Volkswagen Caddy Beach from $46,990 driveaway

Australia’s cheapest new-car camper, the Volkswagen Caddy Beach has officially gone on sale in Australia, priced from $46,990 drive-away.

Joining a small group of week-day runabouts cum week-end campers available from your local car dealer, including the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, the Caddy Beach is based on the long-wheel-based Caddy Maxi Trendline, and measures 4.87m long, and 1.8m high as well as wide.

Described by Volkswagen Australia as the "most affordable and the cleverest recreational vehicle on sale today," the Caddy Beach is basically a five-seat passenger van, with rear seats that convert to a double bed or recliner for overnight camping.

Standard features include two folding camp chairs and table, tray tables for rear seat passengers, block-out window curtains, and a rechargeable torch and four storage bags for the rear side windows. Also included with the vehicle is a 2.3m x 2.0m tent that attaches to the rear tailgate for some additional privacy.

The Beach Caddy is powered by a 92kW/220Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine with 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, and safety features include autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, fog lights, a rear camera and rear parking sensors.

The Beach Caddy also comes with a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, colour touchscreen with six speaker stereo and smart phone connectivity, bi-xenon headlamps, 17in Canyon alloy wheels, black roof rails, tinted rear tail-lamps and passenger windows and a Beach decal. Seven exterior colours are available including a vibrant Sandstorm Yellow or Viper Green.

Options include roof rails, a bicycle carrier, roof box, surfboard carrier, and tow bar, but unlike European versions, the Beach Caddy won’t be officially available with an inside kitchen.