Volkswagen details new-generation Caddy 5

VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has announced additional specification details for its upcoming all-new Caddy small van, ahead of its local arrival in the second half next year.

The first Caddy to be built on Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform, the brand is promising the new version to be the most sophisticated and tech-savvy yet, and will be offered in three different distinct variants.

At launch, three body styles will be offered, consisting of the van (now called Cargo), Crewvan and People Mover, with VW claiming the new MQB platform allows for additional interior space.

The Cargo version has increased in size in a number of areas, with its wing doors allowing for a 51mm-wider rear opening, while the Caddy Maxi adds an additional 135mm to its sliding door width.

Furthermore, maximum load compartment width has increased by 58mm on the Cargo, or 82mm on the Caddy Maxi. 

Van versions will be able to fit two Euro-sized pallets.

VW Australia has confirmed the Caddy will launch with a range of Euro-6 compliant turbo-diesel engines, however has not offered up any details as to what those engines will look like.

The most likely starter would be a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit as seen on a wide range of Volkswagen vehicles, probably detuned compared to the 132kW/420Nm output as found on the Amarok pick-up.

Multiple engine offerings also suggest a range of engine tunes will be available, as well as the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Petrol engine choices will follow later on in 2021.

Inside, the Caddy is set to feature a new dash panel design, the choice of an 8.25- or 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and the option of Volkswagen’s Vitrual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.

Volkswagen is touting the safety credentials of the new Caddy, claiming technology levels “not yet seen in the light commercial space”.

17 driver assistance systems will be on offer, including four entirely new features.

Rear cross-traffic alert, emergency assist, lane-keep assist, travel assist and a rearview camera are among the safety systems to be included on the new Caddy.

Full pricing and spec will be revealed closer to launch – for reference, the current Caddy line-up asks between $31,290 and $37,240 plus on-road costs depending on the variant.

With one month left in 2020, Volkswagen has sold 1533 examples of the Caddy, down only 2.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2019 and still affording a 70.7 per cent share of the small van market.