Van manufacturers are constantly striving to make the cleanest and
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greenest LCV. but often the green machines are nothing more than reworked versions of existing models, which are then marketed as environmentally friendly variants.
So here we have Volkswagen's entrant into the fuelefficient end of the LCV market: the Caddy BlueMotion, Volkswagen says that the BlueMotion badge identifies the cleanest and most eco-friendly vehicle in the range and this is the first time any VW LCV has been `BlueMotioned'.
Before we get into what constitutes a VW BlueMotion vehicle, let's look at the test van itself: it's powered by a L9litre Pumpe Duse engine delivering 103hp and 250Nm of torque. Gross vehicle weight stands at 2.130kg, with a payload of 716kg and a load capacity of 3.2e.
So what really distinguishes this variant from the regular 103hp Caddy? From the outside there are no fundamental differences save for the low-rolling resistance tyres. Rut the biggest changes are found under the bonnet. The Caddy has been given a taller gearset for its fivespeed manual transmission, which is designed to reduce friction on the moving parts and raise efficiency Elsewhere, to reduce particulate emissions, VW has fitted a Diesel Particulate Filter to the Caddy BlueMotion. The alterations deliver notable improvements in both CO, and fuel consumption when compared to the standard equivalent. They are lOgikm less CO, emissions and 49.6mpg (or 2.5mpg better) on the combined cycle.
Whether you'll notice the difference is another matter, but what matters is the BlueMotion badge, as VW says the LCV has been launched in response to customer demand. When considering that the contract tenders are increasingly being awarded to companies that show a willingness to reduce fleet emissions, it's no surprise that VW has launched this model.
Elsewhere, the Caddy BlueMotion gets additional standard equipment over the regular van, including cruise con trot, trip computer and a tyre repair kit with air comprt in place of a spare wheel for weight saving.
Above that, our test vehicle was fitted with £2,000-w of options, including electrically heated and adjustable
mirrors (28o), rubber load floor covering (£85), rear-c ing sensors (£230) and air conditioning (£780). Not fa ting metallic paint (£315), leather-trimmed multifun( steering wheel (£290) and auxiliary socket for iPods ( and you have a van worth a shade over 05,000.
Sans extras, the BlueMotion costs £13270, which is petit ive for this end of the market. It's slightly dearer a Citroen Berlingo 850 Ll 90hp HDi (£12,365) and Flat Doblb Cargo L6 Multijet (£13,025). But it works a nearly £1.000 cheaper than a Ford Transit Connect 200 TDCi 110PS (£14,250).
The BlueMotion slots directly into the middle of Caddy range between the entry-level 68hp variant ant range-topping 138hp C20 Sportline panel van. Howe% BlueMotion technology isn't green enough for you, also offers a CNG-powered Caddy.
Productivity Many of you will have sampled the Caddy at some s but for those who haven't tried it we can tell you that versatile and practical LCV. The load area is large a
low-loading height means it's easy to lift heavier items into the hack.
Turning our attention to the rear. the Caddy is equipped with twin-glazed asymmetrical rear doors that can open out 180 degrees. For improved load access. the BlueMotion comes standard with a nearside sliding door but we'd forego the £230 rear parking sensors (it's easy enough to park, especially with the glazed rear windows and mesh bulkhead) and get the twin-sliding door pack at £250 instead.
Another must-have is the non-slip load area covering, which will protect the body from damage and ensure items are secure during transit. It costs less than £100, but will add significant value to the vehicle come resale time.
When it was time for the fuel runs, the Caddy almost managed to break the 50rnpg mark on the unladen run with 49.9mpg. which betters the Citroen Berlingo's figure of 45.7mpg and Ford Transit Connect's 45.6mpg.
With maximum 716kg payload on board, fuel economy dropped to 45.3mpg. but still the Blue Motion trumped the laden run figures of its aforementioned rivals.
Cab comfort
There were very few gripes from the testers when it came to the Caddy's interior, but before we get to those here's the good news. Typically German, the interior is functional, comfortable and well engineered to withstand the daily rigours of the multi-drop operation.
On top of the dashboard there are two storage bins that proved to be convenient places to store our A4 clipboard and roadtesting equipment. We also liked the central storage bins between the two seats, but we feel that the lack of a lockable glovebox needs to be rectified when the new version arrives in early 2011.
Another gripe we have with the cabin is that it feels dated compared to rivals such as the Fiat Doblii Cargo and Ford Transit Connect.
But to conceal the Caddy's interior foibles. Volkswagen has equipped it with a generous list of extras Our favourite was the air conditioning, which was a godsend on the hot days, but there was also the leather-trimmed steering wheel and AUX-in slot that made the interior feel more luxurious The seats were comfortable and supportive and we especially enjoyed the high driving position. The height and rake adjustable steering wheel also means that every driver is catered for.
On the road
VW has got on-road dynamics down to a tee and our Caddy was testimony to that. The steering is precise and well weighted and the chassis is more than up to the task when you up the tempo. Even on the motorway. the Caddy feels planted and covering long distances was never an issue.
The Caddy BlueMotion's engine is VW's long-serving 1.9 TDi, which has got plenty of go no matter what gear you're in. Off the line, the vehicle is nippy and at times feels more like a hot hatch than a van. The engine's true character shines through when the load area is fully catered. You never want for power (and that's with the air-con on full blast as well) and there are no unnecessary gear changes to blight the driving experience.
So yes. it's powerful and smoother to drive than the Ford Transit Connect, but there are two issues with it. The first: iIs age. The VW's Pumpe Duse engines have been on the scene for what feels like forever and we know the addition of a newer common-rail unit will make this van impossible to ignore — just look how VW's Transporter was transformed with a new 2.0-litre powerplant.
And the second issue is the relevancy to a BlueMotion version: we feel the smaller 68hp engine would be more suited to the BlueMotion mantra of maximising every single drop of diesel and reducing emissions. •