Exclusive VW Caddy on test – practicality meets performance and style

Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30 2.0 TDI 140PS DSG

What is it?

TO CELEBRATE 30 years of the venerable Caddy compact van, Volkswagen has introduced a special version – the Caddy Edition 30. Only 117 examples of this limited edition model will be produced, so if your business is looking for a van that’s going to stand out as something special, you’ll need to snap one up fast. In general, The Caddy is a practical and appealing van. It’s well turned out, with a comfortable, reasonably equipped cab, a choice of two 1.6-litre and two 2.0-litre engines offering power outputs of 75hp. 102hp, 110hp and 140hp, payload from 681kg to 766kg, and 3.2cu m of load capacity. But the Edition 30 takes things to a new level. A high specification comes as standard and includes Bluetooth, climate control, leather-trimmed steering wheel, an upgraded RCD 310 radio/CD unit, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, tailgate with heated rear window and wash/wipe, height adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats, and front fog lights. As you might imagine, the Edition 30 cab is a very pleasant place to be. The superior Timo upholstery is standard, and DSG transmission models feature even more luxurious alcantara leather. There’s plenty of storage space, including stowage overhead, and there are also 1.5-litre bottle holders in the doors.

Finding a driving position to suit is no problem with the generous range of adjustment that’s available and the seats provide good firm support. The controls are well laid out while the instrumentation is especially clear and nicely styled. The Caddy Edition 30 is powered by a refined common-rail TDI EURO5 compliant 2.0-litre TDI 140hp engine which rockets the DSG-equipped test van from standstill to 62mph in 10.1 seconds (10 seconds with the six-speed manual model). Performance is sparkling and it’s easy to forget that’s it’s a van. With the DSG six-peed auto box, the driver can leave the transmission in automatic or can change gear manually, but without the need for a clutch. The changes are super slick and I really liked the operation of this gearbox. And there’s practical sense in this transmission system, too. Independent research has revealed some startling statistics around driving in central urban areas:

• While driving through a busy city, 19 minutes of every hour are spent with the clutch depressed
• The clutch pedal is pushed 222 times in the average hour
• 150 gear changes are made in an average hour

This research was carried out over a five-hour period, between the hours of 11:00 and 16:00 in central London. And it’s likely these figures are replicated daily within town centres throughout the UK. The Caddy’s ride is good with independent strut-type front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear axle employing progressive damping effected by load-dependent dampers which change their characteristics in response to compression levels. The electro-mechanical, Servotronic speed-dependent power steering varies the feel to suit the speed – firm and direct when driving hard, and easy to handle at parking speed.

Disc brakes are fitted all round, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) is standard, as is EDL (Electronic differential Lock, TCS (Traction Control System), EBC (Engine Braking Control) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). The Caddy’s 3.2cu m cargo space can take a load up to 1,781mm long x 1,552mm wide (1,172mm between wheelarches) and 1,244mm high. Access is via asymmetrically split double rear doors and a single nearside sliding side door. The level cargo compartment floor can take a Euro pallet, and has six fold-away lashing eyes. The Edition 30 is also set apart with a striking exterior – a black roof and roof rails, Candy White paintwork, with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, chrome grille detailing, 17-inch ‘Budapest’ alloys, and Edition 30 logo on the door sills and exterior. Services intervals vary, but typically run from a minimum of 9,000 miles or one year, up to a maximum of two years or approximately 18,000 (whichever is sooner). All Caddys have a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. The first two years with no mileage restrictions are manufacturer operated, while the third year (and up to 100,000 miles) is a Van Centre warranty.  

What’s hot?

• Striking, stand-out sporty looks
• Well-equipped, luxury cab
• Sparkling performance
• Slick six-speed auto box with sequential change option

What’s not?

• Limited-edition model carries premium price
• Expensive styling might make you reluctant to work this van to its full potential

Business Vans verdict

Great to drive, sporty and stylish inside and out, and able to work just as hard as its more homely stablemates. But is that worth the extra cost? Your choice!  

What you need to know

On the road price ex VAT (as tested):	£19,060
Load length:	1,781mm
Load width (max):	1,552mm
Load height:	1,244mm
Load capacity:	3.2cu m
Payload:	676kg
GVW:	2,194kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked:	1,500/710kg
Engine:	2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque:	140hp/320Nm
Economy (combined):	47.9mpg
CO2 emissions:	155g/km