The word 'Caddy' refers to a small container, which is usually used for storing tea leaves. In that sense, it seems like the Caddy we are talking about isn't too far off - only that its scale has been substantially magnified.
Vastly bigger than any containers you'd find in your household, the Caddy you see here is a light commercial van from Volkswagen.
The first Caddy, which is also called Rabbit Pickup (a rather cutesy name for a van, don't you think so?), was conceived when the Wolfsburg carmaker wanted to create more variants out of the Golf. In fact, it is based on the same platform as the Golf Mk1.
The Caddy has since gone through three transformations. The third generation, which was recently facelifted, also spawned a new variant called the Caddy Maxi.
Exterior
Essentially an 'upsized' version of the standard Caddy, the Caddy Maxi stretches close to five metres in length, and it is easy to see where the extra inches went to.
Vastly bigger than any containers you'd find in your household, the Caddy you see here is a light commercial van from Volkswagen.
The first Caddy, which is also called Rabbit Pickup (a rather cutesy name for a van, don't you think so?), was conceived when the Wolfsburg carmaker wanted to create more variants out of the Golf. In fact, it is based on the same platform as the Golf Mk1.
The Caddy has since gone through three transformations. The third generation, which was recently facelifted, also spawned a new variant called the Caddy Maxi.
Exterior
Essentially an 'upsized' version of the standard Caddy, the Caddy Maxi stretches close to five metres in length, and it is easy to see where the extra inches went to.
For obvious reasons, the wheelbase has been extended by 325mm. An extra 145mm has also been added to the rear overhang.
In terms of design, the Caddy's looks are relatively unchanged in this latest facelift. In fact, the compact van still carries a familiar face that largely resembles its passenger-carrying cousins. The only giveaway to its commercial purpose is, perhaps, the plastic bumpers.
In terms of design, the Caddy's looks are relatively unchanged in this latest facelift. In fact, the compact van still carries a familiar face that largely resembles its passenger-carrying cousins. The only giveaway to its commercial purpose is, perhaps, the plastic bumpers.
Interior
Expectedly, the Caddy's cabin is filled with more hard plastics that are built to last than for pure aesthetic purpose. The instrument console retains a relatively simple design and layout, which makes it easy to use.
Still, the majority of bits and trims look largely familiar. For instance, there's a stylish three-spoke steering that looks exactly like those found in the passenger-carrying cousins (albeit more plain-looking without the wheel-mounted control buttons). In fact, as a whole it feels more like a car than a van.
Expectedly, the Caddy's cabin is filled with more hard plastics that are built to last than for pure aesthetic purpose. The instrument console retains a relatively simple design and layout, which makes it easy to use.
Still, the majority of bits and trims look largely familiar. For instance, there's a stylish three-spoke steering that looks exactly like those found in the passenger-carrying cousins (albeit more plain-looking without the wheel-mounted control buttons). In fact, as a whole it feels more like a car than a van.
But when it comes to space, the Caddy wins hands down. The high-roof cabin design is similar to compact vans of other makes, and gives a lofty and roomy feel. With a myriad of cubby holes that comes in a range of sizes, you will also have no trouble finding space to store your personal or work items.
Thanks to the extra dimensions, the Caddy Maxi boasts a cargo volume of 4,200 litres - 1,000 litres more than the standard Caddy. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz Citan Mixto carries 3,700 litres.
It will also carry a payload of up to 808kg (830kg in the five-speed manual variant).
Thanks to the extra dimensions, the Caddy Maxi boasts a cargo volume of 4,200 litres - 1,000 litres more than the standard Caddy. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz Citan Mixto carries 3,700 litres.
It will also carry a payload of up to 808kg (830kg in the five-speed manual variant).
The Drive
The Caddy Maxi is rather nippy and agile. Part credits go to the well-assisted steering and a punchy 1.6-litre diesel unit, which is similar to the one found in the Touran Diesel.
The four-cylinder turbodiesel musters 250Nm of torque from just 1,500 revs, despatching the compact van off the line in a lively and effortless manner. In fact, we didn't expect a van to feel this perky on the move.
The Caddy also drives well. While you can't expect the van to attack corners with car-like agility, the ride is supple, and it feels like it can handle much more than its legal speed limit of 70km/h.
But of course, the Caddy's bulkier stance means that it will require more attention from the driver, especially when pulling into a parking lot.
Also, there are no rear-view cameras to guide the process, which can be even more nerve-racking if you have a van-full of goods blocking your rear view.
Conclusion
We like the Caddy for its car-like mannerism, which makes for a relatively effortless drive. But without doubt, it is most compelling for its practicality.
For urban dwellers with an active lifestyle, it can even double up as a weekend commute to haul your sporting gears and equipment.
For a practical compact van, there's nothing not to like about the Caddy Maxi.
Conclusion
We like the Caddy for its car-like mannerism, which makes for a relatively effortless drive. But without doubt, it is most compelling for its practicality.
For urban dwellers with an active lifestyle, it can even double up as a weekend commute to haul your sporting gears and equipment.
For a practical compact van, there's nothing not to like about the Caddy Maxi.
