VW cuts new Caddy prices

Volkswagen's newly released Caddy brings price drops for van and Crewvan versions in a range that opens at $28,190 for the manual TSI220 workhorse.

The new Caddy range introduces a more powerful and efficient turbo-petrol TSI engine, updated infotainment systems and new standard driver assistance and safety features.

The fourth-generation Caddy replaces an outgoing model that had been in production since 2004. A 92kW turbo petrol four-cylinder is the only engine offered initially, with diesel engines set to boost the line-up in 2016.

The new Caddy offers of safety inclusions that are uncommon in the compact van segment, such as side/head airbags and, in people-mover versions, side curtain airbags.

It also features as standard across the range a post-accident-protection Multi-Collision Braking system and a Fatigue Detection system that works with a variety of sensors to monitor the driver.

An optional Front Assist system helps lessen stopping distances and a standard City Emergency Braking system provides braking input at speeds under 30km/h.

A speed-limiter cruise control is handy for urban driving; the optional adaptive cruise is a plus for motorways.

A reversing camera comes standard in the family-oriented people-mover version and is available in the workhorse variants. A 360-degree optical parking system is also offered on Park Assist-equipped Caddy Maxi Comfortline variants. Park Pilot is also offered, which audibly assists during parking manoeuvres.

The camera presents its image on the screen of the top-level Discover Media Navigation and multimedia unit, which features a Digital Voice Enhancement system to help second- and third-row occupants hear the driver.

A 5.0-inch touch-screen Composition Colour (Trendline and vans) and a 6.3-inch Composition Media (Comfortline) unit that offers clever finger-proximity sensors for inputs and App connectivity in the form of Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

An evolutionary restyle introduces a sharper look without losing the Caddy’s recognisable visage and silhouette.

The 1.4-litre petrol turbo four-cylinder produces a modest 92kW at 4800rpm with a stout 220Nm from 1500 to 3500rpm. It is teamed with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox driving through the front wheels.

The engine features Volkswagen’s BlueMotion-branded efficiency-enhancing features including automatic idle-stop and brake energy recuperation, which help it deliver 6.0 to 6.2L/100km economy (depending on the version) on the official combined cycle.

Like the outgoing version, the new Caddy gets its load-lugging ability from a leaf-sprung rigid axle rear suspension. Strut front suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars and an electromechanical steering system promise pleasant road manners.

Both versions of Caddy are offered in short- and long-wheelbase variants. Maxi versions measure 2249mm between the front and rear axles and offer about an extra cubic-metre of cargo volume (4200 litres) compared with the 1779mm SWB version (3200 litres).

People-mover variants of the LWB seat seven, and a third-row of seats is also offered as an option for five-seater SWB versions.

The van’s cargo bay is accessed via an asymmetric pair of barn-doors with heated glass and a wiper/washer. The doors open 90 degrees on latches or 180 degrees with them disengaged. A lifting tailgate is also available.

Tradies take note – the left side door is larger than the right and the pair opens to reveal an 1134mm tall loading aperture. Maximum cargo height is 1259mm and maximum width is 1559mm, or 1170mm between the rear wheel-arches.

The kerb-side sliding door reveals a 700mm load opening – dual-loaders with a sliding door per side are also available.

Panel van versions with optional side and tailgate windows are yet another way that the Caddy van can be tailored to the task.

A tilt- and reach-adjustable steering column with the optional height-adjustable front seats should allow a comfortable position behind unique van and people-mover instrument panels and a standard leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, while numerous cabin storage compartments aim to deliver practicality in keeping with the Caddy’s utilitarian roots.

The Caddy Maxi Crewvan presents a useful middle ground between van versions and the people-movers, with sliding rear side windows and an easily reconfigured rear seating arrangement that allows up to three across and a maximum capacity of 3590 litres with the seats folded forward. This grows to 4130 litres with the seats removed entirely.

The Caddy people-mover line-up opens with a short- and long-wheelbase Trendline-spec in which fabric trim and carpet replace exposed metal and rubber.

A grade up, the Comfortline specification is a long-wheelbase-only proposition that adds 16-inch alloy wheels and exterior chrome trim and a 100kg-bearing roof rack.

It is more comfortable and appealing inside with the addition of front centre armrests and additional leather and chrome trim. Convenience features in the Comfortline include climate-control, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

People-mover versions are seven-speed DSG-only, priced from $32,490 for the Trendline TSI220 and $34,990 for the Maxi version in the same spec. The Caddy Maxi Comfortline TSI220 costs $37,990.

Van variants start at $28,190 for the six-speed manual TSI220 or $28,990 with a DSG. The Maxi Crewvan costs $29,690 with a manual or $32,690 with a DSG. The Maxi van costs $31,190 with a standard DSG.

People-mover versions are available in 10 colours and vans are available in 12, including ‘luminous orange’ and ‘pure grey’. Non-standard paint colours cost from $190 to $890.

Some of the options offered are grouped into packages, including a Driver Assistance Package that brings adaptive cruise control, the Front Assist forward collision warning system with City Emergency Braking, and other items depending on the variant for $2160 to $2260.

An Interior Comfort package gives van and Trendline versions automatic headlights, an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror and an additional 12V socket for $670 to $850.

And an Exterior Upgrade package gives Comfortline versions bi-xenon headlights, LED day running lights, 17-inch alloys and silver roof-rails for $2060.