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POWER PLAY
Page 60
Page 61
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We quite liked the Volkswagen Caddy SDI but
wanted more power: VW has obliged with the
more powerful TDI. Colin Barnett reports.
Until now, our experience of the all-new Volkswagen Caddy has been of the SDI version, with its two-litre 68hp naturally aspirated engine.While our impressions have been generally favourable a bit more power would be welcome, especially with anything like a full load on board.
Now that need has been answered with the first examples of theTDI rolling onto UK soil off the boat from Poland. It's powered by a 1.9litre.103hp.charge-cooled turbo-diesel featuring a variable geometry charger andVW's proven Pump Diise electronically controlled unit injector system. The TDI also has a respectable 250Nm of torque, almost 80% up on the SDI,to propel its 2,235kg gross weight.
In true VW press fleet style our test van was highly specced. but the standard inventory is by no means sparse.
Inside there's a good level of trim, full instrumentation, fully adjustable seats and steering column, a driver's airbag and radio/CD. Chassis safety and security features include ABS and EBC engine braking control, traction control, remote central deadlocking and a rattle-proof plastic bulkhead.
From the driving seat, we continue to be impressed by the spacious cab environment and generous storage space for oddments.Apart from the main dash moulding, which is not as soft as it looks, the fit and quality of the interior is of a high level.
On the road, with more than half of its 820kg gross payload aboard, the Caddy showed good ride characteristics on the country lanes of the Chilterns, and felt stable at higher speeds. We commented on the rather dead, remote feel of the electro-hydraulic power steering of the initial left-hookers,but there was no such problem with this one.
The extra power made itself useful with much brisker acceleration from rest and no problem holding speed uphill.There is a degree of engine noise under acceleration, but it quietens considerably when cruising.The engine doesn't feel harsh; it just feels like it means business.
The change of the five-speed box is slick and well-spaced. In purely numerical terms, the effect of the extra power is seven seconds off the 0-60rnph time and an extra 15mph on top speed. More importantly, according to VW's figures. it also gets an extra two miles out of a gallon of diesel at a constant 56mph with half payload.
Nothing's perfect however, and our drive revealed a few minor gripes. In the "odd" gears, the lever is so close to the radio console that large hands could acquire bruised knuckles. There are also couple of hindrances to visibility the otherwise laudable storage wells on top of the dash reflect annoyingly in the windscreen, while the broad central joint in the bulkhead is offset from the joint in the asymmetrical rear doors, combining to double the blind area in the interior mirror.
At £9,650 the SDI does not seem especially cheap for an entry level model, but at £10,550 the Tai looks like much more of a bargain. We initially questioned whether Volkswagen would use its lower manufacturing costs in Poland to for itsown benefit or for the customers'; were pleased to note that it has avoided the temptation for "premium" pricing. •