New VW vans hit the road and Luton passes a milestone
publication date: Oct 24, 2008
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author/source: Robin Roberts
| Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released prices and specifications for the new Caddy Sportline and Caddy Maxi Sportline models announced last month. Volkswagen's Sportline range is designed for customers who want a van that stands out from the crowd and creates a dynamic and premium image, with swift performance to match. The new Caddy and Caddy Maxi Sportline vans were unveiled by Simon Elliott, Director, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and are due to arrive in Volkswagen Van Centres in November. |  |
| The first public opportunity to see the Caddy Maxi Sportline will be at its official show debut on the Volkswagen stand at Interbuild 2008 at the NEC from 26 to 30 October. The exterior enhancements for the Caddy and Caddy Maxi Sportline mirror the good looks of their Transporter Sportline siblings with chrome side rails and front grilles, lower front spoiler with integrated fog lights, rear roof spoiler, body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, plus unique 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with Sportline centre logo. The interior is a bit special too, with the luxury of bespoke black Italian leather upholstery with red stitching, microperforated red centre panels and an embroidered Sportline logo, plus electric windows, 'Climatic' air conditioning, a radio/CD and electrically operated and heated door mirrors. A six-speed gearbox and top-of-the-range 140 PS, 2.0-litre TDI PD diesel engine delivers impressive performance with the flexibility provided by 320 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm. The Caddy Sportline can sprint to 62 mph in 10.1 seconds and the Caddy Maxi Sportline in 10.5 seconds, both with a top speed of 116 mph. Both models are available in a choice of three paint colours - Tornado Red or optional Reflex Silver metallic and Diamond Black pearl effect paint - with basic retail prices (excluding VAT) starting from £17,000 for the Caddy Sportline and £18,280 for the larger Caddy Maxi Sportline. | |
| Production at General Motors Manufacturing Luton plant has reached a significant milestone, with the plant's 600,000th van rolling off the production line. The Vauxhall Vivaro was handed over to BSkyB, one of GM UK's biggest fleet customers. The Vivaro is built in Luton under a joint venture between Vauxhall and Renault, which began in spring 2001. The factory produces all European specification low-roof versions of the Vivaro for the Vauxhall and Opel brands, as well as for Renault and Nissan. | |