VW Caddy BlueMotion review – 61mpg and so easy to have around

VW Caddy C20 BlueMotion1.6-litre TDI

What is it?

The VW Caddy has been a popular small panel van for a long time and it’s easy to see why. It’s well turned out, has a comfortable, well-equipped cab, offers choice of two 1.6-litre and two 2.0-litre engines with power outputs of 75hp, 102hp, 110hp and 140hp, payloads from 681kg to 766k, and, for its size, an impressive load capacity of 3.2cu m. Throw in the inherent Volkswagen quality and you can see why the Caddy has found favour for so long – the original model was introduced more than 30 years ago.

Interior quality is well up to standard, indeed, better than that of many rivals. And clever use of the dimensions gives the Caddy plenty of interior space. All the instruments are beautifully styled, and clear, and the controls are also well laid out. The driving position is good with driver’s seat height adjustment and steering wheel reach and rake. A radio/single MP3 compatible CD player with AUX-in socket is standard and the optional package of body-coloured bumpers and wing mirrors fitted on the test model (£210) includes electrically operated windows and heated, electrically adjustable wing mirrors. Air con is standard, although the test van had optional (for an extra £810) climate control. There’s plenty of storage including a large roof-mounted shelf above the driver which will take items the size of A4 folders. The door bins are a decent size – big enough for a 1.5-litre drink bottle. There are four cup holders and numerous smaller storage compartments around the handbrake lever in the centre console/armrest. The interior headroom seems especially good, creating a general feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. The test van had a full-height bulkhead, with a solid lower half and plastic mesh at the top – these can make the cab a little noisy when the van is unladen. A full-height solid bulkhead is a £100 option.