VW announced its new Caddy Maxi range a month or so back and yesterday the press was allowed to get a taste of the two offerings. No beating around the bush here, the Caddy Maxi Life and Caddy Maxi Panelvan impressed the socks off as they crossed the commercial and passenger boundaries admirably.

The Caddy Maxi Life, a true seven seater, should do the job for hotel shuttles, taxis, and mom's taxi and with the seats tumbled could even take dad's bike to the local track day. Space is made even more versatile by easy access to the passenger compartment through the dual sliding doors.

Caddy Maxi Life is very car like in specification and you don't feel like you're pedalling around town in a kitted-out delivery van.

Safety features are high on the list with the likes of driver, passenger and side airbags standard. Isofix child seat mounting points also make the grade. A height and reach adjustable steering wheel combine with a host of storage facilities to make the interior comfortable.

A six-speaker sound system, complete with MP3 playing sound system, comes as standard. Windows and mirrors are electronically adjusted and a trip computer keeps the techno-crazed happy.

The extras list is comprehensive with VW's competent navigation system topping the bill above the likes of fancy alloys, cruise control, tow bars and heated seats.

The Life and Panelvan get spacious interiors from some additional, when compared to the last Caddy derivative, wheelbase. Something like 400mm has been added to the length and yet the Caddy Maxi doesn't look stretched and out of proportion.

The Panelvan is the answer for couriers, bakeries, club racers and, and, and… Height, door aperture, interior space and side doors all play heavily in the Panelvan favour. Security, weather proofness and easy access knock spots off any bakkie.

The extended wheelbase is 3002mm and the rear overhang is 151mm, which results in 4.2m³ of load space, 1m³ more than the standard Caddy Panel Van. The payload of the Panel Van is 800kg, an additional 70kg compared with standard Caddy Panel Van.

As with the Maxi Life, the Maxi Panelvan uses a 1.9 TDI that generates 77kW and 250Nm of torque — more than enough oomph to get going economically and then simply sticking it in fifth gear. It should pull a load too with a 1500kg braked trailer towing capacity.

Even though a workhorse focus is placed on the Panelvan, safety hasn't been ignored. A driver airbag is standard and the option is there for a passenger one. Navigation is also worth ticking to cut down on delivery times and random running around.

The interior is top-notch and knocks spots off the usual delivery van fit and finish. It is stylish, well put together and doesn't smell like a lilo.

The Panelvan completes the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 13.3 seconds while 13.5 is claimed for the slightly heavier Maxi Life. Fuel consumption averages are a respectable at 6.1 and 6.3 litres respectively.

The Caddy Maxi Panel Van retails at R165 900 including VAT This price includes a three-year/120 000km Manufacturer Warranty and 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

The Maxi Life will start out at R218 800 and includes a three-year/120 000km Manufacturer Warranty and 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.