VOLKSWAGEN is promising better economy, more safety features and upgraded refinement when its new, greener, Caddy van hits the road in November.

The German producer has just released the first images and details of the new generation Caddy and Caddy Maxi range ahead of the line-up's world debut at the Hanover Commercial Vehicle show in September.

The outgoing range racked up sales of nearly 800,000 in six years and the new features aim to continue the Caddy's success as one of Volkswagen's best-selling models around the world - as far afield as Australia.

Visually, the new generation models are refreshed with the front styling found across all new VWs, such as the latest Polo and Transporter.

There are also new rear light clusters, plus roof rails available for the first time, and the option of cornering lights.

And it's a similar story inside where new instruments, steering wheels and audio/navigation systems plus the option of Bluetooth connectivity enhance the Caddy range with more quality and style.

Under the bonnet there is a new range of four of Volkswagen's latest common rail TDI engines which are up to 13 per cent more fuel-efficient.

This includes two 1.6-litre diesels producing 75PS and 102PS, plus two 2.0-litre TDI units producing 110 and 140PS, while other new features include Volkswagen's latest seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

BlueMotion technology models will be available in the van and passenger-carrying models with the 1.6-litre engine, using Start/Stop and battery regeneration systems to help deliver carbon dioxide emissions as low as 129g/km and an average fuel consumption of up to 57mpg - giving a potential range of up to 735 miles on a tank of fuel.

ESP will be standard on every model and there will also be daytime running lights and automatic activation of the hazard lights under emergency braking.

The seven-seat Caddy Maxi Life model will be renamed the Caddy Maxi MPV, and for greater flexibility, the second row of seats in this model and the five-seater Caddy Maxi kombi and window van, can be removed completely rather than just folded forward.

Full details of prices and specifications are expected to be released next month.