VW Caddy Camper (Life, Short) - Everyday Car Campers

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caddy life short - VW Caddy Camper (Life, short)
caddy life short - VW Caddy Camper (Life, short)
VW Caddy Camper (Life, short)

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A shorter version of the Caddy – I don’t see why you’d go for short if there’s a longer version with everything else being the same :). But perhaps you want a more compact car – the key benefit of the shorter Caddy is its manoeuvrability – it is easier to park and drive in cities. It is 47cm shorter and 13cm lower than the Caddy Maxi Life.

This car’s boot is 178 cm long ⤢, 113 cm tall ↕, and 112 cm wide ↔.

NimbleCamper rating: 3/5

Categories: Best cars for camping, MPV / Minivan campers Tags: Caddy, EU/UK
Body type

MPV / Minivan

Make

Volkswagen

Boot length (cm)

178

Boot height (cm)

113

Boot width [wheel arches] (cm)

112

Comfort rating

1

NimbleCamper rating (out of max 5)

3

Consumption l/100km

7.4

Consumption MPG (UK)

40

Available in

🇪🇺

Engine type

Combustion

Average used price, GBP (2015)

10657

Boot door type

Tailgate

  • EURO NCAP safety rating (2015) 4/5
  • ADAC Rating (lower = better) 2.3/5
  • Longer version available (and recommended)

Standard reviews (not focused on camping)

HonestJohn.co.uk rating 4/5 • Autoexpress.co.uk rating: 3/5 • Carbuyer.co.uk rating: 3.8/5Average rating: 3.6/5

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF CADDY MAXI

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VW Caddy general summary

The 2019 Volkswagen Caddy Life, a van-based MPV, a practical choice for those needing to transport people and cargo. It offers more space than a typical estate car, solid build quality, and sliding doors. It comes in five or seven-seat configurations and is more enjoyable to drive than expected.

I have to emphasize the roomy interior, particularly in the back, with ample knee and headroom. There’s also a Maxi version with seven seats, but the seats don’t fold flat, requiring them to be removed for maximum cargo space, which can be inconvenient.

In terms of features, the Caddy provides essentials like air conditioning, a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, and a heated windscreen, but lacks more advanced features such as speed sign recognition or blind spot monitoring. The interior is described as utilitarian, with practical but not luxurious materials and furnishings.

The Caddy offers three engine options, including a 1-liter turbo petrol and a 2-liter diesel, with the latter being more suitable for carrying seven people and cargo. However, the diesel engine’s noise and lack of noise insulation in the cabin are its downsides.

In terms of running costs, the Caddy is considered frugal, providing approximately 4.7 l/100km (50 miles per gallon) on a good run. The driving experience is pleasant, with light steering, good stability in corners, and a straightforward, no-frills feel. Despite lacking style, the Caddy is praised for its practicality and solid build, although its competitors may offer more standard features and family-friendly design.

The price of the Caddy (2019) ranges from £21,000 to £29,000, making it relatively expensive, but its sensible VW image and solid feel may appeal to some buyers.

  • Caddy Life (the owner did say that the rear wheels are in a hole, so the car is a bit lower)
  • Arpenaz base M on a Caddy Life
  • VW Caddy Life Short 2008

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Hi! Lukas, the author here 😎

I’m on a mission to find the best everyday car for camping and the best way to convert it. I’m sharing all that I find with you here. If you find this content helpful, consider buying me a coffee, or purchasing an item from the list of hand-picked camping gear. Or just enjoy the read :). Thank you for popping in!

lukas cech photo in car with his dog Buy Me A Coffee

Arpenaz Base M – cheapest car tent you’ll find!£119.99

Although not meant to be a car tent, it fits any MPV nicely (confirmed and tested). Well known within the camping community as the go-to starter option, offering plenty of room and mosquito nets in a small package at a low price.

  • tent height: 215cm, width 250cm
  • opening height: 140cm, opening width bottom: 140cm, opening width top: 90cm (and it gets wider, 20cm lower it’s about 110cm)
  • weight: 8kg (the lightest car tent so far…)
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Small, foldable and sits 4 with plenty of space for food preparation
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Inflatable luxury for 6 people (3 bedrooms)+ 170cm opening for any tailgate

Fits MPVs, SUVs, Bedrooms:140x210 cm | Stand-up living room:7,1 sqm with zipped basin groundsheetFresh fabric: reduces heat inside your tent in the sun

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The best budget car tent you can find:ARPENAZ BASE M tent

Confirmed to fit: Sharan, Touran, Berlingo, Caddy, Partner, Kangoo, Combo At around 100 GBP – 120 GBP, it’s a bargain that does the job of a 300+ GBP tent

See my full review + video here arpenaz base m car tent BUY NOWat Decathlon UK Or see my full review here

arpenaz base m car tent
The best budget car tent you can find+ it fits Sharan / Berlingo & similar MPVs like a glove:ARPENAZ BASE M tent
See how it fit’s my Sharan 2013 in this full review + video

Confirmed to fit: Sharan, Touran, Berlingo, Caddy, Partner, Kangoo, Combo At around 100-120 GBP / , it’s a bargain that does the job of a 300+ GBP tent

BUY NOWat Decathlon UK Or see my full review here foldable camping table and chairs
Small, foldable and sits 4 with plenty of space for food preparation

Works best for two people camping trip (tested it myself!) – very light, easy to fold and transport, sturdy enough at this price range.

£59.99 – BUY NOWat Decathlon UK 6 person inflatable tent
Inflatable luxury for 6 people (3 bedrooms)+ 170cm opening for any tailgate

Fits MPVs, SUVs, Bedrooms:140×210 cm | Stand-up living room:7,1 sqm with zipped basin groundsheetFresh fabric: reduces heat inside your tent in the sun

BUY NOWat Decathlon UK

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