The 2017 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi represents the third-generation version of the German firm’s compact panel van, and in case you’re not aware, the ‘Maxi’ part of the name denotes that it’s the larger long-wheelbase version. The third-gen Caddy actually went on sale way back in 2003, and it shared much of its mechanical makeup with the Mk5 Golf hatchback (we’re now on the eighth-generation Golf), so it’s based on old technology. Despite that, though, it still feels comfortable and refined enough on the road to be very competitive in the commercial vehicle sector, and lots of tweaks have been made along the way to keep things fresh.

Strengths:

Comfortable and easy to drive
Large choice of excellent engines
High-quality interior

Weaknesses:

Load area isn’t as big as some
Payload isn’t huge, either
Not a cheap choice

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi better than the 2017 Ford Transit Connect?

The 2017 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi was still very competitive with most other vans of its size despite its ageing mechanicals, but it couldn’t live with the Ford. The Transit Connect has a better carrying capacity in terms of both space and payload, it’s easier to load, and the Ford is generally more comfortable and controlled on the road.