Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have just introduced a new generation of the top-selling Caddy. The compact van with its practical side sliding door system has been enhanced in every area; prices start at €14,710 including VAT for the entry level 75 bhp version.
Six new TDI engines with up to 21 per cent lower fuel consumption, a completely restructured model range, a more precise, fresh front design in the style of the new Amarok and current T5 generation (Transporter, Caravelle, etc ) and an upgraded interior, now with a removable second row of seats, remote central locking, plus further reduced maintenance costs make the new Caddy one of the most innovative urban delivery vehicles and compact vans available. There is also a new range of colours available.
Globally the third generation Caddy sold around 800,000 units within six years (2004 to 2009 ). The new Caddy now promises a dynamic continuation of this success story.
The new Caddy will be the first urban delivery vehicle and compact van in this class to be equipped as standard with ESP on all models. Volkswagen also point out that the new Caddy will also be the only vehicle in this market segment available with the option of an efficient six or seven-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG ) and Hill Start Assist.
The new generation Caddy will also be available with an extended wheelbase (Maxi ) and - uniquely in this market segment - with (4MOTION ) four-wheel drive, 4MOTION being available for the Caddy Maxi and Caddy Maxi Life (passenger version ). The Maxi has also grown - it is now longer with a bigger load compartment and more load volume. Volkswagen also claim that it has the biggest load compartment length in the class. Prices for the new Caddy Maxi (LWB ) Van with the 102 bhp engine start at €16,975 including VAT.
The Caddy’s new diesel engines deliver extreme efficiency (all complying with the Euro 5 emission limits ). All of them are completely new to the range and equipped with turbocharging and direct fuel injection.The turbocharged four-valve (TDI ) diesel engines deliver 55 kW / 75 bhp, 75 kW / 102 bhp, 81 kW / 110 bhp, and 103 kW / 140 bhp respectively. All of the TDIs now work with very quiet and efficient common rail direct injection.
All TDIs are also linked as standard to a diesel particulate filter. The 102 bhp TDI, which VW Commercials in Ireland believe will be the biggest seller, can be ordered as an option with a seven-speed DSG. Having driven both the 75 and 102 bhp, the latter gives you a better drive, with more power and refinement. And despite the stronger engine, you don't lose on diesel consumption. So if you can stretch to the extra €1,785 (or €1,485 + VAT ) over the 75 bhp version, it would be worth it.
For the more powerful 140 bhp TDI there is also a specially designed six-speed DSG available. The 110 bhp is exclusively available as a 4MOTION model with four-wheel drive for the Caddy Maxi and Caddy Maxi Life.
The most fuel-efficient model in the range is now the new Caddy 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology (75 kW/ 102 bhp ). This new fuel consumption figure produces a possible range of 1,176 kilometres on one tank. Fuel costs thus go down to just €6.07 per 100 kilometres (based on €1.239 per litre of diesel )
The 75 bhp TDI can also be ordered as a BlueMotion Technology variant. Every Caddy equipped with BlueMotion Technology has a Start/Stop system and an automatic battery regeneration system for utilising the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.
With this system, whenever the driver lifts his or her foot from the accelerator or concertedly brakes, the generator’s voltage gets increased and is used to top up the battery. That reduces the load on the engine and thus lowers consumption.
