Volkswagen’s fifth-generation Caddy van is to imminently open for orders, priced from £17,800 and featuring more space and new digital and assistance technologies.
Previewed in February this year, the new Caddy will arrive with standard and Maxi wheelbases and three trim levels accompanied by a range of passenger car variants. The panel van variant will now be known as the Caddy Cargo, while the passenger-carrying versions become the Caddy.
The standard Caddy van measures 4,500mm in length, an extra 93mm over the previous model. The wheelbase has also grown by 73mm to 2,755mm.
Load space width for the standard model is up 57mm to 1,613mm and increases in the distance between the wheel arches and between the rear opening help enable a Euro pallet to be carried sideways in the back. Storage capacity of the standard wheelbase Caddy is 3.1m3, rising to 3.7m3 for the Caddy Maxi, which has a 215mm longer wheelbase, offering enough room for up to two Euro pallets.
Launch engines include a 2.0 TDI in three states of tune – 75, 102 and 122hp – along with a 114hp 1.5 TSI petrol. The diesels feature a new twin dosing system, providing a double dose of AdBlue to help reduce NOx levels compared to the previous model. The petrol comes with VW’s Active Cylinder Technology as standard. All are Euro6d-compliant, come with particulate filters and offer 10% lower fuel consumption than before.
The 75PS and 102hp diesels come with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard, while the highest-powered diesel and the petrol are offered with the option of a seven-speed DSG. The 122hp diesel is also available with 4Motion four-wheel drive.
All models get a touchscreen infotainment system, between 6.5 and 10 inches, electronic handbrake with auto hold function, electric windows, height adjustable-driving seat and a new multi-function steering wheel.
Mid-level models, which start at £19,275 RRP, introduce electronically controlled air conditioning system, body-coloured bumpers and rear parking sensors, along with power adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat and leather multi-function steering wheel.
Range-topping Caddy Cargo models, from £22,075, add Discover Media satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors, anti-theft alarm system, power folding exterior mirrors, LED rear tail lights and alloy wheels.
Five new driver assistance systems are also available, such as Travel Assist, which delivers assisted driving across the full speed range, and Trailer Assist.
The new Caddy also features eSIM technology as standard, which means the vehicle can automatically make eCalls to emergency services in the event of an accident. It also allows infotainment systems to access mobile online services and ‘We Connect’ functions.
New options include VW’s Digital Cockpit, power-latching side doors and tailgate, LED headlights and LED rear lights plus new metallic paint finishes.
First UK deliveries of the new Caddy are expected at the end of Q1 2021.
