Review and test drive: Volkswagen Caddy, the Golf of vans

More than 3 million units of the previous four generations of the Volkswagen Caddy have been sold to date. The first appeared in 1979, the second arrived in 1996, the third went on sale in 2003, and the fourth was sold from 2015 onwards. In Spain, 30,000 units have been sold over the last 5 years, which accounts for 40% of all commercial vehicles delivered by the brand.

Now, the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Caddy arrives better prepared and with more options than ever, with solutions for self-employed workers and businesses (Caddy Cargo and Kombi), alternatives for combining leisure and work (Caddy Outdoor, Origin and Life) and the Camper versions (the Caddy Outdoor itself and the Caddy California). All of them can be chosen with a standard body measuring 4.5 metres, or Maxi, measuring 4.85 metres in length.

To understand how important the Volkswagen Caddy is for the brand, keep these figures in mind: it targets a segment that represents 48% of all commercial vehicles. In this category, 26% of the cars sold are Panel Van versions, and 74% are passenger models. By channel, in the Caddy segment 55% goes to companies, 38% to private buyers and 7% to rental companies.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo and Kombi: for business

The Cargo and Kombi versions are the ones intended for commercial use, such as a delivery van: the Cargo to transport goods, without rear windows; and the Kombi, for passengers, with a much less “refined” layout than the versions aimed at private buyers.

In the case of the Caddy Cargo, the total load capacity reaches 3.1 m³ for the short version, and 3.7 m³ in the Cargo Maxi. The new platform with a redesigned rear axle allows the distance between wheel arches to be increased and the width of the sliding door to grow from 701 to 840 mm. The Maxi can carry up to two Euro pallets.

As for the Kombi, it can be equipped with a third row of seats and converted into a seven-seater, both in the short and long wheelbase versions. The second- and third-row seats are removable, and the boot capacity exceeds 1,200 litres using five seats and loading up to the top of the rear seat backs, more than double what a large MPV can offer.

In these Caddy variants, three versions of the 2.0 TDI engine can be chosen, with 75 CV (Caddy Cargo only), 102 CV or 122 CV. For the most powerful, the DSG dual-clutch gearbox is available as an option, and later on it will also be possible to fit 4Motion all-wheel drive. In addition to efficiency measures such as double AdBlue injection, improved aerodynamics (Cx of 0.30, compared with 0.33 in the previous model) also contribute to a significant reduction in consumption.

All Caddy Cargo models come as standard with electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, variable-assistance steering, automatic parking brake with auto Hold function and central locking with a separate remote control for the load area. Optionally, they can be fitted with everything from digital instrumentation to electric door-closing devices, LED headlights, different types of multimedia systems, AGR ergoComfort seats and a wide range of features designed to make the vehicle easier and better to use for transport. Prices start from 19,300 euros for the Caddy Cargo 2.0 TDI 75 CV.

The Volkswagen Caddy for private use: an alternative to the MPV

In addition to the commercial-use versions, the Caddy variants aimed at private use are particularly interesting, although many people take advantage of their qualities to use them for both leisure and work. These are the Caddy Origin, Outdoor, Life and California. All versions can be chosen with a short or long wheelbase, and both body variants can be fitted with a third row of seats for seven seats, which is standard on the long wheelbase versions. The rear sliding doors are always sliding, while the tailgate, depending on the version, can be a conventional hinged one at the roof, or a double door opening to the sides.

And, believe me, this is a car that can be a magnificent alternative to the vehicles that, some time ago, caused a real boom before being overtaken by SUVs: the MPVs. Here, the new Caddy competes with top-level rivals such as the Citroën Berlingo, the Peugeot Rifter, the Opel Combo Life or the Toyota Proace.

The entry point to the Caddy range for private buyers is the Origin version, starting at around 24,000 euros. From there, you can add equipment and opt for the Outdoor version, the refined Life or the Caddy California, the camper-converted version for the more adventurous. This last one comes as standard with features designed for enjoying camping, such as the folding bed, the kitchen and the stationary heating.

The engine range includes the 1.5 TSI petrol with 114 CV and selective cylinder deactivation, available with a manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox, and the 2.0 TDI in 102 and 122 CV variants. For the most powerful, you can choose the DSG gearbox and even the 4Motion all-wheel drive. Later on, Volkswagen will add a version of the 1.5 TSI adapted to run on compressed natural gas CNG, and also a plug-in hybrid, planned for late 2021.

The diesel engines feature the new exhaust gas aftertreatment system from Volkswagen, with a particulate filter and double AdBlue dosing. It is worth highlighting the importance that turbodiesel engines still have in this sector, accounting for 90% of sales.

Beyond its design, which marks a major generational leap and clearly draws on the Golf in some of its features, the new generation of the Caddy stands out because it also feels much more like a passenger car in terms of driving position, driving feel and equipment options. It is built on the MQB platform from Volkswagen, the same as the Golf (among many others).

It can feature up to 19 driver assistance systems, many of them improved and others completely new. This is the case of Travel Assist, which uses a camera and radar to keep the vehicle in its lane and maintain distance from the vehicle ahead; Emergency Assist, which warns if it detects lack of attention and can even bring the vehicle to a stop; or Trailer Assist, Side Assist and rear traffic alert, which is especially useful when reversing.

It can also be fitted with the most advanced infotainment systems, the same ones you would find in the Golf. And here Volkswagen doesn’t hold back: the huge touchscreen of up to 10 inches, or even the Cockpit digital instrument cluster, with a screen of up to 10.25 inches.

Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Caddy

Our first test drive of the 122 CV Caddy Life with DSG gearbox left us with very good impressions. Apart from its “van” silhouette, which alloy wheels, roof bars or contrasting-colour mirrors cannot disguise, its driving is very car-like. As we have mentioned, this is helped by the fact that the Caddy can be equipped with top-level features.

The first thing that stands out is the space and the number of practical storage spaces, all very well thought out. Even the area for charging your mobile phone has a practical cover so you can keep using the whole area as a tray and forget about the phone once it is connected to the multimedia system. Apart from the great height available up to the roof, which can also be glazed, the feeling is that of driving a car, not a commercial or derived vehicle.

And on the move it is the same. The new platform and the newly developed rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod combine the robustness needed in a vehicle designed largely to carry heavy loads with a noticeable driving pleasure. The precision of the steering and very well-controlled body roll contribute to this.

Cabin noise, while never bothersome, is what most distinguishes the Caddy from a car in everyday driving. On one hand, because with such a large interior “box” there is always some resonance, for example when going over potholes, or the wind noise on the motorway due to the large frontal area. On the other hand, because mechanical noise is not as well insulated as in a car. But, as I say, nothing that should be a cause for concern.

The 122 CV TDI engine is a real guarantee of performance and low consumption. In the Caddy, the difference in refinement compared with the 1.5 TSI is more noticeable than in a Golf, for example. But I think it is the best option, since the 102 CV version may feel somewhat short on power. I would not rule out the 1.5 TSI for those who opt for a Caddy for more private than professional use and who will not be covering high mileage each year.

As for the rear seats and boot capacity, the space is outstanding. The three seats in this second row are all the same size, and can be folded or tipped forward (they have no fore-and-aft adjustment), and it is even possible to remove them from the vehicle. They also offer different backrest recline settings.

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