04-04-2013

The VW Campervan is a British icon. It’s rare indeed that we travel on the UK’s motorways without passing one of these iconic relics spluttering its way up the inside lane of the motorway, complete with merry travellers in tow.

The new VW Caddy is the latest in a long line of campervans, adding to VW’s already rich tradition in vehicles specifically aimed at the outdoor set and offering the perfect antidote to the British spring.

The new five-seater Caddy Maxi Camper includes a rather luxurious fold-out double bed, portable table, electric cool box and awning all as standard, not to mention two deck chairs.

As you would expect from a Volkswagen camper, this latest incarnation is designed with practicality at its core, and with on the road prices starting at £23,397, this also represents the most affordable of Volkswagen’s camping range. It is also the most compact, measuring 4.8 metres in length and 1.8 metres high.

Once the front seats have been tipped forward and rear seats folded back, the camper reveals its showpiece: a flat double bed measuring 1.1 x 2.0m, complete with a privacy curtain which attaches to the interior windows.

If you’re looking for that little bit of extra space, then the awning, which measures 2.3m x 2.0m, can be simply assembled in minutes with clips that attach around the tailgate. This adds some extra living space for relaxing and preparing for the great outdoors.

When it’s time to hit the road in search of some action, the fold-out bed behind the rear seats can be easily removed, providing 1.6m3 of space for bikes and any other equipment you have. If you need extra room then the rear seats can be folded forward, creating up to 3.2m3 of load space.

In terms of the spec, you can expect climatic air conditioning, electric front windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, cruise control, trip computer and height adjustable front seats amongst others.

The Caddy Maxi Camper offers a choice of two efficient and economic BlueMotion diesel engines. The 1.6-litre TDI achieves 54.3mpg, whilst the 2.0-litre TDI is slightly less frugal, delivering 49.6 mpg on the same cycle.