Volkswagen Caddy Highline 1.4 TSI 125PS six-speed manual:

What is it?

THE Volkswagen Caddy Highline 1.4 TSI 125PS six-speed manual is the latest version of the Caddy van, now with petrol power. But why you might ask? Well, diesel engines have been getting a fair amount of stick for their nitrogen oxides output and with ultra-low emissions zones likely to become a reality – smaller petrol engines in vans might make sense.

The Volkswagen Caddy is one of the first and it meets the EU6 emission regulations, but does it work? We spent a week with a 125PS six-speed manual version in range-topping Highline trim.

What’s hot?

  • The smooth, refined 123bhp, 1.4-litre TSi petrol engine, which boasts 200Nm of torque, a top speed of 115mph, 136g/km emissions and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
  • With our test van’s 16-inch ‘Bendigo’ alloys and optional Blackberry metallic paint (£456), this has to be the classiest Caddy we’ve driven since our Black Edition long-termer we had last year.
Car-like cabin and dash for the Volkswagen Caddy 1.4 tfi

Car-like cabin and dash

  • The classy look continues on the inside, with the Titanium black upholstery and the Caddy’s now very car-like horizontal design of the dashboard. The car-like feel carried on with the our test car’s optional Discover media navigation system, which includes the very useful Apple Carplay integration (£606), Climatronic air-conditioning (£264) and the leather-covered multi-function steering wheel (£240). Although it’s a shame they’re not all standard!
  • Getting behind the wheel of the new Caddy is just like getting behind the wheel of a car and it is easy to get comfortable when you get there. The standard seats are supportive, the switchgear is logically placed and the instruments easy to read at a glance.
  • The Caddy’s boxy dimensions equal a spacious load area of 3.2 cubic metres and there’s extra practicality in the form of twin sliding side doors.

What’s not:

  • The 1.4 TSi petrol engine might be smooth and refined, but it lacks lowdown torque and needs to be worked hard to give its best performance.
  • The fact you have to work this engine quite hard to get its best affects the economy. Volkswagen claim 47.9mpg, but the best we saw during the week we had this van was the mid-30s.
  • You’re going to buy a Caddy van to load stuff in and the 643kg payload which is 20kg less than the diesel might make the difference.
  • The Caddy is not a cheap van – the basic price without options is £20,148, but our attractively-optioned test van increased the price to a chunky £24,172.

The Verdict on Volkswagen Caddy Highline EU6 1.4 TSI 125PS six-speed manual

Even with petrol power, the latest Caddy in our opinion is still one of the best local delivery vans. The addition of petrol engines might not suit all, but opens this Volkswagen van up to emission-conscious buyers who do most of their mileage in town.

Why? Well, because the new Caddy builds on the proven strengths of the other diesel models, which are high quality and feature useful car-like safety features.

Volkswagen Caddy Highline 1.4 TSI 125PS six-speed manual

On the road price (ex VAT): £16,790
Load length: 1,779mm
Load width (max): 1,556mm
Load height: 1,257 mm
Load capacity: 857kg
Payload: 643kg
GVW: 2000kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked: 1400kg/690kg
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Power/torque: 123bhp/220Nm
Economy (combined): 47.9mpg
CO2 emissions: 136g/km

 

Volkswagen Caddy Highline 1.4 TSI

Volkswagen Caddy Highline 1.4 TSI has a payload 20kg less than the diesel

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