Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 4MOTION 2011 Review

The two models -- one passenger and one commercially oriented -- both feature a long wheelbase chassis to maximise interior space. They also boast dual-sliding side doors for improved rear access.

Along with the standard all-wheel drive system, Volkswagen's swift-shifting DSG (dual-clutch automatic) transmission is standard across the two-model range. There's only one engine available: a torquey 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel.

Without ticking any option boxes, there's a single CD-tuner, cruise control, cloth seats, adjustable-height centre armrest, trip computer, air-conditioning and a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with remote audio and MFD (multi-function display) controls.

Options include dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation and Volkswagen's 'Light & Sight' package, which includes dusk sensing headlamps with 'coming home' function, rain sensing wipers and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror. Pricing for these items is yet to be advised.

Both the Caddy Maxi versions come with a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

MECHANICAL

Developing 103kW at 4200rpm and 320Nm between 1500-2500rpm, the frugal oil burner has a combined average fuel consumption figure of 6.7L/100km for the commercial version and 6.8L/100km for the slightly heavier passenger hauler. CO2 emissions are 177g/km and 179g/km respectively (Euro5 compliant).

The six-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) transmission uses an electronically-controlled fourth-generation Haldex coupling to send drive to the rear wheels.

Modified from its front-wheel drive origins, the Caddy Maxi 4MOTION utilises a two-piece driveshaft, bespoke exhaust and saddle-type fuel tank to allow for the reduced underfloor space consumed by the offset rear differential and reinforced longitudinal chassis rails. To fit all of this in, the rear leaf springs, dampers and bump stops are modified, raising the body by 50mm.

The suspension comprises a strut front/leaf spring rear arrangement and there are four-wheel disc brakes measuring 312x25mm at the front and 272x10mm at the rear.

Electro-mechanical power steering gives the vehicles a 12.2 metre turning circle.

The fog lamp trim pieces, grille-surround and rear number plate recess are garnished in chrome-look plastic.

Inside, Anthracite cloth trimmed seats feature a handy 'underdraw' for added storage, plus the rear seats are removable for extra cargo capacity – a total of 3880 litres is available. Side and rear glass is tinted for additional privacy.

Up back, the cargo bay measures 2250mm (long) by 1306mm (wide) by 1233mm (high) with 1120mm of space available between the wheel arches. It's accessed via a top-hinged tailgate, while both models are fitted with four tie-down points.

The Caddy Maxi 4MOTION is 1893mm high, 4876mm long and 1794mm wide. VW's all-wheel drive LCV rides on 16-inch alloy wheels across a 3006mm wheelbase.

Both models offer 100kg of payload on the roof rails and a braked towing capacity of 1300kg.

Optionally, the car can be spec'ed with front row head and thorax airbags, reverse parking sensors and external reversing beepers – though some might argue that these should be included as standard considering the car's premium price.

Although yet to be tested by ANCAP, Caddy's last EuroNCAP safety rating saw it score four from a possible five stars. In this test, the front passenger compartment remained stable in the impact. No pole test was conducted in light of the fact this model was not available with curtain airbags.

Child occupant protection was awarded three stars and pedestrian impact two. Again, this test was conducted on the previous model (2007) and should be noted as a guide only.

Citroen has its Berlingo ($22,990 to $26,490); Fiat its slightly larger Scudo ($34,990); Peugeot the Partner ($22,390 to $25,890); and Renault two versions of the Kangoo, both priced at $24,490. Incidentally, Holden still sells its Opel-sourced Barina-based Combo from $21,280.

All of the above mentioned LCVs are a commercial-orientated / front-wheel drive prospect. Caddy's cousin, the Skoda Roomster, is the only other LCV to offer the practicality of passenger and commercial functionality.

Skoda Roomster is set to be re-released in Australia shortly, though it's unlikely to offer an all-wheel drive format.

Road noise was well attenuated, considering the car's obvious commercial origins, with the only real noise of any note coming from the large wing mirrors.

Fit and finish was of Volkswagen's usual high standard, even if its panel van derivations were obvious in the hard plastics and lack of closed storage spaces (seriously, how expensive is a glovebox lid anyway?).

The DSG transmission was well sorted and quick to react to changes in incline. But for continuous on-and-off throttle application, such as that encountered climbing the windy road to Falls Creek Village, manual mode eliminated some of the gearbox's frustrating indecision, particularly where 'holding' a gear was required.

No such qualms from the 4MOTION system, however, with seamless transitions from the wheels that slipped to the wheels that gripped, and none of the nasty binding noticed from some other all-wheel drive systems we've tried. Even input from the stability control system and electronic differential was taken in its stride.

Despite its height, we experienced no signs of top heaviness, and only a slight sensation of lateral inertia which was quickly corrected by the car's many electronic drive aids. The leaf sprung rear was evident on larger bumps, although this should settle with more weight over the rear end.

Otherwise the ride was typical VW firm, but a good compromise considering the handling on offer.

The steering was well weighted and relatively direct at speed, while suitably light at parking speeds. And on another positive note, feedback from the steering wheel was more passenger wagon than LCV.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site