Volkswagen South Africa has just released a freshened version of its popular commercial vehicle and people mover – the Caddy. The facelifted Caddy now features front end-styling akin to those of contemporary Volkswagen passenger vehicles, as well as an updated range of engines.
The front end of the Caddy has been completely re-designed to follow the same look as that of the T5 and Amarok. The radiator grille and the headlights form a single unit, with the horizontal lines of the grille continuing all the way into the headlamp clusters. Depending on the model, the bumper is finished either in anthracite or the vehicle's body colour. Fog lamps with a cornering light function come as standard on the Trendline and are optional on the Commercial models. Also new on this model are the new alloy rims and tail lamp designs. Inside the instrument cluster has received a new look and the passenger compartment is now fully upholstered.
The extended engine line-up now features two new TDI units. The 2,0 TDI delivers 81 kW and 103 kW, and comes mated with a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission respectively. VW claims this unit consumes an average of 5,6 L/100 km on the combined cycle.
The 75 kW 1,6i petrol unit remains unchanged. It produces 148 N.m of torque at 3 800 r/min, and has a claimed fuel consumption of 8,2 L/100 km.
The Crew Bus model gains a second row of seats that can now be removed to accommodate a bigger load. That means that this model can now hold 4 130 dm3 of cargo. A third row of seats can be fitted on the Crew Bus and Trendline models, but the Maxi Trendline has it as standard.
As far as model line-up is concerned, the Caddy is available as a Panel Van, Maxi Panel Van, Maxi Crew Bus, Trendline and Maxi Trendline. Standard across the range is ESP, at least one airbag, power steering, central locking and an immobiliser. For a full list of specifications for each model, click on the documents tab at the top right hand corner of the picture box.
Prices at launch (March 2011):
Commercial Models
Caddy Panel Van 1,6i 75 kW R172 940
Caddy Panel Van 2,0 TDI 81 kW R199 900
Caddy Maxi Panel Van 2,0 TDI 81 kW R209 200
Caddy Maxi Crew Bus 2,0 TDI 81 kW R219 200
Passenger Models
Caddy Trendline 1,6i 75 kW R240 110
Caddy Trendline 2,0 TDI 81 kW R255 495
Caddy Maxi Trendline 2,0 TDI 81 kW R269 880
Caddy Maxi Trendline 2,0 TDI 103 kW DSG R292 080
Prices include a standard 2 year/unlimited kilometres warranty and passenger models come standard with 3 year/120 000 kilometre manufacturer warranty. Service and maintenance plans are optional on all models. All models have a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.
