Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 2013 Review

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi is a spirited multi-tasker. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, if you will. And for this reason it earned a lot of respect during my week at the wheel.

The Caddy Maxi sits among a three-model line-up from the Volkswagen light commercial van (LCV) range that features the entry-level Caddy Van, Caddy Maxi Van and Caddy Maxi Crewvan.

Four engines types spread across the three model portfolio which include 1.2-litre TSI160 and TSI175 petrol and 1.6-litre TDI250 and 2.0-litre TDI320 diesel.

We’re behind the wheel of the Caddy Maxi TDI250 BlueMotion, the term VW uses to denote the use of its suite of more efficient engine technologies.

The turbocharged Caddy Maxi generates 75kW at 4500rpm and 250Nm from 1500rpm. We’re driving the five-speed manual, but a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is also available, just not with the BlueMotion extras.

The Caddy is front-wheel-drive and sits on 15-inch steel wheels. The front discs are ventilated but are solid at the rear. Suspension comprises a car-like McPherson strut arrangement at the front, but combines this with old-school leaf springs at the rear.

Claimed fuel economy for the model on test is 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 139g/100km. After our week in the Caddy our average tallied 7.5L/100km for a predominantly urban drive cycle with little or no weight up back.

An urban workhorse as such, it’s not surprising the Caddy Maxi presents a little light on when it comes to packaging and equipment levels -- unless you’re willing to part with some more of your hard-earned...

Satellite navigation will set you back $3690, cruise control $590 and a leather multifunction steering wheel and multifunction display is $790. You get the basics covered, in manually-adjustable seats, tilt and reach steering wheel adjustment, cruise control, electric windows and heated electric side mirrors, daytime running lights and a single 12-volt power socket.

Technology inside the Caddy Maxi is likewise basic, featuring a simple single-CD/tuner with glovebox-mounted auxiliary input. It misses out on things like Bluetooth connectivity -- which is an option across the entire range at $590.

While the fit and finish inside appears well done, it’s bland and sees function prevail over form.

The dash and console areas feature an expanse of hard -- no doubt durable -- plastics and the comfortable dual fabric seats present as wear-and-tear friendly.

But considering the Caddy Maxi’s job at hand, it’s the cargo capacity and versatility that deserves focus. Three large access points -- dual lateral sliding doors and asymmetric split (or barn) doors at the rear -- offer great flexibility of load access and management.

Interior cargo area dimensions are generous, with a maximum width of 1552mm, height of 1262mm and length of 2250mm. In all, the Caddy Maxi has a payload of 850kg and also offers a braked towing capacity of 1300kg, should you need to haul a little more. The load bed is fitted with eight anchor points, but there’s only one small light to illuminate the load space.

The nature of the Caddy Maxi’s design means that side and rear-quarter visibility is hopelessly poor, however, rearward visibility is good thanks to large windows in the rear barn doors. Rear parking sensors are an option, priced at $590.

Up front, the level of in-cabin storage and general ease of use was a highpoint for the Caddy Maxi. There are multiple, well-sized storage compartments including an under-seat storage drawer and large overhead storage compartment which spans across the top of the windscreen. Four good size cup holders gain pride of place atop the dash while the door bins will carry all manner of odds and ends.

While some of the Caddy range of models can accommodate second and even a third row of passengers, the Maxi Van is purely a delivery vehicle.

Sceptical as to whether the 1.6-litre unit in the TDI250 was the right match for our Caddy Maxi, I was soon impressed by its on-road performance. It turns out that the peppy turbocharged diesel is well-suited to the Caddy’s needs.

The nifty oiler presents as both willing and able, moving the Caddy Maxi with ease. The five-speed gearbox is seamless and shifts easily through the gears; and with torque kicking-in from a low 1500rpm, performance is quite spritely.

While the urethane steering wheel felt a little cheap in hand, it offered great feedback and precise placement. Around the suburbs or on the freeway, the Caddy Maxi behaved obediently, offering good ride comfort overall.

Safety credentials for the Caddy Maxi extend to stability control, anti-lock brakes, front airbags for driver and passenger (side airbags are an option) and seat belt reminders.

Priced from $27,990 (plus on-road costs) the Caddy Maxi offers the peace of mind of capped price servicing and a three-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty. In this respect, it’s not hard to see why the Caddy range trounces its LCV competition, consistently snaring more than 50 per cent of segment sales.

So maybe the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi’s paired-back design and ease of use lend itself to a more kelpie-like demeanour than a wolf, but the verdict remains: it’s well sorted LCV that is undeniably fit for purpose.