Volkswagen Caddy: PH Fleet

As one load lugger leaves, another arrives to take its place

At the start of the year we said goodbye to our long-term Skoda Superb Estate 280 Sportline, leaving a large hole in the PH Fleet. Even though it was primarily used for carrying our Sunday Service gear, the car was a comfortable cruiser and always in demand. So when it came to looking at potential vehicles to replace the Superb, nothing else as cavernous, as practical and, well, as available came to mind. So we upped the ante and switched our focus to commercial vehicles - yes, PH is once again going to run a van.

But not just any van, a Volkswagen Caddy Highline to give it its full name. With a load space of 3,200 litres, it should comfortably swallow everything we chuck at it. Having to cover long distances we opted for the most powerful engine - a 2.0TDI with 150hp and 251lb ft which should be sprightly enough, a six-speed manual and a couple of other driver comforts. The rear-view camera comes in handy as the rear doors have no glass, and the heated seats will help keep us warm on those cold Sunday mornings. The cabin doesn't feel like that of a van, more like a larger Golf with a higher seating position - and loads more cubby holes.

Having been convinced that Viper green wasn't the best colour, a more reserved pearlescent black was selected - that doesn't mean that some louder PH graphics and sportier wheels can't be added at a later date though...

Upon its arrival, the immediate concern was that the Caddy's load volume was all in its height and the lengthier kit wouldn't fit. Thankfully, a test run revealed that the largest of the Sunday Service gear just about fits in. Crisis averted. With our first Sunday Service of 2018 coming up, it will be interesting to see how the Caddy fares on a trip up to Leeds and whether or not it garners the same amount of affection the Superb was lavished with.

Car: Volkswagen Caddy
On fleet since: January 2018
Mileage: 197 (delivered on 120)
List price new: £21,330 (As tested £26,629 comprised of £504 for deep black pearlescent paint with Titanium black upholstery, £600 for Winter pack including headlight washers, heated washer jets, washer fluid level indicator, heated driver's and front passenger seats and electric auxiliary air heater, £252 for rear parking sensors with rear view camera, £78 for lumbar support for driver and front passenger seats, £144 for high beam assist, £114 for electrically foldable and adjustable heated mirrors and £150 for App-connect)