car tests

Affordable large family car

Life in the Netherlands is pricey, and you notice this all the more if you have a large family. Not only do you have to stock up on more groceries, you often need a bigger car. Preferably one with a third row of seats, and it is precisely those that are rarely priced kindly. Large family cars such as the Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq and the Hyundai Santa Fe quickly exceed fifty thousand euros. The only truly affordable seven-seater is the Dacia Jogger, but it is quite spartan in some respects. But there is a surprising alternative: the Volkswagen Caddy Kombi eHybrid. A name you rarely hear dropped in the family segment, but it does have potential. It has been away for a long time, but suddenly it is back – with a plug.

From workhorse to family car

The current generation Caddy has been around since 2020, but until recently it was only available as a commercial vehicle. That had everything to do with the powertrains: gasoline or diesel engines that were simply too expensive for individuals on yellow license plates. But with the arrival of a plug-in hybrid, that is changing. Thanks to its low emissions, the bpm penalty drops, making the Caddy suddenly affordable as a passenger car. And so Volkswagen introduces the Caddy Kombi eHybrid: the same familiar bus, but now with five or seven seats.

Two lengths, seven seats

Like the corporate version, it comes in two length sizes. The version we are testing is the Maxi, which is 21 centimeters longer than the regular version. And that extra bit of length makes a lot of difference. In fact, this version has seven seats as standard, and they are not just folding seats in the back. Even adults can sit comfortably, with plenty of head and legroom. Getting in is easy thanks to large sliding doors, and if you fold down all the seats, you are left with a cargo space that is seriously heading for a moving van.

Up to 122 km electric: truly usable

Under the hood is a new plug-in hybrid powertrain: a 1.5 TSI turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor that together deliver 110 kW (150 hp). The electric range is up to 122 kilometers WLTP. In practice, that means: your daily trips – from groceries to school and sports club – you can do just fine electrically. Even better: even longer trips can be done on electricity, because 100 real electric kilometers can be achieved quite easily. And for a long vacation trip? Then the gasoline engine steps in. With a full battery and gasoline tank you can cover 600 to 700 kilometers. Charging can be done with 11 kW AC or 50 kW DC fast charging. Yes, you can fast charge this Caddy.

Drives like a car, thinks like a bus

On the road, the Caddy Kombi behaves surprisingly refined. You sense that it is technically related to Volkswagen’s MQB models (Golf, Passat), as it steers lightly, shifts smoothly thanks to the DSG automatic transmission and drives remarkably quietly, especially when driving electrically. At the same time, you notice that you are driving a bus. The high roof and long wheelbase cause some movement in corners, but the car always remains stable and predictable. The seating position is high, all-round visibility is excellent and the seats offer pleasant support, even during longer journeys.

Practical without fuss

The interior of the Caddy Kombi is down-to-earth, as you would expect from Volkswagen. Everything is logically placed and the finish is quite plain. The basic model does come well equipped with automatic air conditioning, a large navigation screen and keyless entry, among other things. The more luxurious versions add some extra comfort and style, such as height-adjustable seats, folding tables, nicer upholstery, parking cameras and LED lighting. It’s anything but a premium experience, but it feels solid, functional and complete. The Style trim in particular lifts things to a level you’d associate with a passenger car rather than a van.

Peace and comfort

In electric mode, it is wonderfully quiet on board. At most, you hear a soft humming sound from the electric motor. The suspension is comfortable, although on short bumps you notice that you are traveling with a long wheelbase. The Caddy takes corners with confidence, but obviously does not invite to sporty driving. And it doesn’t have to: this bus is built for tranquility and comfort. The transition between electric and gasoline is noiseless – the interplay of electric motor, gasoline engine and DSG transmission is smooth. Technically, it’s well put together.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Caddy Kombi eHybrid Maxi is not a car that will win hearts with its appearance, but under the skin and inside everything is (almost) right. It offers plenty of space, drives comfortably, has a usable electric range and is equipped with all modern conveniences. For families or adventurous couples who want space AND low mileage, this is definitely a car to consider. No frills, no show, but a bus that really makes your life easier.

Prices start at 37,990 euros for the standard length. For the longer Maxi you pay a minimum of 41,090 euros, and those who go for the Life version we tested come out at 42,990, without additional options. In the video below, we tell you more: