Volkswagen Caddy 2016 Review

Volkswagen Caddy TSI220 Van, MaxiVan and CrewVan
Australian Launch Review
Sydney, NSW

Volkswagen’s Caddy has carved a unique niche by offering passenger car buyers a TARDIS-like compact people mover, and giving commercial customers a capable small load-lugger. It has been a big seller in the class and the subtly restyled next-generation version seems, from our initial drive on Australian roads – and a look at the technology and value it offers – to be an even more competitive proposition than its predecessor among rivals such as the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo.

The Caddy is, in effect, two different cars, thanks to a range that’s split into workmanlike Van variants and passenger oriented CrewVan, Trendline and Comfortline wagons. Short- and long-wheelbase versions continue to be offered, the latter carrying the ‘Maxi’ designation.

Elsewhere, though, the nuts and bolts of the package leave little room for choice. There’s just one engine (initially, at least). A new, 92kW 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder drives the Caddy’s front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A turbo-diesel is set to join the line-up in 2016.

The new Caddy, like the old one, is poised on strut (front) and leaf (rear) suspension, the latter a necessity to give the van its 1230-1300kg maximum rear axle load capability and peak payload of 726-847kg, depending on the version.

The chief differences between variants are found in the cabin, rather than beneath. The basic $28,990 (plus on-road costs) DSG-equipped Van and $28,190 (plus ORCs) manual MaxiVan provide a pair of basic yet comfortable front seats, with a rear barn-door and sliding-side-door accessible cargo area that ranges from generous to giant, for a vehicle of this size.

The load bay gets tie-down points and panelling to protect the exterior sheetmetal and there are a range of ways to configure it, including an optional roadside sliding door and side-rear windows for vans.

CrewVan variants priced from $29,690 (add $3000 for the DSG) enter passenger-car territory, offering up to seven seats arranged 2/3/2.

All versions get a leather multifunction steering wheel but you can only have a manual gear lever in MaxiVan and CrewVan versions. Van and people-mover versions also get specific instrument panel designs.

Side/head or curtain airbags (depending on the version) are nice to have, as are new Multi-Collision Braking and Fatigue Detection safety systems. Highlights in a three-tiered infotainment system line-up include the mid-level 6.3-inch Composition Media system with iPhone and Android app connectivity and the flagship Discover Media unit, which introduces a sat-nav system.

There’s more road, suspension and engine noise in the sparsely trimmed vans than you’d be used to in a normal passenger car. In fact any noise inside echoes around the cargo area, even that from the audio system, which seems to crank quite well even in basic 5.0-inch-screened Composition Colour form.

The leather wheel feels sportier than you’d expect in a commercial, more like a warm Golf, and the seat locates the driver supportively, with a good level of comfort that feels like it would endure over days and kays.

The DSG transmission provided seamless shifts and amiable throttle response, while the manual surprised with a sporty slick action to match the steering wheel feel, and the DIY clutch proved light and progressive.

The electro-mechanical steering itself is light and offers a nice level of precision. The Caddy points quite enthusiastically and handles with at least the talent you’d expect of it.

Ride quality felt busier in the vans, and handling less composed – it probably doesn’t help that they’re also noisier. Volkswagen helpfully offered laden test cars with about 250kg strapped in the back, which noticeably settled the ride.

People-mover versions offer a more refined, pliant experience. The fact that they carry carpet and a lot more sound insulation than their commercial cousins goes a long way. They also carry a family and/or plenty of luggage with a great deal of flexibility and a pleasing level of polish give the Caddy’s commercial origins.

Impressively, the small turbo-petrol engine’s surging low-rev performance wasn’t unduly affected by the addition of a load, thanks to the low 1500rpm delivery of 220Nm, which extends to 3500rpm. The engine is also notably frugal, using between 6.0 and 6.2L/100km on the official ADR Combined cycle, again depending on variant.

As a passenger-car proposition, TSI220 versions offer all the engine the Caddy needs for swift city driving, though next-year’s 1.6-litre oiler will no doubt hold appeal for van buyers who haul heavy loads regularly.

During our test we failed to catch out the engine’s idle-stop system, which proved quick to restart the engine. It’s a useful feature given the urban confines the average Caddy will operate in, and should help delivery drivers save fuel-money while also cutting emissions.

One urban beef, however, was the twin A-pillar design, which obstructed the view of cars to the right at roundabouts. It's a pity given the Caddy will earn its keep darting through tight inner-city streets...

Minor criticisms aside, however, the new versions of Volkswagen’s unique compact people mover and market-leading commercial van are better than the wagon and van they replace. It seems likely that the new Volkswagen Caddy will be superior to many of its rivals, too.

2016 Volkswagen Caddy TSI220 pricing and specifications:
Price: from $28,190 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Outputs: 92kW/220Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual / seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.0 to 6.2L/100km
CO2: N/A
Safety rating: Four-star Euro NCAP

Also consider:
>> Citroen Berlingo (from $20,990)
>> Fiat Doblo (from $22,000)
>> Renault Kangoo (from $20,990)