By Khulekani Dumisa

Volkswagen SA has announced that the new Caddy will go on sale in Mzansi in November 2021. Over three million units have been built worldwide since 1979 and the Caddy was first launched in the local market in 1992 with 35,617 units sold to date. In 2020, the fourth generation Caddy sold 1,730 units achieving an impressive share of 88% in the A City Van segment.

The fifth generation Volkswagen Caddy will be launched with a new naming convention; Caddy, Caddy Maxi, Caddy Kombi, Caddy Maxi Kombi, Caddy Cargo and Caddy Maxi Cargo.

Exterior

The exterior has a new design. The new Caddy is built on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, the same as the Golf 8. Thanks to the MQB platform, new high-end technologies now find their way into the Caddy range.

In terms of engineering and specification, the exterior of the Caddy offers a number of new features. Exterior features include new LED headlights and LED rear lights, painted body-coloured bumpers and black roof rails. Optional exterior features include a panoramic sunroof with a large glass area of 1.4m², a removable tow bar that can tow a maximum weight of 1,500kg as well as 16-inch Wien alloy wheels. The new Caddy is available in 12 exterior paint colours with five new colours now available in the fifth generation model.

Interior

Inside, the fifth generation Caddy offers high-tech solutions and more space. The Caddy Maxi Cargo, now provides room for up to two Euro pallets. The indicator and control elements have been completely redesigned: the interactive interfaces for the driver and front-seat passenger are formed by the new radio and infotainment systems of which the Composition Comfort radio is smartphone compatible (App-Connect).

 The instrument cluster now has the traditional rotary switch for lights. In addition, LED interior lights enhances the interior of the car. Another new feature is a roof vent for better climate control and faster stationary ventilation in the back.

Trims

Caddy and Caddy Maxi

The Caddy is broader and longer. A stand-out feature is the optional panoramic glass roof, which is the largest in the segment. The Caddy entry-level derivative comes as a short wheelbase with five seats and an optional seven-seat selection. The Caddy Maxi (long wheelbase) comes standard with a seven-seat configuration.

Caddy Kombi and Caddy Maxi Kombi

The Caddy Kombi is ideal for everyday use as well as for sport, leisure, work and holidays. The vehicle can be easily converted to suit various personal and business needs. Recent conversions include for people living with disabilities, mobile offices, K9 units and hearses.

The Caddy Kombi comes available as a short wheelbase with seven seats and the Caddy Maxi Kombi is available in a long wheel base version with five seats and an optional seven-seat configuration. Both model lines feature easily removable and folding seats as well as easy-access sliding rear passenger doors.

Features of the Caddy Kombi include black coated bumpers, steel wheels, H7 Halogen headlights and an electronic brake with auto-hold. Optional features include a Rear View Camera, LED headlights, App-Connect, multi-function steering wheel, 16-inch Wien alloy wheels, tow bar (fixed or removable), rear wing doors, front fog lamps with cornering lights and cruise control.

Caddy Cargo and Caddy Maxi Cargo

The Caddy Cargo exterior design sees the roofline sloping down slightly towards the back. The short wheelbase is 2,755mm in length and has a load compartment volume of 3.1m3.  The Caddy Maxi Cargo with a long wheelbase of 2,970mm allows a load compartment volume of 3.7m3.

Highlights of the Caddy Cargo include; up to six lashing rings in the load compartment, a brake assist system, electronically adjustable door mirrors, an electronic parking brake with auto hold function, H7 Halogen main headlights and daytime running lights, single near-side sliding door (Caddy Cargo SWB), twin near-side and off-side sliding doors (Caddy Maxi Cargo) and a rear wing door which is split into a ⅔ to ⅓ ratio and has a maximum opening angle of 180°.

New driver assistance systems

The new Caddy range offers some of Volkswagen’s most advanced driver assistance systems. With Cruise Control, the new Caddy offers a relaxing drive for longer journeys. Park Assist paired with the Rear-View Camera takes the hassle out of parking in tight spaces, while Trailer Manoeuvring will give drivers the confidence to guide a trailer easily. 

Engine line-up

The new Caddy range will be available in two engines, one petrol and one diesel. The four-cylinder petrol engine develops 81kW, torque of 152Nm and is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is 7.3 litres/ 100km. This engine is available in the Caddy, Caddy Kombi (SWB) and Caddy Cargo (SWB) derivatives.

The four-cylinder diesel engine also develops 81kW and a torque of 300Nm and is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is 5.5 litres/ 100km. The 2.0 TDI engine is available in the Caddy, Caddy Maxi (LWB), Caddy Kombi (SWB), Caddy Maxi Kombi (LWB), Caddy Cargo (SWB) and Caddy Maxi Cargo (LWB).

Pricing

The fifth generation Caddy will be available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Dealers in November. Pricing for the new Caddy range will be announced closer to the launch date.

The passenger version Caddy and Caddy Maxi come standard with a 3-year / 120,000km warranty while the Caddy Kombi, Caddy Maxi Kombi, Caddy Cargo and Caddy Maxi Cargo come standard with a 2-year / unlimited kilometre warranty. The entire Caddy range also comes standard with a 12-year anti corrosion warranty.