Volkswagen has added two new plug-in-hybrid models to its range of vans – the VW Caddy Cargo eHybrid and VW Multivan eHybrid 4Motion. Let’s look at the Caddy first.
The Volkswagen Caddy eHybrid is powered by VW’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain – which is shared with the Ford Transit Connect, its only rival. It features a 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, a six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox, a 19.7kWh battery and a 114hp electric motor. Total system output is 150hp and 320Nm of torque.
VW Caddy eHybrid range and efficiency
According to Volkswagen, average EV range is as much as 74 miles on the WLTP cycle, with carbon dioxide emissions of 11g/km and average fuel economy of 596.7mpg. We’d take all those numbers with a pinch of salt.
You can specify the eHybrid powertrain with the Caddy’s standard short and longer Maxi bodies – the latter loses a couple of miles of EV range and a tiny percentage of MPG. Both have higher gross vehicle weights than petrol and diesel Caddys, so have higher payloads – up to 740kg, depending on model. The battery pack doesn’t eat into the load bay, either, so its dimensions are unchanged.
The Caddy Cargo eHybrid is available in all three trim levels – Commerce, Commerce Plus, Commerce Pro – and prices start at £28,435 excluding VAT.
VW Multivan eHybrid details
The Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid 4Motion uses the same powertrain as the Caddy – 1.5 TSI engine, DSG gearbox, 19.7kWh battery, 114hp electric motor. The difference is that the electric motor powers the rear wheels, providing the 4Motion all-wheel drive, while the engine deals with the front wheels. Thus, in EV mode, the Multivan eHybrid is rear-wheel drive.
The WLTP figures show an EV range of 57 miles, carbon dioxide emissions of 19g/km and average fuel economy of 353.1mpg. Real-world results will likely be very different.
The eHybrid 4Motion option is available with all the Multivan’s trim levels – Life and Style – and bodies – standard and Long. Passenger and boot space is unaffected by the powertrain. The Multivan can still seat seven in considerable comfort, and the boot is as gigantic as ever – 469 litres with all seats in place and 1,844 litres with row three removed in the Long body.
Big, seven-seater people carriers of any sort are a real rarity these days, plug-in hybrids even more so. Only the Ford Tourneo Custom offers opposition but costs considerably more than the Multivan eHybrid’s £45,465 (excluding VAT) starting price. Both the Caddy Cargo eHybrid and Multivan eHybrid 4Motion are available to order in the UK now.
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