GENEVA - I saw MAXI, and thought Issigonis had risen, but no, its the new Caddy van from VW.

• World premiere of Caddy Maxi
• Emissions and fuel consumption reduced by new EU6 engines
• New driver assistance systems improve safety
• Classic design refined with clear pronounced lines

Shortly after the world premiere of the Caddy in the Polish city of Poznań, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles now presents the latest generation long wheel base version, the Caddy Maxi, at the Geneva International Motor Show. More than 1.5 million of the award-winning previous generation were sold worldwide during its eleven years in production. Around a third of these were Caddy Maxi Life passenger carriers.  The fourth generation Caddy Maxi Life aims to continue this success, boasting a 32 cm longer wheel base than its standard wheel base sibling.

The Caddy Maxi Life features two rows of seats in the passenger compartment and offers a cargo volume of 530 litres. The backrest of the third row bench seat folds down and the second row bench seat also folds forward. This seat folding process quickly expands the cargo volume. If necessary, both rows of seats can be removed entirely. This creates additional cargo space with just a few simple movements. When the third row seat is removed, storage volume is extended to 1,350 litres, and when the second seat row is also removed it is increased to 3,700 litres. 

The Caddy Maxi Life offers 848 litres more cargo space than the 2,852 litres in the standard Caddy Life with rear seats removed. This means that users can load much more in the Caddy Maxi Life with its cargo volume of up to 4.7 m³ (in combination with the optional Flex Plus seat) than in the standard Caddy with its 3.2 m³.

The payload for the Caddy Maxi panel van, including the driver, is up to 1,005 kg.

The drive systems use state-of-the-art technology, with the Caddy Maxi's new engines providing maximum efficiency and compliance with the EU6 emissions standard. The three TDI diesel versions of the Caddy Maxi are two-litre four cylinder engines. Their performance ranges from 75 PS, 102 PS to the top engine with 150 PS.

In the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi, numerous new safety and comfort features protect the occupants and support the driver.

One of these is the ‘Front Assist’ surroundings monitoring system, including City Emergency Braking: if the driver fails to see an obstacle below a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph), the system automatically applies the brakes, aiming to prevent any collisions. In the passenger carrying versions, occupants are protected with side and curtain airbags.

Approximately 22 per cent of all accidents involving injuries are collisions with more than one obstacle. In order to minimise the risk related to this scenario, the award-winning ‘Multi-collision Brake System’ is included as standard in the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi. After a collision, it automatically initiates braking if the driver is no longer able to take action.

Other available options are the ‘Light Assist’ and ‘Driver Alert’ systems. The latter recognises any deviations from normal driving behaviour and recommends to the driver when a break is necessary. Also available is the option of a heated windscreen, which helps to ensure a permanently good view no matter the weather.

For the first time on Caddy there is the option of ‘Adaptive Cruise Control’ (ACC), which is activated at speeds of 0 to 160 km/h (0-100 mph) with DSG or 30 to 160 km/h (19-100 mph) with a manual transmission, and uses a radar sensor to monitor the distance and relative speed to vehicles in front. In combination with the DSG, the ACC system can also slow the vehicle down, for example in queues or traffic jam situations, to a complete stop.

In combination with the Composition Colour and Composition Media radios and with the Discover Media radio-navigation system, customers are able to order a reversing camera. The optional ‘Park Assist’ system enables automated parallel parking as well as parking at right-angles to the carriageway – an especially practical feature for courier services.

An evolution of a best-seller: the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi’s design impresses with sharper folds and clearly defined surfaces with stylish clarity. The redesigned front and the striking rear design, give the new compact van an unmistakable character – this is further distinguished by the new look of the front and rear lights. While remaining extremely functional, the high-quality Caddy has gained noticeably in presence.

In keeping with the expressive exterior, the vehicle's interior also features accentuated lines and shapes. Striking decorative trims with integrated air vents and a new generation of infotainment equipment underline the Caddy and Caddy Maxi’s new look.

The new Caddy and Caddy Maxi will be launched in Germany at the end of June. UK vehicles will arrive later in the year.

UK specifications and prices for the Caddy and Caddy Maxi will be announced in due course.