- ETRUX launches new Ford E-Transit Trizone
- Renault gives UK debut to Master E-Tech at CV Show
- Isuzu D-Max long-term test – Latest Report
- Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Steel Edition revealed
- IVOTY Report: Stellantis explores the hydrogen proposition
- New Maxus EVs include eDeliver 5 van
- Used LCV values reach six-month high
- ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: IVECO Daily Mission Awards 2024 Q2 Round-up: Grounds Maintenance & Forestry
- Stellantis Pro One electric vans review
- Mitie adds 5,000th EV to fleet
The What Van? Road Test: VW Caddy (2018)
Date: Friday, September 20, 2019 | Author: Steve Banner
Interior and equipment
Stowage facilities include bins in each door, a lidded and lockable glove box with a tray just above it, another tray on top of the dash, and a full-width shelf above the heated windscreen.
A cubbyhole at the bottom of the dashboard plays host to a 12V power point plus USB and aux-in sockets. No less than four cupholders are positioned between the seats, which seems a little over the top for a two-seater cab.
Climate control complete with a cooled glove compartment is fitted along with satnav and a full-colour touchscreen. Guide & Inform can tell you everything from where the nearest fuel stations are to the weather at your destination.
Remote controls for the DAB digital radio are located on the height-adjustable leather-trimmed steering wheel. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable too as is – unusually – the passenger seat. There are hidden compartments beneath both.
Reversing sensors helped protect our VW from accidental damage. While the heated windows in the rear doors offer vision rearwards, the grille on top of the bulkhead means it is partially obscured.
Electric windows and mirrors are installed. The latter are heated, and have a separate wide-angle section, and the mirror casings, door handles and front and rear bumpers are all finished in the same metallic paint as the body.
Both occupants of the cab are protected by front and side airbags.
The headlights come on automatically when driving conditions warrant it. So do the wipers if it is raining.
Onboard safety devices include hill-start assist plus ABS, electronic stability programme, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control system, engine drag torque control and an electronic diff lock. Front assist with city emergency braking are both included too. The former alerts the driver if they get too near to the vehicle in front, gives a quick jolt to the brakes if the alert is ignored, then immediately applies them in full if and when the driver presses the brake pedal. The latter automatically applies the brakes at speeds below 30km/h (19mph) if the driver fails to spot an obstruction.
Another praiseworthy standard feature is post-collision braking. It automatically applies the brakes after a collision if the driver is incapacitated, the aim being to mitigate the risk of severe secondary impacts.
Our test van was equipped with optional adaptive cruise control, including a speed limiter. It automatically ensures that you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Turning to the suspension, McPherson struts are installed at the front while a rigid axle on leaf springs with load-sensitive shock absorbers helps to support the rear. Our Caddy rode on 15in alloys shod with 195/65 R15 Continental ContiEcoContact tyres.
Power-assisted steering delivers a 11.1m turning circle kerb to kerb.
View The WhatVan Digital Edition
