The new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi has made its world debut in front of press at the European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam.

Measuring 470 mm longer than the regular Volkswagen Caddy van (bringing the overall length to 4,873 mm), the new Caddy Maxi lends greater versatility and load carrying capacity to the popular Caddy range.

The new Caddy Maxi is capable of carrying a load weighing up to 800 kg in a cargo bay measuring 4.2 cubic metres.  The load floor measures 2,250 mm in length.  Between wheel housings the new Caddy Maxi measures 1,170 mm in width while the vehicle is capable of towing a trailer load of up to 1,500 kg.

The German market vehicle will be offered with a choice of a single petrol and two diesel engines. The 102 PS petrol engine is joined by 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine developing 105 PS and a range-topping 2.0-litre TDI unit producing 140 PS.

The Caddy maxi is due to go on sale in the UK early next year.  Pricing and UK specifications for the Caddy Maxi will be announced closer to the vehicle's launch.

The new Caddy Maxi forms the basis for the Caddy Maxi Life people carrier.  Capable of carrying up to seven passengers, the Life features three rows of seats - the final row of which can be removed to allow for a greater load volume. The Caddy Maxi Life is planned to go on sale in the UK early next year.

The conventional Caddy will continue to be offered in addition to the new Maxi model.  The Caddy has proved itself to be a firm favourite with UK van buyers through its mix of versatility, tight packaging and comprehensive standard equipment and load carrying ability.