On The Road
There may be a few 'Postman Pat' jibes regarding the look of the new Caddy - its high, flat sides to contain certain cartoon elements - but look past that and you have an attractive, well proportioned van that disguises its increased size: up to 179mm in length and 107mm in width from the previous model.
Every new generation of van tends to bring with it an improved level of surefootedness and control on the move that even five years ago seemed beyond reach, and the Caddy is no exception. It performs like a well sorted hatchback, turning into corners with a positive action and tracking the chosen line with ease.
The speed-sensitive steering is nicely weighted and firms up considerably once you're on the move, giving good feedback in the corners.
Keeping the Caddy on the road, the suspension (independent at the front and load dependent at the rear) handles corners with ease even when pushed. It is reassuringly backed up by traction control (TCS), which is very useful with a full load on board.
Push it to the limit and a degree of understeer is evident, but ease off a tad and it tucks back into the chosen line - better for us to hammer it on the test track than for you to find out in the wet at night. Out on A-roads and motorways it feels unshakable, cruising at speed without fuss. Cross-winds pose no problem and the steering feels rock solid.
Aiding the driving experience is the 1.9-litre TDI unit. It's a willing performer and once warm pulls with zest, especially when unladen. Working through the revs is a breeze, the torque curve is nicely progressive and peaks just where you need it. It sounds good too. But when fully laden you do need a delicate foot on the clutch to get an even takeoff. Helping to get the most out of the unit is a five-speed manual box that combines a short throw with a positive mechanical action.
Slowing down also proved to be effortless. With disc brakes all round enhanced by ABS, EBC (engine braking control) and Brake Assist, which automatically applies extra pressure when needed, it was no surprise that the Caddy performed admirably in tests. Slamming on the anchors brought it to an immediate halt, those electronic gizmos really cutting down the distance under perfect control. Most impressive.
Cab Comfort
Further progress is evident in the interior. it feels stylish and accommodating; not your usual fare of black on black. The dark-grey dashboard contrasts nicely with the light-grey/cream doors and seats, which are flecked with colour. The driver's seat is multi adjustable and includes a pump-action handle at the side that allows it to be raised and lowered, complementing the rake/reach adjustable steering wheel and creating a positive driving position.
Ergonomics, a German speciality, are excellent with efficiently laid controls that are also attractive to the eye. The central dials are easy to read and the secondary controls such as the heater and especially the optional sat-nav are simple to use.
All this sounds very good, and it is, but the game has been raised due to an obsessive attention to detail. OK, so fitting windscreen wipers that pause for a few seconds after they've cleared the wash water to catch that inevitable last trickle is not like inventing the wheel. Nor are indicators that flash three times if you tilt them up/down instead of clicking them all the way. But has it been done before on a van like this? No. Does it in some small way improve the driving experience? Of course. Who knows, it might make it a little safer to drive as well?
