The Caddy from Volkswagen gets a Kit and specification upgrade to make it an even better choice.

• Volkswagen boosts equipment levels across all Caddy models
• Caddy is now the safest van in the class with a high level of standard features
• Prices reduced for petrol-engined models
• Prices start at £17,527 (OTR inc VAT); new models and spec available to order now

The award-winning Volkswagen Caddy is set to become an even more tempting proposition thanks to a substantial specification boost and range realignment. The change, which marks the introduction of the 2018 model year Caddy, delivers even higher standard equipment levels, boosted safety features across all models and lower prices for petrol-powered models.

Safety has always been at the heart of the Caddy’s design and engineering, with driver, passenger and side airbags and post-collision braking system all introduced as standard when the current model was launched in 2015. 

With the 2018 model, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has increased safety levels once again with the fitment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB - Front Assist with City Emergency Braking) and driver alert as standard across the entire range. 

All Volkswagen vans now come with standard AEB, cited by Thatcham Research, the motor insurers’ automotive research centre and respected experts in safety, security and crash repair, as ‘probably the most significant development in vehicle safety since the seat belt’ with the potential to save more than 1,000 lives and 120,000 casualties over the next ten years.

And it’s not just additional safety equipment that Caddy drivers will benefit from with the introduction of the 2018 model. All three trim grades, Startline, Trendline and Highline, feature more standard equipment than ever before, further boosting value for money. 

All models, including Startline, gain a leather multifunction steering wheel and multifunction display (in addition to AEB and Driver Alert), while 2018 Trendline models now feature climatic air conditioning as standard. Finally, range-topping Highline models gain Volkswagen’s sophisticated Discover Media satellite navigation system as standard.

As part of the 2018 Caddy package, Volkswagen is also realigning its price structure. As a result, models equipped with the brand’s highly advanced TSI petrol engines are now significantly more affordable. For example, the Startline 1.2 TSI 84 PS model now costs £17,527 (total RRP inc OTR and VAT) – some £1,017 less than the previous price.

The Caddy enjoys one of the broadest ranges of petrol engine options in its sector, and is offered with three highly efficient TSI petrol units. The line-up for the 2018 model consists of: a 1.2-litre 84 PS four-cylinder unit, a 1.0-litre 102 PS three-cylinder unit and a range-topping 1.4-litre 125 PS four-cylinder engine offered with the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission. All three optimise lightweight construction and a turbocharger to deliver the perfect combination of performance and efficiency.

Commenting on the update, Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: “The Caddy has always represented exceptional value for money and these changes further enhance its appeal. We’re delighted to offer people a petrol option at a lower price than before , and are proud of our comprehensive safety package, which we believe makes the Caddy the safest small van on the road.”

For van drivers and fleet operators, safe vans mean lower costs as well as less downtime thanks to fewer crashes and therefore drivers and vans kept on the road – and working – for longer. In addition, vehicles fitted with autonomous braking systems have an average insurance premium reduction of ten per cent compared to those which don’t.

Caddy van prices

Ford's super frugal 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine takes it's ninth win in the International Engine of the Year awards.

• Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is named 2016 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” for the fifth consecutive year – despite increased competition from major global automotive manufacturers in the sub 1.0-litre class
• Ford achieves ninth win for fuel-efficient and sporty engine, previously overall winner a record three times, and best newcomer; powers one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe
• Ground-breaking 1.0-litre EcoBoost is class winner for drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology. EcoBoost ingenuity now being employed in new EcoBlue diesel engines

Ford’s tiny yet powerful 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine has been voted best in class at the International Engine of the Year Awards for the fifth year in a row. Judges praised the combination of drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology that continues to set the standard.

The frugal three-cylinder EcoBoost engine was named “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” by a panel of 65 automotive journalists, from 31 countries, to win its class each and every year since launch. This year it finished ahead of 32 competitor engines, 19 more than it competed against in 2012. Significantly, 2015 also saw an increase in competition from global automotive manufacturers of sub 1.0-litre, turbocharged engines with direct fuel injection.

In 2014, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost became the first engine to be named overall International Engine of the Year for a third time in a row, and also was in 2012 named “Best New Engine.”

“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost was a game-changer, and despite others following our lead, it remains the undisputed benchmark in its class five years on,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The spirit of innovation continues to drive us as we look to use the same smart thinking for a new breed of efficient, clean and powerful down-sized diesel engines.”

Available with 100 PS, 125 PS and 140 PS, and even 180 PS in the Ford Fiesta R2 rally car, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine powers vehicle

Volkswagen delivers a better equipped and priced Golf Match Edition, with an added Bluemotion edition.

Volkswagen is sharpening the appeal of the already generously equipped Golf with the announcement of the highly specified Golf Match BlueMotion Edition, and Golf Match Edition, priced from £19,840 (OTR RRP).

Building on the stylish looks and renowned reliability of the current Golf line-up – the seventh iteration of the brand’s iconic family hatchback – the new Golf Match Edition models add high-end equipment as standard including Discover Navigation with Car-Net Guide and Inform, and Winter Pack.

The new cars arrive with an even higher level of specification than the Golf Match they replace. The additions offer more than £1,100 in customer value if specified separately, but at a cost of just £100.

Buyers can, therefore, get behind the wheel of the new Golf Match BlueMotion Edition 1.0 115PS TSI six-speed manual three-door from £19,840 (OTR RRP). The Golf Match Edition, meanwhile, is available from £20,400 (OTR RRP) in 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS BlueMotion Technology five-speed manual three-door model form.

While the Golf Match was already one of the most comprehensively specified vehicles in its class with standard features including front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a mirror pack – which consists of automatically-folding door mirrors with puddle lights and reverse-activated dipping on the nearside – the new model builds on that solid foundation still further.

Smart 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloys continue to distinguish the new car, while the Discover Navigation system now fitted as standard includes a 6.5-inch colour touch-screen control system for navigation, CD and radio functions. This boasts preloaded European navigation data, two map view options, three calculated routes (Fast, Short, Eco), dynamic navigation based on TMC live traffic updates, branded points of interest and Traffic Sign display, and also features Car-Net Guide and Inform online services.

The Car-Net Guide and Inform system neatly combines engaging functions such as Online Traffic Information, Personal Point Of Interest, News and Weather updates, and Fuel Info and Parking Info.

This suite of hi-tech features comes in addition to the Golf Match Edition’s standard ACC Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, Driver Alert System, PreCrash preventive occupant protection, Driver Profile Selection, automatic wipers, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and dusk sensor (automatic driving lights); and of course the aforementioned alloy wheels, parking sensors, front fog lights and mirror pack.

Meanwhile all Golf models come as standard with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag; ABS with ESC, XDS electronic differential lock; an automatic post-collision braking system and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats. Bluetooth telephone preparation, audio streaming and an eight-speaker multimedia entertainment system are also standard on the new Golf Match Edition, along with air conditioning, a Stop/Start system with battery regeneration, and a host of other features.

Customers are able to add to that impressive roster of standard equipment with hi-tech options include High Beam Assist, Park Assist, DCC Dynamic Chassis Control, a rear-view camera, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.

The Golf Match BlueMotion Edition is offered with a 1.0-litre TSI 115 PS engine in six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG form, both returning 65.7 mpg combined.

The Golf Match Edition is available with a 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS engine with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes returning 54.3 to 56.5 mpg combined; a 1.6-litre TDI 110 PS BlueMotion Technology engine with five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox returning 72.4 to 74.3 mpg; or a 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS BlueMotion Technology unit with six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox returning 62.8 to 68.9 mpg. All engines meet the latest EU6 emissions standards.

This high value addition to the Golf range is available to order now, with the first deliveries expected in January 2016.  For more information on the new model, and the rest of the award-winning Volkswagen range, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Prices and availability are shown below:

TOW CAR AWARDS - New Mondeo wins category at this years awards ceremony.

Ford's all-new Mondeo has been judged the best petrol-powered tow car by experts at this year’s Tow Car Awards. The Camping and Caravanning Club worked with Practical Caravan and What Car? magazines to assess this year’s field of 37 tow cars.  

They judged the cars’ ride and handling both towing and solo, as well as practicality and buying and owning.  

The all-new Ford Mondeo, on sale this year, triumphed with its smooth and economical mid-range 1.5-litre turbo-powered EcoBoost petrol engine.  Mondeo’s EcoBoost range also includes the award-winning 125PS 1.0-litre engine and the top-end, high-output 240PS 2.0-litre version.

David Motton, Practical Caravan’s Tow Car editor, said:  “Ford’s EcoBoost engine really is a star. It may not have as much pulling power as the diesel equivalent but, with 177lb ft (240Nm) of torque, it's noticeably stronger in the middle of the rev range than most petrols. But at the same time it's also a lot easier on the ears than most diesels."

Anthony Ireson, Ford of Britain marketing director, said:  “EcoBoost is another gem in our freshest-ever vehicle range, which we are delighted that towing experts have recognised in the fast-selling new Mondeo.”

Priced from £19,995, the all-new Ford Mondeo range includes petrol and diesel in five-door and estate bodystyles, plus front- and all-wheel drive.  An optional manually retractable tow bar with Trailer Sway Control can be specified on all series. 

Petrol tow car of the Year-winning spec

Ford Mondeo 1.5-litre EcoBoost 160PS Titanium

Bodystyle 5dr

Price £22,545

Kerbweight 1,485kg

Max towing weight 1,250kg

Towball limit 75kg

Skoda refines the Rapid Spaceback range and gives some significant price cuts too.

• Improved Rapid Spaceback range delivers even better value for money
• OTR price reductions of up to £1,905 across all models
• Three value-packed trim levels with prices starting from just £13,500
• Exceptional practicality, style and refinement across the new range

The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback has been wowing buyers with its style, practicality and refinement since its launch in 2013, and now, thanks to ŠKODA’s commitment to maximising value, customers ordering a new Spaceback get even more for their money.

In the revised line-up, all three trim levels (S, SE Tech and SE Sport) benefit from a significant price reduction – a move that further extends the Spaceback’s value advantage over its competitors. 

Customers opting for a Spaceback 1.4 TSI 125PS DSG SE Tech, for example, can get behind the wheel for just £16,390 – a £1,905 saving over the previous on the road price. 

What’s more, the new pricing structure has been achieved with no change to previous equipment levels, meaning customers really can secure an incredible deal. The new price structure applies to all new orders for 2016 model year cars.

The new Rapid Spaceback range now starts from just £13,500 (£1,355 less than the previous model) with all three trim grades featuring exceptionally high equipment levels. 

The all-turbocharged engine line-up features some of the most advanced powerplants ever offered by ŠKODA, along with the option of DSG on selected models. CO₂ outputs start from just 94g/km, meaning that buyers also enjoy exceptionally low running costs.

The price list for the new Rapid Spaceback range is:

Model	OTR Price	Customer saving
S 1.2 TSI 90PS	£13,500	£1,300
S 1.4 TDI 90PS	£15,300	£1,290
SE Tech 1.2 TSI 90PS	£14,650	£1,315
SE Tech 1.2 TSI 90PS DSG	£15,810	£1,315
SE Tech 1.2 TSI 110PS	£15,350	£1,355
SE Tech 1.4 TSI 125PS DSG	£16,390	£1,905
SE Tech 1.4 TDI 90PS	£16,300	£1,455
SE Tech 1.4 TDI 90PS DSG	£17,460	£1,455
SE Tech 1.6 TDI 115PS	£17,100	£1,635
SE Sport 1.2 TSI 110PS	£16,550	£1,355
SE Sport 1.4 TSI 125PS DSG	£17,590	£1,905
SE Sport 1.4 TDI 90PS	£17,500	£1,455
SE Sport 1.4 TDI 90PS DSG	£18,660	£1,455
SE Sport 1.6 TDI 115PS	£18,300	£1,635

14 engine combinations make the new Mondeo the best all round choice for some while.

• All-new Ford Mondeo now available to order with 14 powertrain combinations delivering power of choice with the broadest-ever Mondeo line-up for customers
• Ford begins production of Mondeo with award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, efficient new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel, and high-power 210PS 2.0-litre diesel engines
• Mondeo range extended to include models equipped with Ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, in addition to the four-door Mondeo Hybrid, five-door and estate body-styles
• Ford receives almost 5,000 Mondeo orders in the UK since launch late last year; half of customers opt for advanced Dynamic LED headlight and Active Park Assist technology
• Available to order in April for summer delivery 

Ford has further expanded the number of powertrain combinations that are available to order for the all-new Ford Mondeo to provide the widest ever choice to customers in Europe.

Production has now started of models equipped with Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost – the first 1.0-litre petrol engine in the segment, priced from £19,995. 

The line-up is further extended with a new 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine; fuel-efficient new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine; and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive technology for optimised traction and performance.

All-new Mondeo now offers 14 powertrain combinations as part of a comprehensive four-door, five-door and wagon body-style range, including:

• 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol manual
• 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol manual and automatic
• 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol automatic
• 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel manual
• 150PS and 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel manual and automatic
• 150PS and 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
• 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel automatic
• 87PS petrol-electric hybrid

Mondeo also offers ultra-low CO₂ ECOnetic models, and Ford’s new upscale Vignale product and ownership experience will debut with the Ford Vignale Mondeo later this year.

“With the full range of powertrains now rolling off the production line at our state-of-the-art plant in Valencia, Spain, Ford now offers the widest ever choice for Mondeo customers,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “Sophisticated technology like our segment-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelts helps make Mondeo an even more compelling choice.”

Ford received almost 5,000 orders in the UK for the all-new Mondeo since the vehicle was launched late last year. Sales of the all-new Mondeo were up 29 per cent year-over-year in January and order take was up 60 per cent as the model is rolling out to Ford dealerships across Europe.

Advanced technologies have proved popular, with 53 per cent of customers specifying Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, and 44 per cent choosing Dynamic LED headlights.

Innovative new engines

Ford’s 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine version of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is uniquely calibrated for Mondeo to deliver 55.4mpg and 119g/km CO₂ emissions.*

Named International Engine of the Year in 2014 for an unprecedented third time in a row, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers the power of a larger engine with core EcoBoost technologies including high-pressure direct fuel injection, and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing. A low inertia turbocharger spins at up to 248,000rpm, more than 4,000 times per second and almost twice the maximum rpm of the turbochargers powering 2014 F1 race car engines.

Ford’s new bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi engine delivers 210PS and 450Nm of torque – available from 2000rpm – with CO₂ emissions of 124 g/km and 58.8 mpg.* The new engine is combined with Ford’s six-speed PowerShift twin-clutch automatic gearbox, and enables 0-62mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds, priced at £750 over the equivalent specification 180PS model.

Electronically-controlled sequential bi-turbo design enables faster engine response. A small, low-inertia turbine is used to respond quickly to initial boost demand, and a larger high-inertia turbo is able to sustain greater boost pressure for peak performance.

Ford’s advanced new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine replaces the 115PS 1.6-litre TDCi, reducing CO₂emissions by 5g/km to 104g/km with optimised combustion chamber design, new high-pressure fuel injection and Variable Nozzle Turbocharger technology delivering 70.6 mpg.*

The new Euro Stage VI emissions-compliant 1.5-litre TDCi also features a lean NO_X trap for cleaner exhaust emissions, while internal friction is reduced with microscopic applications of diamond-like coating.

Sophisticated all-wheel drive

All-new Mondeo customers can now also specify Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with the 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission, or 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is offered at £1,500 over the equivalent front-wheel drive model.

Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system offers a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive performance to automatically enhance traction and road-holding when needed. The system continually measures how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds, and can adjust power delivery to individual wheels in 100 milliseconds.

“Whether it’s enhancing performance, efficiency, refinement or safety, all-new Mondeo continues to set new levels of expectation,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Customers already have some fantastic features and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is another reason for them to be excited.”

The new 2.0-litre TDCi engine with revised engine block, new cylinder-head and fuel injection designs, and Variable Nozzle Turbocharger technology was among the first all-new Mondeo models available to order from September last year. The Mondeo range also includes the new 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with integrated exhaust manifold technology, 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost model, and the all-new Mondeo Hybrid.

The first hybrid electric vehicle ever manufactured by Ford in Europe, the Mondeo Hybrid is available in four-door body-style and uses two electric motors and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery combined with a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine to drive at up to 85mph in electric mode. The drivetrain delivers 187PS with 67.3mpg and 99g/km CO₂* and is priced the same as the equivalent to the 2.0-litre TDCi model at £24,995

Advanced technology

Advanced Ford technologies and comfort features have proved to be a hit, including Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, which enables drivers to detect suitably-sized spaces and reverse hands-free into those parallel to the road or side-to-side with other cars.

Also popular are Dynamic LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System, which adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match driving environment. Heated steering wheels have been specified on 27 per cent of models, and 20 per cent have heated rear seats.

All-new Mondeo also debuts Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection technology, which can detect people in or near the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle’s path. If the system detects a potential collision it automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings.

Ford’s 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine has proved to be the most popular to-date at 43 per cent, while 52 per cent of consumers have opted for the unique-to-Europe estate body-style, with 29 per cent choosing Panther Black paint to highlight the Mondeo’s sports coupe profile and sophisticated and technical front end design.

Model (4/5-door)	Power (PS)	Fuel efficiency* (l/100 km)	CO2 emissions* (g/km)
1.0 EcoBoost 6-spd manual	125	5.1	119
1.5 EcoBoost 6-spd manual	160	48.7	134
1.5 EcoBoost 6-spd auto	160	48.8	146
2.0 EcoBoost 6-spd auto	240	38.7	169
1.5 TDCi 6-spd manual (ECOnetic)	120 (120)	70.6 (78.6)	104 (94)
2.0 TDCi 6-spd manual (ECOnetic)	150 (150)	64.2 (68.9)	115 (107)
2.0 TDCi 6-spd auto	150	58.9	125
2.0 TDCi 6-spd manual	180	64.2	115
2.0 TDCi 6-spd auto	180	58.9	125
2.0 TDCi 6-spd manual AWD	150	58.9	124
2.0 TDCi 6-spd auto AWD	180	54.3	134
2.0 TDCi 6-spd auto	210	58.9	124
2.0 Hybrid Electric	187	67.3	99

* The declared fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. 

The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. 

Results in MPG also correspond to this European drive cycle and are stated in imperial gallons. The results may differ from fuel economy figures in other regions of the world due to the different drive cycles and regulations used in those markets.