New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 European Launch
Volkswagen’s Crafter has undergone a midlife makeover and gets a new front-end along with new Euro 5 engines… Read More
Next generation VW Caddy shows its new face
Volkswagen has released the first pictures and details of the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi due to go on sale in the UK in November.The exterior design has been refreshed to develop more of a family appearance and bring it line with the frontal treatment of the current Transporter. New rear light clusters are incorporated and roof rails are available for the first time. ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) will be standard on all models.
Inside, the cab has also received a makeover with a new instrument cluster and steering wheel and upgraded audio/navigation systems with the option of Bluetooth connectivity.
Third generation Caddy gets a whole range of new fuel-efficient Euro 5 TDI common rail turbodiesel engines. There’s a choice of 1.6- and 2.0-litre units with the former available at 75hp or 102hp while the latter can be had at 110hp and 140hp. The latest seven-speed DSG twin-clutch semi automatic gearbox will be an option and there will also be 4MOTION four-wheel drive models.Those buyers looking to minimise environmental impact and eek out every kilometre from a litre of diesel will be interested in the BlueMotion Technology models. These feature Start/Stop and battery regeneration systems to reduce CO2 emissions and average fuel consumption to as low as 129g/km and 57mpg respectively.
New safety features include daytime running lights — something VansA2Z is very keen on — automatic activation of the hazard lights under heavy braking and as an optional extra, front cornering lights.The load area potential remains the same (3.2m3 for Caddy and 4.2m3 for the Maxi), but the five-seater Kombi and Window Van versions now have the option of removing the rear bench seat completely, as well as folding it forwards, to maximise load space.
The European press launch is taking place at the beginning of September and we will of course be doing a full report, including driving impressions.
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Latest Features
Show Preview: CV Show 2012
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Vans of the Year Awards 2012
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