Volkswagen looks to reset goalposts in light commercial vehicle stakes with revised version of the Caddy mini-van range
By Gary Worrall | December 10, 2010
After carving out an enviable reputation for capability and reliability, Volkswagen is looking to reset the goalposts in the light commercial vehicle stakes with a revised version of the Caddy mini-van range.
Although the new model will be the second Caddy model sold in Australia, commercial vehicles product manager Phil West says it is actually the fourth generation of vehicle to wear the nameplate.
The original Caddy debuted in 1980, running 16 years through to 1996, based on the venerable Golf Mark 1 and included a utility version which was later dropped from the range.
The second series was manufactured in Argentina on the then-current Polo platform between1996 and 2004.
Australia received its first official Caddy models with the release of the Series 3 version in 2004, followed by the release of the Caddy Maxi long wheelbase version in 2008.
With no model history to build on, West says sales in 2005, the first full year, amounted to just 659 units.
However this has continued to grow each year, including during the recent global financial crisis.
“In 2010, we are at 2161 units year to date. This figure does not include any sales we are achieving during the month of December,” West says.
Despite making myriad changes as part of the model update, West says the most noticeable modifications are to the front sheet metal with the Caddy now showcasing its “family DNA”.
From the A-pillar forward West says the Caddy is all new – particularly the headlight design – which is now common with the Volkswagen model range.
Most importantly for cargo carriers, the Caddy load area remains unchanged with a capacity of 4200 m3 for the flat floor Caddy Maxi van.
Also winning friends is the decision to retain the swing-out barn doors at the rear as a standard feature on all Australian models.
A lift-up tailgate is standard in other markets and available as a cost free option for local buyers.
The other significant change is in the powerplants, with the previous Pumpe Duse diesel engines replaced by a new selection of 1.6 and two-litre turbo diesels with common rail direct injection.
There is also a 1.2-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine.
All three engines meet the latest Euro 5 emission control regulations that come into force on January 1 2011 as part of the introduction of ADR 80/03 rules.
The Caddy offers three transmission choices, with the 1.2-litre petrol backed by a five-speed manual transmission which is also offered with the TDI250 1.6-litre engine, along with the seven-speed DSG automated manual transmission.
The two litre TDI320 engine receives the six-speed DSG transmission.
Recognising most operators will take advantage of the body’s cubic capacity rather than total weight, the payload of the Caddy is between 700 and 850kg, depending on the version.
Operator safety is also high on the Volkswagen to do list, with the Caddy offering dual front airbags as standard along with the option of head and thorax airbags on each model.
This is in addition to an army-surplus list of acronyms for braking assist packages, starting with ABS and progressing to ESP, ASR, MSR, EDL and a hill holder function that is particularly handy on the DSG-equipped versions.
While the launch program did not really offer any extended driving sessions, the 1.6-litre with five-speed manual proved to be a capable performer even with a few hundred kilograms of ballast in the back.
The diesel offers plenty of torque, with the engine happy to lug all the way from 60km/h to 100km/h in top gear on a curving uphill road, while it is quicker to drop a cog or two there was no need.
The Caddy felt equally at home battling the suburban traffic on the backroads from Mt White all the way to Sydney’s Middle Head and the former School of Artillery overlooking the main expanse of Sydney Harbour.
The drive also included driver changes, giving a perspective from either side of the cab, which revealed comfortable seating with plenty of leg and shoulder room, even with a pair of king-size Queenslanders sharing the driving.
For more information on the new Volkswagen Caddy range, check out the January 2011 edition of ATN magazine.