It might be based on a humble van, but the Caddy Maxi Life has all the credentials it needs to win recognition as a car, according to Volkswagen. Forging a link between the larger Transporter model the new Caddy Maxi Life, despite its modest dimensions, is capable of carrying up to seven people in comfort plus their luggage. The tightly-packaged Caddy Maxi Life is designed to be a rugged and versatile family car. Visual changes include body colour bumpers, alloy wheels and subtle tints to the rear window glass. The Caddy Maxi Life range has been kept simple with one trim offering a high standard specification and a choice of two turbo-diesel engines. With a 1.9-litre TDI engine under the bonnet, the Maxi Life is a willing performer delivering 104bhp. Driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, it reaches 62mph in 14.3 seconds. Mated to a six-ratio DSG the company's acclaimed automated double clutch transmission with handy paddle controls on the steering wheel for instant changes, the same unit achieves the benchmark rate in 13.5 seconds and manages 103mph all out. A slick six-speed manual-shift gearbox is fitted to the 140bhp flagship 2.0-litre version, which accelerates to 62mph in 11.1 seconds. Geared to be a leisurely long distance cruiser, it feels relaxed at all speeds and reaches a maximum of 116mph.
When compared to the standard Caddy the Maxi Life sits on a wheelbase extended by 320mm while the overall length grows by 470 mm to 4880 mm. This allows for the fitment of three rows of seats accessed through a pair of practical sliding doors. Even with the third row of seats in place the load volume remains an impressive 380 litres. To aid practicality the third row of seats can be removed completely while the second row folds down and forward. The result is a maximum load volume of 1,350 litres.
Standard spec includes ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, electric front windows, carpet and full trim, sliding windows and child locks 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 with six speakers and front fog lights. Interior ambience is softened by dual-colour trim and deep front door pockets are shaped to ensure one-litre-size bottles remain upright. The Caddy Maxi Life should prove a firm favourite with Taxi, Private Hire and Business Chauffeur operators due to the mix of passenger carrying capacity and load volume.
