Volkswagen has launched the new Caddy Maxi Camper in the UK, the most compact and affordable model in the carmaker’s camper range behind the California Beach and SE models, and the Caravelle with “sleep pack”.

Based on the Caddy Maxi, the Camper edition is 4.8-meters (15.75 feet) long and 1.8-meters (5.9 feet) high and is priced from £23,397 (€27,600) in the UK. Specific standard equipment includes basic camping equipment, such as a fold-out double bed, two deck chairs, portable table, electric cool box and awning.

The van also get special “Takato” upholstery, Climatic air conditioning, power front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, trip computer and cruise control, among other features.

Once the rear seats are folded down and the front seats tipped forward, the interior of the Caddy Maxi Camper turns into a bedroom, with the flat double bed measuring 1.1 x 2.0 meters. Privacy is ensured by a curtain that attaches around the interior windows.

There’s even an awning for those who want extra space. Measuring 2.3 x 2.0 meters, it attaches to clips around the tailgate to provide additional outdoor living space. When on the road, the awning, table and chairs fit into special storage spaces in the rear.

The VW Caddy Maxi Camper can be also used as a van, as the fold-out bed behind the rear seats can be removed to give 1.6 cubic meters of space for bikes or other equipment. If the rear seats are folded forward, load-space increases to 3.2 cubic meters with an available depth of 1.8 meters. Bikes or a roof-box can also be transported on the roof.

There are two common rail diesel engines available for the Caddy Maxi Camper – a 1.6-liter TDI with 101hp (102PS) returning 54.3 UK mpg (5.2 liters/100 km) or a 2.0-liter TDI with 138hp (140PS) rated at 49.6 UK mpg (5.7 l/100 km). Both are available with DSG automatic transmission.

By Dan Mihalascu

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