VOLKSWAGEN'S big-selling Caddy van has been upgraded for the introduction of the 2018 model.

The company says the new model delivers higher standard equipment levels, more safety features and lower prices for petrol-powered versions.

With safety in mind Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has increased levels with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and driver alert as standard across the entire range.

All Volkswagen vans now come with standard AEB, cited by Thatcham Research, as "probably the most significant development in vehicle safety since the seat belt" with the potential to save more than 1,000 lives and 120,000 road casualties over the next ten years.

All three Caddy trim grades, Startline, Trendline and Highline, feature more standard equipment than before including a leather multifunction steering wheel and a new multifunction display.

The 2018 Trendline models now feature climatic air conditioning as standard and range-topping Highline models gain Volkswagen's Discover Media satellite navigation system as standard.

As part of the 2018 Caddy package Volkswagen is also realigning its price structure. As a result, models equipped with the brand's TSI petrol engines now cost less and the Startline 1.2 TSI 84ps model is now priced from £17,527 - £1,017 lower than before.

The new Caddy petrol line up consists of a 1.2-litre 84ps four-cylinder model, a 1.0-litre 102ps three-cylinder and a range-topping 1.4-litre 125ps four-cylinder offered with the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission.

Diesel models, available with a 2.0-litre TDI engine in three states of tune, cost from £18,583 including VAT.