It might be based on a humble van, but the Caddy Maxi Life has all the credentials it needs to win recognition as a car, according to Volkswagen. So the company's commercial vehicles division is mounting its first major foray into private motoring with a model that offers plenty of room for seven – along with all their luggage – at prices designed to tempt buyers away from the cars like the Vauxhall Zafira. A good reputation and the best residual values in the van sector make the diesel-driven car an interesting alternative, especially as it is available with a choice of power units and manual or semi-automatic transmission systems.