Volkswagen unveils new Caddy

Volkswagen has released the first official pics of the next-generation Caddy and Caddy Maxi, the company's light but durable commercials.

The new models will be officially launched to the public in September at the IAA Hanover Commercial Vehicle Show in Germany. In the meantime, VW has offered these images and some preliminary information on the new vehicles ahead of the international media launch, which will take place in early August.

Volkswagen claims that the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi will be more economical, safer, more refined and built to a higher quality standard. As we reported a month ago, the new Caddy will adopt the new corporate-style front end as already seen in the new Polo and Golf. In addition, says Volkswagen, the Caddy pair will boast new tail lights and roof rails.

Inside, the instruments, steering wheel and audio/satnav systems are upgraded, and Volkswagen has conceded that the mobile phone is a tool of trade for contractors, offering Bluetooth connectivity in the Caddy and Caddy Maxi as an option.

A choice of four engines will power the new vans; all are common-rail turbodiesels that Volkswagen says will be up to 13 per cent more fuel efficient. There are two 1.6-litre units in different states of tune (55kW and 75kW), plus two 2.0-litre engines, developing 80kW or 102kW. All four are Euro 5-compliant. BlueMotion models powered by the lower-powered 1.6 will feature auto-stop/start and will emit CO2 in a concentration as low as 129g/km and use 6.6L/100km in combined-cycle numbers.

Volkswagen has revealed that the seven-speed DSG transmission and four-wheel drive will be available in the Caddy and Caddy Maxi, although it's uncertain whether either or both of these features will be available across the range. The company has said that electronic stability control will be fitted as standard in all variants however. Further enhancing the safety, the new models will come with daytime running lights and automatic activation of the hazard warning lights during heavy braking.

In Europe at least, the Caddy Maxi Life will be renamed the Caddy Maxi MPV. The second-row seat in Caddy Maxi-based passenger-carrying vehicles will be completely removable, whereas the seat can only be folded forward in the current models. As is true of the current models, the new generation will also feature a removable third-row seat (if ordered with that seat in the first place).

The Carsales Network will be attending the international launch next month and will have further details then.

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