A NEW version of Volkswagen's multi-role Caddy is on the way and it has been designed to deliver on all fronts.

The fourth generation of the popular model - it's been around since 1982 - has been spruced up to impress either as a commercial vehicle or a family all rounder.

Smarter looks plus a much more car-like interior give the new Caddy a wide appeal.

It is due to arrive late in September and will be available in a variety of body styles ranging from panel van to seven-seat MPV.

And with a diesel only line up in the UK it is impressively economical with new engines meeting the latest emission standards.

In one guise VW claims it is good for more than 76mpg with a CO2 rating of 99g/km.

Prices have still to be confirmed but VW is hinting they will be similar to the current line up which ranges from just under £17,000 to around £26,000 including tax.

Extra features include a heated windscreen and upgraded audio and safety equipment while load capacity is up to 857kg and it can handle objects more than three metres long.

The new safety features include emergency braking systems and the post collision set up first seen on the latest generation Golf and other VW passenger cars.

More car-derived options see the introduction of adaptive cruise control, LED lights and a 360 degree camera system to help manoeuvring.

Some of that is class leading in the compact van market where the Caddy competes against the likes of the Ford Transit Connect and the Fiat Doblo.

Up front, the cabin is now very similar to that of the Golf and features a proximity operated touchscreen which comes to life as soon as your hand moves close.

Bluetooth and USB plug-ins are also fitted and so is a proper glovebox, albeit on the small size for anything other than documents.

All versions of the Caddy have a handy shelf at roof level in the front and on the Kombi multi-seat derivatives there is plenty of onboard storage including good-sized door pockets and a centre console.

Sliding side doors on all but the basic models make for easy access and on those fitted with a lift gate at the back there is a pull down strap to assist closing.

As a larger than average van-based MPV it makes a lot of sense and has a degree of refinement that has been missing in this type of vehicle.

Three of the six engines which will be available comply with the new Euro 6 standard. All are 2.0-litre and have turbocharged power outputs ranging from 75ps through 102ps to a lively 150ps and all are fitted with VW's BlueMotion eco technology which includes stop/start.

VW is also keeping three of the current Euro 5 engines in the line up in the shape of two 1.6-litre units developing either 75 or 102ps and a 140ps 2.0-litre.

On the economy front each of the new Euro 6 engines impressed, especially the mid-grade 102ps version which as a six-speed manual was very willing either in or out of town and easily returned in excess of 45 to the gallon although officially it is rated at 67mpg with emissions of 109g/km.

Semi-automatic DSG transmissions are available on the high powered new diesel - and on two of the Euro 5 engines - and even though it has obvious more get up and go it still managed to return an average in the mid-to-high 40s.

On the road the new Caddy feels much more composed than before and all-round it is quieter and much more upmarket - especially in the looks department where it now features some bright work in the grille.

As with the previous generation Caddy the new model is made at VW's factory at Poznan in Poland and will be built on both regular and long wheelbase platforms which will be used in the Maxi and Kombi versions.