Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Panel Van (2020 - ) review

The Caddy Maxi comes in a single bodystyle and (as the name suggests) it is significantly bigger than the standard Caddy. A nice touch is that twin side loading doors are standard, and although the default configuration for the rear doors is twin and hinged at the sides, there’s an option for a rear tailgate - very handy for protection from the weather when loading the van or having lunch, but not so good if you’re trying to load a pallet in with a fork-lift truck As new, the van isn’t offered with floor coverings fitted as standard - the expectation being that the van will be specified by the customer with an optional wooden or rubber upgrade, or that he or she will have the van ply-lined prior to delivery by the dealer. If you purchase it used, you’ll no doubt benefit from whatever the previous owner decided to spec with. In comparison to other vans in this class, the payload offered is low. While many potential users won’t be too concerned about the Caddy Cargo Maxi being unable to carry a huge amount of weight, there’s no doubt that sales will be lost due to this single (but crucial) factor. The loadspace dimensions are as follows: internal length is 2150mm, internal height is 1275 mm and internal width (at widest point) is 1613mm. Loadspace volume is 3.7 cubic metres and payloads range from 646kg to 711kg. The van offers enough space to load two Europallets - a major plus at this size class. So, this van wins points for dimensions and making the most of a larger body, but payload is the clear achilles heel - although low-weight trades won’t notice.

If you like your Volkswagen cars you’ll feel at home in the Caddy’s cabin - it closely resembles the brand's passenger vehicles. In fact, the van actually uses the MQB platform on which many of the VW cars are based. The angular dash, instrument panel and multimedia screen are clear and mirror the corporate style. This latest Caddy has a controversial change to the previous model though – many operations previously made by using a physical switch are now controlled via the central screen. Call me old fashioned, but I think hard controls make the difference in a work vehicle. While the screen makes the dash layout tidier, those used to reaching down to quickly alter aspects of the ventilation system by pressing a switch might find having to navigate the screen irritating, time consuming and distracting. This isn’t helped by the slight lagging that was experienced in the test van. Although there’s never going to be as much internal storage as you’ll find in a larger van Volkswagen has still managed to squeeze in decent-sized door bins, a lidded centre console, dash top trays and an overhead shelf which is fitted to some versions. The seats are generally comfortable, although a long trip in the test van did give rise to slight aches to the driver and passenger and, unlike some other vans of similar size, there’s no option for a bench seat to accommodate two passengers. Caddy Cargos come with the 6.5-inch colour touchscreen as standard allowing access to the DAB+ radio and Bluetooth functions. There’s no Android / Apple smartphone integration, but electric windows, cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel are all included. So, it packs enough on the inside to enjoy, with a couple of confusions.

Fuel consumption, according to the trip computer, averaged around 50mpg in the week we had the van for tests. That’s pretty convincing and leads us to believe that running costs will be pretty convincing in both new and used models.

The Caddy Maxi comes with a 3-year / 100,000-mile warranty as standard - which is ironically pretty standard for the industry. Service intervals are short by today's standards if you elect to stick to the fixed period with just 12 months or 9300 miles between dealer visits. Opt for the variable schedule and higher mileage users may see this interval extend slightly. Users express reliability is overall as good as you can expect from a VW car.

Although Volkswagen has yet to introduce an electric Caddy Cargo, currently you will have the option of either a petrol or diesel power unit. The 2.0-litre Tdi diesel is offered at outputs of 102PS and 122PS - performance is best with the 122PS unit, which offers solid acceleration even under load. With the 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 114PS, you’d expect the 6-speed manual gearbox to be sluggish, but that can be substituted by the excellent 7-speed DSG automatic box, and there’s also the option of Volkswagen's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive transmission. These additions really add some guts to the Caddy! Each option comes with its quirks - the famous DSG gearbox mated to the petrol unit is (of course) the model most will get green-eyed over and the performance, even in a van, is well worth the investment.

The test van we used was fitted with the 122PS 2.0-litre diesel engine and automatic gearbox, and was an absolute pleasure to drive. The DSG gearbox is still something aspired to by other manufacturers with its almost seamless changes, and the performance provided by the engine was more than adequate. Noise intrusion into the cab is minimal with just a little road and wind noise noticeable on occasion and the suspension easily kept the occupants comfortable on all road surfaces encountered. In our opinion, the combination of this and the cab environment made it feel like we were driving a quality SUV rather than a van.

The level of driver aids and safety tech on the Caddy Cargo Maxi needs to be commended. The list is long, but highlights include Brake Assist, Driver Alert, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking. These feel like a list of safety specs most vans should just have, but they don’t. That the Caddy Cargo Maxi does offer these as standard is impressive.

You have a choice of three trim levels on Caddy Cargo Maxi. There’s nothing special on the van exterior, although not all entry level vans come with wheel trims, which are included at the Commerce spec level. The omission of any lighting in the load area is a real disappointment, LED illumination should be standard in all vans these days and not something you should have to pay extra for! Next up, Commerce Plus adds in manual air conditioning, some decent upgrades to both the driver and passenger seat, and a driver’s armrest is included alongside a leather-trimmed steering wheel. There’s now a light in the load bay and the body-coloured bumpers are fitted with parking sensors at the rear. Opt for the range-topping Commerce Pro and your Caddy Cargo Maxi will now have a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation, power folding door mirrors and a heated windscreen. And, at this trim level, 17-inch alloy wheels combine with gloss black door mirrors and body coloured door handles to make the Commerce Pro really stand out from lesser vans.

The Caddy Maxi will do what other ‘large’ small vans will do – although those that need maximum payload might have to look elsewhere. Where the difference lies is in the overall driving experience, this being a combination of cab comfort and excellent road performance. The van has a ‘quality’ air about it that is difficult to define and it looks good too. The small business that wants to project a refined and polished image will appreciate the Caddy Cargo Maxi’s car-like profile. However, this van has competition that does knock it in the practicality arena. There’s the Stellantis family, all of which offer L2 and electric versions of the excellent Berlingo, Combo, Partner and Scudo vans. The Transit Connect has many fans, but the latest Renault Kangoo and its platform sharing siblings (the Mercedes-Benz Citan and Nissan Townstar) are probably the ones to beat right now, and these are also offered with fully-electric drivetrains. So, while it’s not without its faults, the Caddy Cargo Maxi is a very attractive proposition - and if you can find a modern version used for a good price, you’ll have bagged yourself a bargain considering what this van offers from even its most basic spec. Find out more about the best small vans available with our wide range of in-depth van road tests. View our Ford Transit Connect review, or check out the Renault Kangoo E-Tech review.