Volkswagen Caddy Camper review

Based on the 2023 VW Caddy Maxi Commerce 1.5-litre 114ps model, it’s not only ideal for any challenge that traditional campervan holiday road work can throw at you, but its practical enough in the performance and economy stakes that you could easily keep it as a daily. That’s not to mention the fact that the sleek styling means it’s somewhat of a sleeper – looking like a traditional commercial vehicle upon first glance before wowing any onlooker with it’s staycationing potential. Vehicle options include the expected-but-welcome comfort and safety additions behind the wheel such as heated front cab seats, reversing camera, LED headlights, and soft-close doors.

Another nod to the daily drive styling while somehow also being able to take pride of place on a pitch, but it’s the interior excellence that makes this VW Caddy camper even more incredible. Its simple but effective layout means there’s no complications when it comes to transitioning from day use to night use, either – simply slide out your double bed and rest. For aesthetics, you can finish your exterior in a range of both standard and metallic paint colourways. Bodans also offers customisation on the campervan’s cabinetry boards, worktops, altro flooring and wall lining, meaning that you really can make this your home from home, whatever your design needs.

Seating space can be found in spades, with a long sofa down running down the side of interior with the kitchen opposite. The LED interior lighting isn’t overbearing, either. Combined with the subtle interior styling, it’s a nice place to hang out. As you’d expect, the Caddy Cubert’s Reimo elevating roof adds not only headspace but a breath of fresh air in warmer weather. Privacy windows all-round help reduce glare as well as the unwanted stare, and three-pin power and USB points throughout sort any tech requirements for your time away.

Storage space in the kitchen is good enough for all your basics, while the countertop space – either side of the sink and on the opposite wall – gives you room to plate up or stack for washing up. There’s also a matching table that fixes to a rail slide system. The two-burner gas hob gives you enough options for mains and sides, and additional workspace becomes available when you drop the covers over the hob and sink. It’s simple, but it’s everything you’d need for the essentials of eating.

It’s not got the wow-factor in the way of new approaches to bed time, but it’s incredibly effective; that’s what many people want from campervan sleeping arrangements. Certainly, when anything else would be sure to compromise on space or convenience elsewhere in the interior, simplicity is a must. The Caddy Cubert’s comfortable sofa slides out to create a large double bed. There’s also storage space under the sofa area as well. Black-out curtains to the rear make for longer lie-ins in the brighter months, while additional hideaway options can be found behind a tambour door to the rear.

It all comes down to a level of personalisation and option-handling. You can upgrade the vehicle model, the engine power, pick an automatic gearbox, change body styling, add leather seat options… There’s an expansive list. However, the Caddy Maxi Cubert VW campervan from Bodans starts off from £45,995, with finance available, plus a three-year vehicle and conversion warranty. What’s not to like?

Billed as “a camper without compromise”, it’s hard to find fault in the VW Caddy Cubert’s layout decisions and absolute practicality here from Bodans. While there is always some level of compromise in a campervan due to the nature of space and feature necessities, but for a packed holiday option that’s comfortable and convenient, this Volkswagen base is brilliant. It's a perfect choice for first time campervanners, too, as the sleeping conversion is simple and the model is backed by a good warranty as a trusted partner. The Caddy will turn heads on the road, too, but not so much that it’s out of place anywhere you wish to drive, any time of the year. For more information visit bodans.co.uk.