Over 1450 comprehensive car reviews in Honestjohn's Car-by-Car Breakdown. What's good, what's bad and what to watch out for. The full story on all popular models on sale in the UK since 1990.

Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life (2008 - )

What's Good

Longer wheelbase 7 seater version of Caddy kombi, 4,873mm long, available in the UK from February 2008 starting from £15,995 RRP on the road. One trim level and a choice of 1.9-litre TDI PD 104 PS (with DSG gearbox or a five-speed manual) or a new 2.0-litre TDI PD 140 PS with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).

Standard spec includes ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, electric front windows, carpet and full trim, sliding windows and childlocks on both sliding side doors, Isofix fittings for two rear seats, a generous overhead storage shelf above the driver, four luggage nets in the roof lining, a 12v socket in the luggage area, plus remote central locking, radio and CD with six speakers and front fog lights. Lift up one piece tailgate with heated window and wash/wipe, plus body coloured bumpers and electric heated mirrors.

ABS brakes, EBC (Engine Braking Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and TCS (Traction Control System) all standard; plus option of ‘ESP plus’, which includes DSR (Driver Steering Response) and a trailer stabilisation function.

Further options include: alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, a leather trimmed, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, CD changer and heated front seats.

All Caddy Maxi Life models have a maximum braked trailer weight of 1,500 kg, or 750 kg unbraked, and an insurance group rating of 6E (104 PS) or 8E (140 PS).

On sale from 18-2-08 with deliveries from mid-March 2008. Sold through the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles nationwide network, alongside the popular Caravelle and California MPV model ranges.

Caddy Maxi Life
104 PS TDI PD, 2,335kg GVW, Min: 0.53 m³, Max: 3.9 m³, 620kg payload, £13,008.51 + VAT = £15,995. 0-60 13.5, 103mph, 40.4mpg combined, 185g/km CO2
104 PS TDI PD DSG DPF, 2,370kg GVW, Min: 0.53 m³, Max: 3.9 m³, 618kg payload, £14,285.11 + VAT = £17,495. 0-60 14.3, 102mph, 44.8mpg combined, 166g/km CO2.
140 PS TDI PD DPF, 2,360kg GVW, Min: 0.53 m³, Max: 3.9 m³, 626kg payload, £14,710.64 + VAT = £17,995. 0-60 11.1, 116mph, 44.1mpg combined, 169g/km CO2.

Australian market 'Camper' version at editorial.carsales.com.au/car-review/1823036.aspx

Road test at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=323

More at www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

First uploaded 24-4-2008

What's Bad

TBA

What to Watch Out For

TBA