Building on the success of its Caddy van, Volkswagen has taken the bold step of launching a version that’s slightly bigger, and calling it the Maxi. Lined up as a direct rival to Ford’s impressive Transit Connect LWB, which has had the market pretty much to itself since the mini-Sevel van from Citroen/Fiat/Peugeot decided to move up a class, it fills the gap between the standard Caddy and Transporter.
The main change is an increased vehicle length of 47cm, upping the load volume to an impressive 4.2m cubed (from 3.2m cubed) - load length is now 2,250mm though payload stays pretty much the same at 800kg. The Caddy also gets a 2.0-litre TDI 140hp engine with a six-speed gearbox, to sit alongside the existing 1.9TDI 105hp unit, which can be specified with the company’s impressive duel clutch gearbox (DSG).
Standard equipment includes ABS, TCS (traction control system) and EBC (engine braking control), a nearside sliding door and full-length bulkhead, while ESP, sat-nav and even heated seats are options. There’s also talk of a CNG (compressed natural gas) version, which is currently on trial with a decision to be made in the next few months, and a super economical BlueMotion model using lightened components and a frugal engine, set to show at this year’s CV Show.
A brief drive in the Maxi highlighted why it’s been so successful in shorter guise, with all the elements
such as engine, steering and suspension working in harmony, while the company’s famed build was fully in evidence, giving the Caddy a real feel of quality.
Robert Hazlewood, Volkswagen commercial vehicles director, says: "It’s about long-term sustainable growth and providing a commitment to our dealer partners." He points to the bolstering of its customer service and aftersales offers with the appointments of an aftersales development manager and fleet customer service managers, along with an expansion of its van centre network with the planned opening of two new locations.
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