after a couple of hundred miles behind the wheel without a back twinge that you come to realise that these seats are very good indeed and that maybe you were wrong to pre-judge them. There is a generous overhead storage area, two in-dash storage trays, a centre console with four drinks holders and more storage space. In the front doors it is even possible to store 1.5 litre bottles without them tipping over. 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.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has recognised the sign of the times in terms of load compartment and payload and has set the right benchmarks in this category of urban delivery vehicles with 4.2 cubic meters of the cargo area. The Caddy Maxi panel van is well suited to the express delivery and sameday courier industry with its large carrying capacity, sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle the Caddy Maxi is one of the biggest and best models among the compact small transporters. Behind the driver and co-driver's seat is a solid partition. This is available either as a full partition from top to bottom or with a window in the upper area of view. The load length is 2.25m and the width between the wheel arches is 1.17m with a load height of 1.25m offering enough space for a Euro pallet to slide in. At 730kg, the payload of the new Caddy panel van is the peak in its class, irrespective of the engine type. As an option, there is also an upgrade available to 800kg. The conventional Caddy will continue to be offered in addition to the new Maxi model. The Caddy has proved itself to be a firm favourite with UK van buyers through its mix of versatility, tight packaging and comprehensive standard equipment and load carrying ability. Ahead of this year CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham Ralf Schueler Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said “The CV show is an important and prestigious event and this year we are proud to showcase the new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi as well as the Caddy BlueMotion environmental concept. After another record year of sales in 2007 and maintaining our position as number one van importer, the CV show will be a great opportunity to meet our existing customers plus even more new ones”
