The
Volkswagen Caddy has been around for a few years now and in its time it has become a staple within the commercial sector. However, when
Volkswagen added a few more seats and some passenger car luxuries to this compact van, it very quickly became a crowd favourite. We spent time with the latest model to see if this could be an alternative to the ever growing compact
SUV segment.
The latest
Caddy brings with it a new design language which now fits the rest of the
Volkswagen line-up. The new
Caddy is built on the Modular Transverse Matrix
(MQB) platform, the same as the
Golf 8. The vehicle body has been redesigned to be more charismatic than ever before. Some of the exterior features that we admire include new
LED headlights and
LED rear lights, painted body-coloured bumpers and black roof rails. Optional exterior features include a panoramic sunroof.
Inside, the fifth generation
Caddy impresses with new high-tech solutions and more space. The modern instrument cluster now has the traditional rotary switch for lights. In addition,
LED interior lights enhance the interior of the car. Another new feature is a roof vent for better climate control and faster stationary ventilation in the back. Interactive interfaces for the driver and front-seat passenger are formed by the new radio and infotainment systems, of which the Composition Comfort radio is smartphone compatible so expect niceties such as Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
The new
Caddy range showcases some of
Volkswagen’s most advanced driver assistance systems. With Cruise Control, the new
Caddy offers a relaxing drive for longer journeys. Park Assist paired with the Rear-View Camera takes the hassle out of parking in tight spaces, while Trailer Maneuvering will give drivers the confidence to guide a trailer easily. It is also worth noting that the
Caddy can now tow a maximum weight of 1 500kg.
There are two engines on offer, a
1.6-litre petrol and a
2.0-litre turbo diesel. I got behind the wheel of the latter offering. The
2.0-litre turbo diesel, paired to a 6-speed manual develops 81kW and 300Nm makes more sense for lifestyle people-mover buyers. The turbodiesel’s torque band seems much wider than before and the motor pulls smoothly when accelerating from low revs. The other benefit of this motor is its fuel consumption which is rated at around 5.5l/100km.
The new
Caddy, as mentioned, is now based on the
MQB platform which offers up a much more compliant ride quality than the previous commercial platform. The suspension is able to absorb more road imperfections which ultimately results in a better ride quality. Space inside is impressive, and that is one of the highlights about this car. It is compact enough for ease of use in parking areas yet spacious enough for the needs of the average family.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
