EVERYONE knows what a Golf is.
It’s the go-to family car.
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The Caddy Cargo eHybrid is essentially a Golf in work gearCredit: simon thompson
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The Caddy is a plug-in hybrid. The best of both worldsCredit: simon thompson
Solid. Dependable. Reassuring. Classy. Yet classless.
Not so long ago, Golf 8.5 was updated with a next-gen plug-in hybrid system that doubled its electric range to 80-odd miles.
So you could glide around your neighbourhood without waking the petrol engine for much of the week.
Saving your pocket and the planet.
Then let the 1.5-litre turbo do the heavy lifting on longer journeys.
It’s not just me who rates it.
Autocar recently crowned it Hybrid of the Year, praising it as “one of the most versatile cars on sale today”.
Why am I telling you this when I’m reviewing a van?
Because the Caddy Cargo eHybrid is essentially a Golf in work gear.
Same petrol/electric combo with a 19.7kWh battery pack. Same composed feel behind the wheel. Same on-board tech. Just a little less electric range at 73 miles. And a bigger boot, obviously.
One geezer was convinced it was electric when I pulled up beside him at Wickes because he didn’t hear it coming.
No, mate. It’s a plug-in hybrid. The best of both worlds. But it is smooth and silent at low speeds, I’ll give you that.
Now let’s get the tape measure out.
Caddy Cargo eHybrid comes in two sizes, short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase, like the regular 2-litre diesel.
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This motor has the same on-board tech as a GolfCredit: simon thompson
The SWB has a load length of 1.7 metres and a load volume of 3.1 cubic metres.
Stretching to 2.1 and 3.7 for the LWB. Both can swallow two Euro pallets. Maximum payload is 740kg.
Your next choice is the cabin trim.
Key facts: VOLKSWAGEN CADDY CARGO eHYBRID
Price: £28,435 exc VAT
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid
Power: 150hp
0-62mph: 9 secs
Top speed: 112mph
Economy: 40mpg
CO2: 12g/km
The cheapest, called Commerce, has cruise control, a lockable glovebox, and a 10in infotainment screen. All you need.
Commerce Plus makes life a little comfier with electric lumbar support and a driver’s armrest. Commerce Pro adds heated seats and built-in satnav.
I’d go Commerce and spend any spare cash on a 230v socket in the cabin, LED cargo lights, and roof rails that can take up to 100kg. Job done.
One last thing. Ford’s Transit Connect is actually a rebadged VW Caddy.
Like the VW Transporter is a rebadged Ford Transit Custom.
So if you’re interested, do your homework to find the best deal.
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To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
