New Volkswagen Caddy launched

The all-new 2020 Volkswagen Caddy has made its global debut at a VIP event in Germany.

Claimed to be 100 per cent new, the Caddy Cargo compact delivery van and the Caddy people-mover feature an evolution of the current van's styling, but the new LED headlights and slimline tail-lights betray a car that shares little with the van it replaces.

Every single body panel is new and the 2020 Volkswagen Caddy is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor.

That's because it moves from the old PQ35 underpinnings to the more modern MQB architecture that the latest Mk8 Golf hatch is based on.

The new platform means the both the Caddy Cargo van and Caddy people-mover will be better to drive and should set new standards for refinement.

Another advantage is that the small VW van will also come with Golf 8 levels of technology, including the car-maker's most recent infotainment system and driver assistance systems.

Inside the cabin, that translates to the introduction of a new 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a touch-screen infotainment system that slashes the number of buttons and is available in three sizes: 6.25-, 8.25- and 10-inch.

Like the Golf, there's advanced voice control and the system is Apple CarPlay compatible. Even wireless phone charging, keyless ignition and an electric tailgate becomes an option.

As far as driving aids go, the Caddy gets Volkswagen's ACC 2.0 adaptive cruise control that works in stop-start traffic. There's also a new trailer assist function, side assist and a rear traffic alert.

Under the bonnet there is the choice of 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol power, but – for now at least – the Caddy misses out on the electrified powertrains offered in the Golf.

Those are expected to be launched later, along with a full plug-in hybrid option later during its life.

The all-new Volkswagen Caddy goes on sale in Europe before the end of this year, but it's it's not yet known exactly when it will land here.