Volkswagen South Africa has just launched a new model for the local market, the Cross Caddy and added its seven-speed DSG to the T5 Kombi – both of which the company hopes will bolster its presence for those seeking people-carriers.
The Cross moniker was previously only associated with the popular B-segment model, the Polo – but the German brand has seen fit to endow the Caddy with the lifestyle treatment. The Cross Caddy can be distinguished from its lesser brethren by the silver underbody protection trim under the front bumper and side sills. That theme is continued by the silver coloured roof rails, while the black trim around the wheelarches matches the tinted rear windows and smoked tail-lights.
Inside, the Cross Caddy has been kitted with two-tone seats that match the exterior hue (as do the door panels), as well as a leather multifunction steering wheel, gear-shift knob and parking brake lever.
The Cross Caddy is powered by the firm’s 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 81 kW and 250 N.m of torque. Mated with a five-speed manual gearbox, Volkswagen claims that the 2,0 TDI motor sips just 5,7-litres/100 km and is capable of a 170 km/h top speed.
Standard features include 24 storage compartments, height-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats, as well as cruise control, Hill Hold Assist function and Bluetooth functionality on the RDS radio/CD player. Safety kit like front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix child seat mounting points and the latest generation of the company’s Electronic Stability Control system.
VWSA has also fitted its seven-speed DSG to the T5 Kombi, as the transmission was only available in range-topping Comfortline LWB specification, or the Transporter Crew Bus.
The company’s venerable people carrier also boasts a 2,0-litre TDI, in 75 kW and 103 kW guise. The new transmission is reserved for the latter however, and using a maximum of 340 N.m of torque enables the Kombi to hit 100 km/h from rest in 10,2 seconds and top speed of 172 km/h – while average fuel consumption is claimed to be 8,0-litres/100 km.
Prices (including emissions tax and VAT)
Cross Caddy 2,0 TDI – R340 600
(The Cross Caddy has a 3 year/120 000 km warranty, though service and maintenance plans are optional)
Kombi 2,0 TDI 103 kW DSG Trendline – R474 300
Kombi 2,0 TDI 103 kW DSG Comfortline SWB – R536 500
Kombi 2,0 TDI 103 kW DSG LWB – R544 500
(Kombi comes standard with a 3 year/120 000 km warranty and 5 year/60 000 maintenance plan)
