It seems the tide is finally turning in favour of common sense and lower emissions for urban vans.
One of the pioneers of modern diesel engines, Volkswagen, as announced that the current 4th-generation Caddy van and the Transporter-based Caravelle people carrier will be available with petrol engines.
The move does of course come in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal, which has hit VW sales hard. The German group lost 2% of its European market share in November, according to figures released earlier this week by Acea, the European manufacturers’ body.
Personally, I don’t think this will do VW much long-term harm, but this scandal has served a useful purpose — diesel emissions are a problem and for urban or low-mileage use, petrol (or electric) makes much more sense.
Rant aside, here are the details of the new engine choices.
VW Caddy petrol engines (all Euro 6):
- 1.2 84PS 5-speed manual
- 1.0 102PS 5-speed manual
- 1.4 125PS 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox
Prices start from £13,610 +VAT for the 1.2 TSU 84PS 5-speed Caddy panel van in Startline Trim
VW Caravelle SE SWB petrol engine choices (Euro 6):
- 2.0 150PS 6-speed manual
- 2.0 204PS 7-speed DSG
Prices start from £28,950 for the 2.0TSI 150PS 6-speed manual Caravelle SE short wheelbase.