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By fitting its impressive DSG automatic gearbox, Volkswagen has broadened the appeal of the Caddy Maxi.
Like politicians and marriage, automaticshifting vans are a good idea in theory, but can be a more sobering experience in reality.
Things have admittedly improved of late - Vauxhall has a worthwhile option on its Vivaro, while the automatic version of Mercedes' Sprinter makes particular sense when used in an urban delivery role.
Nevertheless, these examples are the exception to the rule, which is invariably based on slow and indecisive shifting characteristics - a task if you like your gear changing to be unobtrusive.
To avoid the hesitancy that previous automatic shifting can harbour, Volkswagen has come up with a clever engineering solution.
It's called DSG (direct shift gearbox) and is essentially two gearboxes with a pair of clutches between them - one for odd gears, and one for even gears.
When changing, the transmission uses the clutches to swap from one gearbox to the other (odd to even), allowing for super-quick shifting as the next gear is engaged by the free clutch, which is always waiting to take over.
Having impressed the passenger car motoring press, DSG has filtered across to the company's CV range, and is available on its Caddy - both standard and Maxi form, which boast a load volume of 3.2m3 and 4.2m3 respectively.
Going head to head with Ford's rock-solid Transit Connect and Citroën's brand-new Berlingo, the addition of the six-speed automatic gives the Caddy an extra dimension for those who operate in town and city.
Mated to its 1.9-litre 103hp TDI unit, and tested here in Maxi guise, standard equipment includes ABS with EBD, traction control, remote central locking, and CD/radio.
Our test vehicle also came with 15in alloy wheels (£365), electric pack (£260), perimeter alarm (£130) and cosmetic appearance pack (£185) among numerous other additions.
Priced at £14,050, the DSG version is £1,400 more than the five-speed manual.
Productivity
With the promise of improved fuel economy thanks to a more considered gearshift, the Caddy was under pressure to deliver a result.
A laden fuel run produced 43.9mpg, which compares well with the 40.8mpg of the Ford Transit Connect, while unladen consumption dropped to 47.8mpg.
This is not outstanding for what is...