New Caddy Maxi

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. 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.

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. There is a generous overhead storage area, two in-dash storage trays, a centre console with four drinks holders and more storage space. 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.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has recognised the sign of the times in terms of load compartment and payload offering 4.2 cubic meters of the cargo area. The Caddy Maxi panel van is well suited to the express delivery industry with its large carrying capacity, sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle. Behind the drivers seat is a partition 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.

"Get more in" "Get more done"

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”

Volkswagen Transporter

The Volkswagen Transporter can trace its lineage right back to the old ‘VeeDub Splitty’ of the late 1950s and early 1960s and has earned itself a tremendous reputation over the years for build quality and longevity you just have to look at the huge number of T4’s on the roads today. The Transporter slots in between the smaller Caddy and the larger LT and is VW's offering in the large panel van section. The T4 first hit our streets in 1990 and its successor the T5 has seen more improvements. Looks wise there is no difference from the outside although one of the key objectives was to make the Transporter bigger. Available in three roof heights and two wheelbases producing a range of four gross vehicle weights, with payloads from approximately 800kg to 1,400kg. These are further complemented by load compartment volumes ranging from 5.8m3 to 9.3m3. Inside the load area, you’ll find six or eight load lashing rings, according to wheelbase, to secure your load. When further capacity is needed, another useful feature is that the dual passenger seat back folds forward to help create extra space when carrying a longer load except when an optional bulkhead is fitted. Body options include a second sliding door, to add flexibility when loading or unloading, and a rear tailgate instead of the standard unglazed twin rear doors, which optionally open to an angle of 250° on long wheel base models.
Volkswagen has stuck with the existing direct injection configuration and the result is the TDI Pump Duse. Two engines are available the 1.9-litre engine in 84PS or 102PS form while the 2.5-litre TDI is available with a 130PS output or a 174PS. Two gear boxes are available either a six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth Tiptronic-style semi-automatic. The Transporter models are named according to their engine and gross vehicle weight, so once you've understood the basic mechanics it's easier to track down that van.

German cars and vans all feature seats which at first feel a little hard and upright and the Transporter 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. As with most other Volkswagens, the Transporter has excellent ride and handling characteristics and offers a lively performance even without a load 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. The fascia looks smart with many switches and buttons carried over from VW's passenger cars, which are well placed and easy to operate. The instruments are clear and easy to read and get soothing blue backlighting; the gearstick is in the centre of the dash, rather than fixed to the floor and is easy to operate. Storage options are plenty for all manner of bits and bobs and a lockable glove box is handy for security. Following the latest trend the gear stick is in the centre console and easy to reach. You could easily be in a people carrier such is the refinement and simplicity of the cabin. Every model has as standard remote central locking, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height, and adjustable driver's seat, drivers' airbag and ABS brakes. The Transporter is one of the most reliable vans on the road, so hopefully those expensive VW parts won’t be required very often.

Sixth consecutive record year of sales for Volkswagen Vans

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has started 2007 on a high, reporting record annual sales for a sixth consecutive year. In 2006, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles sold 26,145 units; in fact 2005’s total was passed in the middle of November. The top performer - and setting its own sales record - was the Transporter, of which 13,817 found homes in the UK. Meanwhile, the LT’s replacement, the Crafter, has sold over 1,100 units since its launch in August; this figure is well above the planned volume for the model. The UK’s performance reflects the brand’s international success. Worldwide, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 442,000 vehicles to customers, representing a ten per cent increase over the previous year and marking another all-time best.

Volkswagen Crafter

Since the launch of the first Transporter in 1950, the Volkswagen name has become synonymous with light commercial vehicles. Introducing the latest addition to the Volkswagen commercial range, the new Crafter. Building on the qualities of the legendary LT the new Crafter sets the benchmark for professionals who require a strong versatile partner to enhance their business. Not only is the new Crafter larger, but also been designed to be visually more striking than its predecessor. Strong lines, vertical clear glass headlights and robust side protection strips characterise the modern design, giving the Crafter a distinctive appearance. The Crafter is the product of a joint development between Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler, so it shares much with the 2006 model Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

The key aim when designing the Crafter’s cab was to achieve the best combination of comfort, storage and practicality. Once inside, the crafter’s exterior dimensions translate directly into greater cabin space. The high roofline inside the cab means that taller drivers won't have to stoop to see out the windscreen. The steering wheel adjusts up and down and in and out, and the gearlever sprouts from the dash close to the steering wheel, for a clear footwell as well as ease of use.The reversing sensor display is built into the door mirrors where a series of coloured LEDs guides the driver back to within inches of any obstruction. Above the driver and passenger are two deep shelves and a central storage slot below the interior light. There are two dash top recesses with built in drinks holders and a central top hinged binnacle to hide valuables and still has room for a drop down glovebox. Door pockets are big enough for clipboards and atlases and one litre drinks bottles while a slide-out tray in the central dash provides a third cup holder for three-seater cabs.

The 2.5-litre five-cylinder TDI engine is offered in four different outputs of 89, 109, 136 and 163bhp. The ideal engine choice will depend upon the body specified and the loads carried of course, but the 109bhp offers the best combination of economy and performance for most requirements. The new engines use common rail technology for high torque and power throughout the rev range, combined with low fuel consumption. All models are rear-wheel drive with a number of different axle combinations depending upon the model. All are fitted as standard with a six-speed gearbox and a six-speed automatic is optional on the two mid-range engines. The Crafter is pleasing to drive; its suspension delivers a smooth ride with limited body roll.

With the driver well sorted up front, the payload has been equally well thought out, not only is the Crafter’s load space practical it also benefits from remote central locking on all models. In addition to short, medium and long body lengths, there is an extra-long body style while the standard and high roof options now have a super-high version too. This has resulted in four interior lengths of 2.6m, 3.2m, 4.3m and 4.7m. Using all the options will result in a huge van with an interior volume of up to 17 cubic metres! Volkswagen have tried to standardize the three core weight variants at 3.0t, 3.5t and 5 tonne GVW in vans and chassis cabs on three wheel base offerings at 3250mm, 3665mm and 4325mm. For the 5 tonne variants there is a choice of super-single rear axle configuration or the more traditional twin rear wheel style and customer use will determine which is best, super singles for volume or twin rears for bulk.

The Crafter is a serious bit of kit for serious van users. The van feels good straight out of the box and has a hugely practical load space with full size doors. It's powerful, handles well and is extremely comfortable to drive.