Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Review

If you don't need the space of a Volkswagen Transporter but need something with a bigger luggage capacity than a car or SUV, the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo is a great choice. It's easy to drive and has a comfortable interior, but don't expect a great deal of plushness from the entry-level model.

We'd recommend the mid-spec Caddy Cargo Commerce Plus. It strikes a good balance between affordability and car-like comfort, although the base model is fine if you're not too fussed about luxuries. The top-spec Commerce Pro is a very appealing option for its long list of standard equipment, but it soon starts to look expensive – especially if you're paying retail price for a new one. 

In terms of engines, most buyers will find the 2.0 TDI is the ideal option in terms of low running costs and plenty of torque. Go for the most powerful one that's within budget – the fuel consumption penalties are negligible. Alternatively, if you're expecting to spend a lot of time in city centres (or simply cover a lot of short journeys), the 1.5 TSI petrol could be a better choice.

If you're in the market for a small van, you should also be looking at the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo Cargo. None of which are as car-like to drive as the Caddy, but do offer a bigger payload for similar money. The Ford Transit Connect is another dependable alternative, but it's now starting to show its age compared to more modern rivals.

While we have a few gripes with the Volkswagen Golf's cabin, it's more than plush enough for a van. Indeed, the Caddy Cargo feels surprisingly posh alongside competitors. That could be a good or bad thing depending on your requirements – it doesn't necessarily feel like the kind of van that'll deflect abuse well. 

You'll find a few flimsy finishes here and there but, by and large, the Caddy Cargo's cabin is well finished. Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro models come with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, which is a desirable touch, while the optional Digital Cockpit is another good way of giving the cabin a more premium ambience.

Most Caddy Cargo models come with a basic 6.5-inch media system which doesn't do much more than play the DAB radio. If you're looking for any real form of infotainment, you'll need to look out for a high-spec Commerce Pro model (or hit the options list).

An 8.25-inch display is available as an option on Commerce and Commerce Plus models, as is App Connect. This lets you connect your phone and access apps via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Don't worry if a used van you've seen doesn't have this – as long as you have the screen, you can upgrade the software at a later date.

Only Commerce Pro models are available with navigation and, even then, it's quite an expensive extra. It brings with it a 10-inch screen, though, which does a good job of adding to the Caddy's car-like vibe.

You can get the new Caddy in two different sizes: the short-wheelbase Caddy Cargo and the long-wheelbase Caddy Cargo Maxi.

The standard van provides 3.1 cubic metres of cargo space, while the Caddy Maxi is good for 3.7 cubic metres. That means both are slightly more capacious than the Ford Transit Connect, although the Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Cargo are even more practical.

While the Caddy Cargo's exterior height has been reduced ever so slightly compared to the old model (1818mm compared to 1823mm), a lower floor in the load area means it can actually accommodate taller objects than before. As such, the Caddy Cargo can transport items up to 1272mm high, or 1275mm in the Caddy Maxi.

In standard-wheelbase form, the new Caddy Cargo measures 4500mm in length and has a cargo area up to 1797mm long (2150mm for the Caddy Cargo Maxi). The maximum load width for both models is now 1614mm (up 57mm compared to before), while the width between the intruding wheel arches is 1230mm.

Depending on which model you go for, the fifth-generation Caddy is available with one or two sliding side doors and rear wing doors or a car-like hatch. The Caddy's increased dimensions mean it can now take a standard Euro pallet through the back doors or, on Caddy Maxi models, via the sliding side doors. You can actually fit two side-by-side in the bigger model.

One area in which the Caddy Cargo does fall short is its payload. This is the maximum weight you're allowed to carry, and it tops out at 700kg (depending on the exact specification of your Caddy). Rivals can legally lug up to 1000kg, so you might need to look elsewhere if you want to carry a lot of weight.

The Caddy Cargo is initially offered with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine with a variety of outputs: 75PS, 102PS and 122PS. 

All three are available with a six-speed manual transmission while the more powerful units can also be paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission. We've tried the 122PS version with the DSG gearbox and, budget allowing, it's a very desirable choice – with plenty of torque meaning you won't have to work the engine particularly hard, even with a van full of whatever it is you wish to transport. 

The auto gearbox is impressive, with surprisingly rapid changes, although there is a slight hesitation when pulling away from a standstill (a trait of dual-clutch transmissions like this).

For Caddy drivers looking to cover a lot of short journeys or town driving, Volkswagen also offers its popular 1.5 TSI petrol engine. We've tried this in the Caddy MPV and it certainly shouldn't leave you longing for a diesel. It's more than powerful enough, and considerably quieter than the TDI. It's also surprisingly efficient, thanks partly due to cylinder-deactivation tech which shuts off two of the engine's four cylinders as often as possible.

Like most vans, you'll have to adjust your expectations a bit when it comes to noise levels in the Caddy. Don't expect Volkswagen Golf refinement, although it's no less relaxing to drive than rivals like the Toyota Proace City.

It's road noise that's most noticeable – with a clear thrum from the tyres, particularly at motorway speeds. It might get weary over long journeys, although it's a step up compared to its predecessor. If you'd consider a van-based people carrier, the Volkswagen Caddy MPV is noticeably quieter.

While vans traditionally do without some of the clever technology available on passenger cars, Volkswagen has kitted the Caddy Cargo out with no fewer than nineteen driver assistance systems – including six brand new for the fifth-generation van.

These include the clever Trailer Assist system, which will automatically manoeuvre the van and trailer during parallel and reverse parking. Adaptive cruise control will take the pain out of a long journey, while Front Assist will detect pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles – applying the brakes if required to prevent (or reduce the impact of) a collision.

Unfortunately, you'll have to be prepared to pay for most of these features. Many are lumped into a driver assistance pack, which is a very desirable (but not cheap) optional extra available on Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro models.

All models do come with some useful safety features, though. The Front Assist, for example, is standard, as well as an eCall emergency system that can dial 999 if it detects a crash.

You'll play a flat rate of £275 a year to tax a Caddy Cargo. This is the same as rivals, apart from electric models which qualify for free road tax.

The Volkswagen Caddy Cargo line-up is split into three main trim levels: Commerce, Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro.

The entry-level Caddy Cargo will appeal to those looking for a basic van without too many thrills. Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels (17-inch on the Maxi), black exterior highlights and halogen headlights. There's a 6.5-inch touchscreen display in the cabin along with DAB radio and two USB slots. Cruise control (with a speed limiter) is standard, as well as an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function. There are electric front windows, a lockable glovebox and manual height adjustment for the front seats.

Standard safety kit includes a driver alert system, brake assist and an automatic post-collision braking system. Regenerative braking is on hand to boost efficiency, as well as a stop-start system.

Highlights of the Caddy Cargo Commerce Plus include body-coloured bumpers, rear parking sensors and air conditioning. There's a leather-trimmed steering wheel, an armrest for the driver and manual height adjustment for both seats, while the driver gets adjustable lumbar support.

The Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Commerce Pro adds quite a long list of nice-to-haves. These include 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding (and heated) exterior door mirrors and body-coloured exterior highlights. You get LED rear tail lights, parking sensors (front and rear) while, on the inside, you'll find a 10-inch media system (with navigation) and an armrest for the driver's and passenger's seat.