While the name
Caddy was long known to represent a half tonne bakkie, in recent times we have come to affiliate more closely with the European
Caddy, which is a people mover and panel van type. The new-generation model is represented by three models, namely
Caddy,
Caddy Kombi, and
Caddy Cargo. All three seem to be self-explanatory.
To begin with, the
Caddy is touted as the people mover, with up to 7 adjustable seats from three rows. It is the most car-like of the trio in terms of looks and features, especially in the exterior where you find colour-coded bumpers instead of black ones.
Caddy Kombi has 7 seats by default, which are also adjustable, the majority of which can be removed to make way for goods and luggage.
Caddy Kombi can also be converted into many different types of commercial use vehicles, including ambulances, mobile offices, mobile fridges, and others.
Caddy Cargo is all about carrying stuff. Only two front seats and a closed cargo area behind the cabin. Rear windows are blocked off, while the rear wing doors can open at up to 180-degrees each for easy loading. What’s great about these vehicles is accessibility, thanks in part to the dual sliding entry doors on each side. Moreover, this vehicle can accommodate a European pallet.
In terms of equipment, the three models differ depending on application. For example, while the Cargo is fitted with a basic Composition Media sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, the Kombi can be specified with things like touch screen infotainment, an e-brake, rear view camera and LED lights. The
Caddy range is available in 11 exterior paint finishes, including Candy White, Copper Bronze and Golden Green.
For powertrains Volkswagen has chosen to go with two; a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol, and a 2.0-litre TDI turbo diesel. The petrol version – covering the Caddy, Caddy Kombi SWB and Caddy Cargo SWB – develops 81kW of power and 152Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen says it will only use 7.3 litres of fuel per 100km.
The 2.0-litre TDI can be found in Caddy, Caddy Maxi (LWB), Caddy Kombi (SWB), Caddy Maxi Kombi (LWB), Caddy Cargo (SWB) and Caddy Maxi Cargo (LWB). It develops 81kW of power as well, and some 300Nm of pulling torque, also coupled to a 6-speed manual. Volkswagen says automatics will be made available later. For this powertrain they claim 5.5 litres per 100km of driving, giving the cars a theoretical full tank range of over 900km.
The
Volkswagen Caddy has been a staple in the commercial sector for some decades in this country, providing solutions to challenges that all sorts of small organisations face on the daily basis. The new version is an improvement on all the previous generations, offering features that customers have been asking for.
