Volkswagen Caddy (2016)

VW Caddy

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is showing the fourth generation of the hugely popular VW Caddy for the first time. Around 1.5 million of the award-winning previous generation were sold worldwide during its eleven years in production. A success that the new Caddy is intended to continue because the urban delivery van and its privately used brother have been enhanced and refined in every area.

In Germany, prices for the new Volkswagen Caddy start at € 14,785.00 (net, panel van) and € 15,330.00 net (€ 18,242.70 gross, as Conceptline, replacing the previously familiar Startline), each with the 62 kW TSI entry-level engine and thus, when adjusted for feature content, are even below the level of the predecessor model.

The drive systems use state-of-the-art technology, with the Caddy's new engines providing maximum efficiency and compliance with the EU6 emissions standard. The basis for the four TDI diesel versions is always a two-litre four cylinder engine. Their performance ranges from 55 kW / 75 h.p. to the top engine with 110 kW / 150 h.p.. Recording the lowest fuel consumption is the Caddy panel van Blue Motion, specially developed for inner-city deliveries: "With its low fuel consumption of less than four litres per 100 kilometres, the new Caddy is setting a new standard," explains Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. He continues: "Even the new 1.4-litre TGI, successor to the highly popular Caddy EcoFuel, consumes only 4.1 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometres. Through downsizing and turbochargers, it offers added power compared with its predecessor while consuming up to 28 per cent less fuel. These performance figures benefit everyone - and are equally kind to the environment and the pocket."

In the case of petrol engines there is a choice of three. They range from the 1.2-litre four-cylinder TSI with 62 kW / 84 h.p. and the 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI with 75 KW / 102 h.p. up to the large 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder with a power output of 92 KW / 125 h.p.. In the new Volkswagen Caddy numerous new safety and comfort features protect the occupants and support the driver. "To achieve this, we have incorporated a large number of driver assistance systems, which are unmatched in the urban delivery van segment", said Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. One of these is the 'Front Assist' surroundings monitoring system, including City Emergency Braking: if the driver fails to see an obstacle below a speed of 30 km/h, the system automatically applies the brakes and, ideally, will prevent any collisions entirely. In the passenger car versions, for example, the new Caddy additionally comes fitted with side and curtain airbags.

Approximately 22 per cent of all accidents involving injuries are collisions with more than one obstacle. In order to minimise the risk related to this scenario, the award-winning multi-collision brake system is included as standard in the new Caddy. After a collision, it automatically initiates braking if the driver is no longer able to take action.

Other available options are the 'Light Assist' and 'Driver Alert' systems. The latter recognises any deviations from normal driving behaviour and recommends that the driver should take a break when apparently necessary. Also available is the option of a heated windscreen, which helps to ensure a permanently good view.

In the case of the optional Adaptive Cruise Control, ACC for short, which is active at speeds of 0 to 160 km/h (DSG) or 30 to 160 km/h (manual transmission), a radar sensor monitors the distance and relative speed to vehicles in front. Used with the DSG, the ACC system can also slow the vehicle down, for example in queues or traffic jam situations, to a complete stop.

In combination with the Composition Colour and Composition Media radios and with the Discover Media radio-navigation system, customers are able to order a reversing camera. The optional 'Park Assist' system enables automated parallel parking as well as parking at right-angles to the carriageway - an especially practical feature for courier services.

Evolution of a best-seller: the new Caddy's design not only impresses with sharpened folds and clearly defined surfaces with stylish clarity. The redesigned front and the distinctively presented rear additionally give the new compact van an unmistakable character - further distinguished by the new look of the front and rear lights. While remaining extremely functional, the high-quality urban delivery van has gained noticeably in presence, exclusivity and dynamism. In keeping with the expressive exterior, the vehicle's interior also features accentuated lines and shapes. Striking decorative trims with integrated air vents and a new generation of infotainment equipment underline the new Volkswagen Caddy's modern look.

The new VW Caddy will be launched in Germany at the end of June 2015, with all other countries following quickly thereafter. Dealers in Germany will be taking initial orders in March 2015.