Volkswagen Caddy UK launch 2010

Volkswagen Caddy UK launch

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Now in its fourth generation the Caddy and its long-wheelbase brother the Caddy Maxi get new engines along with an exterior and cab makeover.

Volkswagen first introduced the Caddy name to its model line-up in 1982 in the shape of a Golf-based pick-up. The first van appeared in 1995. Fast forward nine years and Caddy had reached its third generation and morphed into a fully fledged light van with an integrated design. It was joined in early 2008 by a range of long-wheelbase Maxi variants.

The latest fourth generation Euro 5 Caddy is the result of gradual evolution and takes it to the next level. The new frontal treatment brings it in line with the Transporter and Amarok pick-up, due to be launched in the UK in 2011, and it gets an all-new line-up of four-cylinder common rail diesels, all of which feature a particulate filter.

Drivetrains

Customers can now choose between a selection of 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI engines at various power outputs. The former can be had at 75hp (225Nm) and 102hp (250Nm) driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The latter offers the option of 110hp (280Nm) or 140hp (320Nm) and a six-speeder.

VW’s excellent DSG semi-auto twin clutch ’box can be specified with the 102hp 1.6TDI (seven-speed) and additionally on Caddy Maxi with the 140hp 2.0TDI, although this time it’s a six-speeder. And for the first time in the UK an all-wheel drive 4MOTION Maxi also features on the price list.

‘Eco’ models featuring low-carbon BlueMotion Technology (BMT) can be ordered with the 1.6TDIs and there’s the option of 109hp (160Nm) 2.0-litre EcoFuel variants; these run on either petrol, compressed natural gas or bio-methane.

BlueMotion Caddys may be of particular interest to UK buyers. As well as revised gear ratios, improved aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres, the new second generation BMT models also feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, and they come with cruise control.

Active Safety
As standard all the latest Caddys come with a full ABS/ESP package. This brings with it an electronic front differential lock, traction control, engine braking control and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Other useful features include daytime running lights — something VansA2Z reckons should have been a legal requirement many years ago — and the automatic activation of the hazard warning lights under emergency braking.

Business End

Load space remains the same as before with the Caddy providing 3.2m³, rising to 4.2m³ for the Maxi. Load lengths are 1,781mm and 2,250mm respectively.

As well as a van the Maxi is available as a five-seater Window Van and as the name suggests this has glass down both sides. A five-seater Kombi will join the line-up early in 2011 which has the rearmost side glass replaced by sheet metal panels.

With the second row of asymmetrically split seats upright load space is 1.6m³ and with them folded forwards this rises to 3.9m³. Remove them altogether and you’re left with 4.1m³.

Payloads for the Caddy go from 681kg to 766kg, dropping slightly to a minimum of 620kg and maximum of 753kg for the Maxi. The former comes with six floor-mounted load tie-down rings while the latter gets eight.

Van derivatives come with asymmetrically split side-hinged rear doors while the five-seaters get a top-hinged tailgate. However, either can be specified as a no-cost option.

As standard Caddy comes with a nearside sliding side door, with an offside one available from the options list. Maxi models get the full compliment.

Cab Life

Thanks to the combination of a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and a driver’s seat adjustable for height as well as reach and rake, setting the correct driving position is a doddle. The driver gets an airbag as standard, but a passenger-side one is an optional extra.

The instrument binnacle has been upgraded to match that of the Transporter. The dials are white-on-black and could not be easier to assimilate.

Plenty of storage space is provided with an unlidded glovebox in front of the passenger and an overhead shelf for the driver. Both doors feature deep bins and are capable of housing a 1.5l drinks bottle. Two cup-holders and a couple of shallow trays are provided next to the handbrake, with another one behind the gearstick.

Remote central locking with deadlocking is provided, but if you want electric windows and door mirrors it’s a trip to the options list.

Behind the wheel

We managed to get our hands on a Caddy and a Maxi Kombi, both with the 102hp 1.6-litre TDI under the bonnet. This will be the most popular choice in the range.

It never ceases to amaze us just how good modern diesels are and this engine is a case in point. It’s refined, smooth and with 250Nm of torque available from 1,500rpm, it’s very tractable as well.

Official figures for this engine show the Caddy van as having a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 48.7mpg with the Maxi Kombi slightly more thirsty at 47.9mpg.

The bonnet lifts high and is held open by a single hydraulic strut to give good access to the engine for those regular fluid level checks.

Despite having electro-mechanical, rather than hydraulic, speed-sensitive power steering — Servotronic in VW-speak — the latest Caddy provides plenty of feedback to the driver. It’s light and easy at parking speeds and weights-up nicely as speed rises.

Ride and handling are well up to par with just a touch of understeer, as would be expected from a front-wheel drive light van.

Prices start at £12,100 and Caddy is covered by a three-year/100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, with no mileage restrictions for the first two years. Servicing intervals are dependent on usage, with a minimum of 9,000 miles and a maximum of 18,000 miles or two years.

Our Verdict
We are very taken with this latest generation Caddy. There is an impressive line-up of models to choose from, the new engines are superb and it’s a pleasure to drive. Following the introduction of the Amarok, all VW needs is a smaller van to fill the gap beneath the Caddy and it will have a complete line-up of commercial vehicles.

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