Volkswagen Caddy (Germany, 2003-present)

The fourth generation Caddy was facelifted in autumn 2010 with more fuel-efficient engines, new design, improved safety and extra functionalities.

For 2010 it brings six new TDI and TSI engines with up to 21% lower fuel consumption as compared to the previous generation, a completely restructured model range, a new front design in the style of the new Amarok and current T5 generation (Transporter, Multivan...) and an upgraded interior, with a removable second row of seats.

At its launch, the 2010 Caddy is the only vehicle in this market segment available with the option of an 6 or 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) and Hill-Start Assist.

The new generation is once again available with an extended wheelbase (Maxi) and with (4MOTION) 4-wheel drive. 4MOTION being available for the Caddy and Caddy Maxi.

Six new engines are offered: The Caddy’s new petrol and diesel engines all comply with the Euro 5 emission limits. All of them are  new to the range and equipped with turbocharging and direct fuel injection.

Turbo diesel engines

The turbocharged four-valve (TDI) diesel engines deliver 55 kW / 75 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS respectively. All of the TDIs work with quiet and efficient common rail direct injection. All TDIs are also linked as standard to a diesel particulate filter. The 102 PS TDI can be ordered as an option with a 7-speed DSG. For the more powerful 140 PS TDI there is also a specially designed 6-speed DSG available. The 81 kW TDI is exclusively available as a 4MOTION model with four-wheel drive.

BlueMotion

The most fuel-efficient model in the range is the new Caddy 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology (75 kW / 102 PS). The average consumption is 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (panel van). That equates a CO2 emission figure of no more than 129 g/km and fuel consumption of 0.6 litres less than the outgoing model with BlueMotion Technology. This fuel consumption figure produces a range of 1,176 kilometres on one tank.

The 75 PS TDI can also be ordered as a BlueMotion Technology variant. Every Caddy equipped with BlueMotion Technology has a Start/Stop system and an automatic battery regeneration system for utilising the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. With this system, whenever the driver lifts his or her foot from the accelerator or concertedly brakes, the generator’s voltage gets increased and is used to top up the battery. That reduces the load on the engine and thus lowers consumption.

Petrol engines

Two TSI petrol engines are being used in the Caddy. Technical features of both engines include a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. The  four cylinder engines develop 63 kW / 86 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS respectively from a cubic capacity of 1.2 litres. The 105-PS version has an an average fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres (figures for the Caddy panel van; equivalent to 154 g/km CO2). Compared to the outgoing model consumption has thus been reduced by 1.6 litres or, as mentioned above, 21 percent.

Another petrol engine for the Caddy and Caddy Maxi is the natural gas version carried over from the previous generation, the 2.0 EcoFuel (CNG), which delivers 80 kW / 109 PS.

Four lines

The Caddy model range was reconfigured for 2010. It remains available as panel and ‘kombi’ variants.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has completely reorganised the equipment levels, the three available model lines are: Startline, Trendline and Comfortline.

The Trendline version replaces the Caddy Life and the top Comfortline version supersedes the successful special ‘Style’ model. The Startline has been newly integrated as an entry-level model.

As the new top model there is the Comfortline Edition (formerly the Style Edition), with which Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers an exclusive version of the Caddy. Also still included in the range is the popular camper van, the Tramper (as both Caddy and Caddy Maxi).

Equipment

Standard on all versions are new daytime running lights. Optional extras on the new range include adaptive cornering lights (integrated into the front fog lights), roof rack (standard on the Comfortline) and the RNS 315 radio/navigation system.

The new Caddy will be the first urban delivery vehicle and compact van in this class to be equipped as standard with ESP on all models.

For the first time, the second row of seats is completely removable on all models.

For the 5-seater Caddy this produces a cargo capacity of up to 3,030 litres; for the Caddy Maxi the figure is 3,880 litres.

Of interest to tradesmen and service providers is the fact that if the Caddy Maxi is fitted with the Flexi-Seat Plus pack, the cargo space (on the front-seat passenger’s side) is made over 3 metres longer and cargo capacity increases to 4.7m3.

The 2010 Caddy can also be ordered as an option with a bench-style third seating row (standard in the Caddy Maxi Trendline and Comfortline) and as such can seat up to seven people.

2011 Edition 30

The Caddy Edition 30 was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 and was described by VW as, “near-production.” It celebrates the 30th anniversarry of the Caddy model.

The Caddy Edition 30 has the most powerful engine ever put in a Caddy. Its 2.0 liter, TDI engine makes 170PS with VW's DSG transmission.

The Edition 30 is set apart by several features. The exterior is set off by its high-gloss black roof and 17in polished wheels. It also has special edition badges on the doors and rear. The interior is configured with either five or seven seats upholstered in Alcantara. It also gets a leather, multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control and tinted windows.