Finding a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is not as easy as many think. This acquisition may well be a compromise that started with knowing you have to say goodbye to a car you want to travel in for a vehicle you need. Whether you need a new or a Nearly New WAV on the Motability Scheme, WAV rental, or a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or your next WAV.

Volkswagen Caddy Maxi mid wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

The two plus two (or one second row) coach-built seats plus a wheelchair user in the vehicle’s mid-position is a lesser converted version of Volkswagen’s Caddy Maxi. The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi version is 353mm or 13.9 inches longer than the Caddy and has been around for many years, lending itself very well to various possible conversions. Still, we love the four (or three-seat) Caddy Maxi WAV conversion.

The VW Caddy Maxi version is usually converted to accommodate a wheelchair passenger in the rear, and many different conversion companies have completed this. However, the second-row coach-built seat conversion option offers many possibilities and a completely different space to the traditional wheelchair user in the rear version.
This conversion has unrivalled space and access for this class size of a mobility vehicle on offer. It will allow varying wheelchair positions from the rear of the WAV to the middle of the second-row seats, allowing the wheelchair user to be amongst the seated passengers or behind them, depending on practicality and needs. It is fair to say that the wheelchair user is not strictly in the mid position as the floor space between the row-two seats does not allow this in a Caddy, but it’s pretty close.

The unrivalled ramp and lowered floor width are often unnoticed with this particular conversion. It may be only an inch or two, but when it comes to larger wheelchairs, especially those with three sets of wheels and large mobility scooters, this is often the saving grace of any accessible vehicle and why we stock it.

The lowered floor length in this conversion is outstanding and by far the longest in a converted vehicle of this size. From the bottom of the ramp to the front of the lowered floor has a gentle incline, so entry and exit are kind to wheelchair users. This makes the possibility of adding shower and toilet chairs and hoists behind a wheelchair user more accessible.

This conversion often comes with a longer ramp, reducing the incline gradient. The extra width and shallower angle give confidence when entering and leaving this mobility vehicle, and that is no small thing for a wheelchair or scooter user. A significant bonus with this conversion is the quick and easy removal of the second-row coach-built seats.

We have often found this WAV most agreeable for carers with high dependency, special needs wheelchair users, or those with unpredictable behaviour. The ability to secure a wheelchair user at a distance behind the second-row seats and the speedy accessibility on offer from the second-row seat occupants can be a significant advantage in this specific VW Caddy Maxi conversion.

Volkswagen is often favoured over other makes because of their build quality and engine reliability. However, it is essential to remember that conversions across the industry vary considerably; variations in materials quality, ramp and lowered floor angles and lengths, and entry widths. In short, one Caddy conversion is most definitely not the same as the next one; this is where we strongly recommend taking advice.

Volkswagen’s DSG or Direct Shift Gearbox is widely used across the automotive industry and developed over many years. It is also reliable and well tested; the private hire industry often insists on it as they cover so many miles in a year. Until 2010 the 1.9 turbo diesel engine was widely used; from 2010 to 2015, the 1.6 diesel engine with 102ps was widely used and posted 2016, the newer 2.0-litre diesel and the much rarer 1.4 petrol engines came into place. These have all been mated with the familiar VW DSG auto gearbox, also available as a manual.

SMV conclusion: the second-row coach-built seat conversion is a great allrounder; it is flexible, has vast internal space, a wider ramp, lowered floor and a gentle incline. The ability to distance a wheelchair user from seated second-row passengers makes it unique. The new 2.0-litre engine came with Bluetooth and cruise control, plus several other features undoubtedly increased its popularity.

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you. We are independent WAV advisors, so you will get the best of all worlds, whatever your wheelchair access needs are. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, short-term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs.