Vehicle: 2011 VW Caddy Panel Van with 6-speed DSG
Price as tested: CDN$26500 (Estimated)
Performance: Our tester comes with VW’s delightful 1.9TDI engine. This engine has a good 104hp and, most importantly, 180 lb/ft of torque, at driver’s disposal. While the horsepower isn’t exactly spectacular in its class, its the torque which is most impressive of all. It doesn’t come as a surprise VW’s TDI has been highly praised as one of the finest turbodiesels around. Its so smooth, willing and NVH are exceptional. Mated with this delightful engine is VW’s 6-speed dual clutch gearbox. Its dual clutch variety has produced exceptional up and downshift efficiency, with uncanny smoothness thanks to its well-honed engineering. If there is one drawback, however, its the lack of paddle shifters. Pity.
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Handling: Considering Caddy is based on Golf platform, it doesn’t feel exactly like a commercial vehicle. In fact, it drives exactly like a Golf with a more commercial-derived chassis and suspension tuning. I expect rude and crude like most commerical vehicle does when push Caddy through cornes. It comes as a downright surprise that its very refined and sophsicated for a commercial van. Ride is sublime without the usual harshness one associates with commercial vehicle. The electric power steering feels as sharp and precise, as those in a Golf. The feel and feedback are excellent, while path tracking is equally impressive either. There are some body rolls, as well as terminal understeer. ESP acts as a perfect active safety tool whenever its driver rears its ugly head. Dynamically speaking, its as well-planted and confidence-inspiring as driving a Golf.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS; Caddy’s braking prowess certainly up to VW’s usually high standard. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels reassuring. Even after a couple of hard stops, it remains fade-free. ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily wrap up the entire dynamic package.
Interior: The biggest highlight to all those panel van has to be its luggage space. With a rear barn doors which are able to open in full width plus 1650 liters of luggage space, any handyman is able to do anything else they want with ease.
In front, it has all the materials and fit-and-finish one expects from a VW. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Even if the driving position is slightly elevated than an equivalent Golf, it doesn’t make you feel like driving “on top” instead of “in” the vehicle. Those velour seats are comfortable yet very well-made.
Conclusion: Along with the Ford Transit Connect and Peugeot Partner, VW Caddy has served as another commercial vehicle which will be on top of our favourite list. It got plenty of power, handles exceptionally well and an interior, that’s both practical and superbly made.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 VW Caddy Panel Van
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5