With seven seats and a very spacious cabin there is much to like about VW’s Caddy Life writes Suzanne Keane
What is it? VW’s Caddy is a common sight on our roads but more recently this commercial vehicle has been appearing in passenger guise – complete with seven full size seats and subtle tinted windows on the rear.
Styling? The Caddy Life tested was an eye-catching Starlight Blue Metallic and came in Highline trim which has body coloured bumpers and silver roof rails. The exterior of the Caddy is simple and uncluttered with VWs signature front end taking pride of place.
Under the Bonnet? Powering out test model was a 2.0L 150bhp engine paired with a 6 speed manual gearbox.
What about inside? The Caddy Life has an extremely spacious cabin. The windscreen is huge and overall visibility is great. In Highline spec the seats are comfortable with plenty of adjustment and apart from the slightly horizontal angle of the steering wheel you’d forget it was based on a van. While the Caddy Life comes with 7 seats it’s also possible to reconfigure this with as little as 2 seats when required to improve load space. However, with all 7 seats in place boot space is minimal – if you need to carry luggage with your 7 passengers you’ll have to upgrade to the Maxi version which has an additional 340 litres of space.
Headroom is where the Caddy Life really shines and even the tallest passenger shouldn’t bump their head getting into the back – although make sure the 2 sliding doors are locked in place before climbing in or out!
On the Road? The 150bhp engine has more than adequate power and apart from some extra engine noise the Caddy Life feels like a car on the road. Just like the normal Caddy is has an excellent suspension set up and with adaptive cruise control makes for an ideal long haul vehicle.
And Safety? The Caddy comes with safety features such as ABS, Auto hazard lights, Electronic brake distribution, Electronic differential lock, ESP, seatbelt warning and traction control. Airbags include Driver, front passenger, front side and curtain head protection to the front and second row.
Options? The model tested was a Highline version which has body coloured bumpers, 16” alloys, rear parking sensors and camera, privacy glass, roof rails, heated front seats, climate control, leather steering wheel, Alcantara upholstery and cruise control. Additional options fitted to the test car include Adaptive Cruise Control (essential if you spend most of your time on motorways), Bi-Xenon headlights, Park Assist, Discover Media navigation system, high beam control ‘light assist’, 17” alloys and an alloy spare wheel.
Other trim levels available include “Trendline”, “Beach” (with curtains for the rear windows and a folding mattress) and “Alltrack” versions. Engine options include 102 and 150bhp diesel engines along with 1.2 (84bhp) and 1.4L (125bhp) petrol versions.
Will it break the bank? A 102bhp TSI 5 speed manual Caddy Life in Trendline spec comes in at €30,425 OTR with the Maxi version costing just over €500 extra. The Highline model tested (including all options) will set you back €45,023. Road tax is just €280/year and the 150bhp engine consumes just 5.0L/100km.
Verdict? The VW Caddy is possibly the “least van like” small van on the road at the moment and the Caddy Life has retained this driveability and styling to make it a practical 7 seater with an element of fun retained behind the wheel.
Why you’ll buy one? Functionality, visibility and headroom
Why you won’t? It looks like a van
Rivals
Peugeot Partner Tepee
Citroën Berlingo Multispace
Fiat Doblo
VW Caddy Life Highline
Engine: 2.0 TDi 150bhp
Max speed: 194 km/h
Emissions (Motor Tax): 131g/km (€280)
Model price range: starts at €30,425 OTR (model tested €45,023)
No of Doors: 5 doors (2 sliding)
Isofix: 2 in the 2nd row
Euro NCAP : 4 star
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 5.0l/100km
Length: 4408mm
Width: 1793mm
Height: 1823mm
Wheelbase: 2682mm
For more information check out the Volkswagen Ireland website or their Facebook page
Suzanne Keane
11th July, 2016
