Latest news with #eHybrid
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
VW Caddy Cargo eHybrid is a smooth, silent van that's a Golf in work gear… hardest choice is which cabin trim to have
EVERYONE knows what a Golf is. It's the go-to family car. 3 3 Solid. Dependable. Reassuring. Classy. Yet classless. Not so long ago, Golf 8.5 was updated with a next-gen plug-in hybrid system that doubled its electric range to 80-odd miles. So you could glide around your neighbourhood without waking the petrol engine for much of the week. Saving your pocket and the planet. Then let the 1.5-litre turbo do the heavy lifting on longer journeys. It's not just me who rates it. Autocar recently crowned it Hybrid of the Year, praising it as 'one of the most versatile cars on sale today'. Why am I telling you this when I'm reviewing a van? Because the Caddy Cargo eHybrid is essentially a Golf in work gear. Same petrol/electric combo with a 19.7kWh battery pack. Same composed feel behind the wheel. Same on-board tech. Just a little less electric range at 73 miles. And a bigger boot, obviously. Inside the Volkswagen ID One geezer was convinced it was electric when I pulled up beside him at Wickes because he didn't hear it coming. No, mate. It's a plug-in hybrid. The best of both worlds. But it is smooth and silent at low speeds, I'll give you that. Now let's get the tape measure out. Caddy Cargo eHybrid comes in two sizes, short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase, like the regular 2-litre diesel. 3 The SWB has a load length of 1.7 metres and a load volume of 3.1 cubic metres. Stretching to 2.1 and 3.7 for the LWB. Both can swallow two Euro pallets. Maximum payload is 740kg. Your next choice is the cabin trim. The cheapest, called Commerce, has cruise control, a lockable glovebox, and a 10in infotainment screen. All you need. Commerce Plus makes life a little comfier with electric lumbar support and a driver's armrest. Commerce Pro adds heated seats and built-in satnav. I'd go Commerce and spend any spare cash on a 230v socket in the cabin, LED cargo lights, and roof rails that can take up to 100kg. Job done. One last thing. Ford's Transit Connect is actually a rebadged VW Caddy.
Auto Car
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Looking for the best hybrid? This VW just took top spot
Verdict Good Outstanding electric range and urban-running fuel economy Pleasant, understated, comfort-first dynamic character Blends compactness with usable space really expertly, like any other Golf Bad Costs 20% more than regular ICE options Compromises under-floor boot space Slightly iffy interior quality in places Volkswagen has put a new complexion on the case for the plug-in hybrid hatchback as a smart alternative to both traditional ICE and EV rivals. With nearly 70 miles of dependable real-world EV range, DC rapid charging included, and assertive, efficient and pleasant 'range-extended' running thereafter, the Golf eHybrid really does represent an appealing ownership proposition. This car enters a part of the market where PHEV options have sometimes struggled to produce really transformative electric range for an affordable price thus far. But this is a plug-in hybrid that genuinely is like an EV to drive a great deal of the time, and that isn't priced to take advantage of that. Our specification of choice would be the mid-range Style, because it gets nearly the same amount of equipment as the range-topping GTE, but for only an extra £1000 outlay over the entry-level car. Whichever version you go for, however, the Golf eHybrid could genuinely deliver lasting change to your motoring habits as one of the most versatile cars on sale today – and all from a position of calm reassurance. Model tested: Volkswagen Golf eHybrid Style Engine: 4cyls inline, 1498cc, turbocharged petrol; with 107bhp electric motor Transmission: 6-spd twin-clutch automatic Driveline layout: Front, transverse; front-wheel drive Model tested Volkswagen Golf eHybrid Style View all specs and rivals Engine 4cyls inline, 1498cc, turbocharged petrol; with 107bhp electric motor Transmission 6-spd twin-clutch automatic Driveline layout Front, transverse; front-wheel drive Battery size 25.7/19.7kWh (total/usable capacity) Fuel economy 941.6mpg (WLTP Combined) Electric power 107bhp, 258lb ft Electric range 88 miles (WLTP) Rivals Toyota Corolla Vauxhall Astra Plug-in Hybrid Cupra Leon PHEV Battery size 25.7/19.7kWh (total/usable capacity) Fuel economy 941.6mpg (WLTP Combined) Electric power 107bhp, 258lb ft Electric range 88 miles (WLTP) Rivals Toyota Corolla Vauxhall Astra Plug-in Hybrid Cupra Leon PHEV
