The new, fifth-generation Volkswagen Caddy has been revealed, with the Wolfsburg-based firm billing it as a “huge leap forward” for the nameplate.
VW claims “every detail from the ground up is new”, with the Caddy now running on the group’s ubiquitous MQB platform. The adoption of the latter means new technologies have been added to the Caddy’s arsenal, including various driving assistance systems and digitalised control systems.
While the exterior has been – in VW’s words – given a “completely new and strikingly sporty design”, the space inside has “also been significantly improved”.
The fifth-generation Caddy will again be offered in cargo (a panel van with an enclosed superstructure), estate (with passenger compartment windows) and MPV guise.
Interestingly, VW has revised the naming structure of the passenger vehicle range, with the base model dubbed “Caddy”, the mid-spec version wearing the “Life” moniker and the flagship branded as “Style”. The long-wheelbase Caddy Maxi, meanwhile, will now provide room for up to two Euro pallets.
New options for the more aerodynamic Caddy include electric closing aids for the sliding doors and tailgate, as well as a panoramic sunroof. In addition, alloys measuring up to 18 inches in diameter will be available, along with LED headlamps and taillamps. Keyless access and VW’s digital cockpit will also be on offer.
Inside, the indicator and control elements have been redesigned, with screens measuring between 6,5 and 10 inches in diameter. Like the new Golf 8, the Caddy will feature digital buttons for light, sight, audio and menu functions.
And under the bonnet? Well, the new Caddy will (in Europe, at least) be offered with a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in a couple of states of tune. The TDI units (offering either 55 kW or 90 kW) furthermore gain a new twin-dosing system to “significantly reduce” nitrogen oxide emission levels.
In addition, VW will sell a TSI-badged turbocharged petrol engine with 84 kW and, interestingly (in select markets), a supercharged natural gas engine wearing the TGI moniker.
