LAUNCHED: 2011 FACELIFT VOLKSWAGEN CADDY

The Volkswagen Caddy range has been renewed and refreshed for the year 2011, bringing it in line with all the new VWs out on the streets today. Importantly for VW, the Caddy, which is a market leader in its segment when in Panel Van format, has to maintain its leadership over rivals. The company leadership is very confident this will be so.

New engines will accompany some of these cars as they leader dealership showroom floors. New to the range (other VW products already have it) is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo diesel with direct injection and different power outputs for different needs/ prices. At the lowest level it makes 81kW and peak torque of 250Nm. VW claims it will average some 5.6 litres per 100km of diesel through its 5-speed manual gearbox in the Panel Vans.

The 103kW and 320Nm (available from 1500rpm) motor is the range-topper, and is said to deliver 6.3 litres per 100km. Very sweet for this segment is a 6-speed DSG which makes it something of a breeze to journey through traffic and over long distances. The 1.6-litre petrol remains the same at 75kW and 148Nm.

I took two models from Serengeti in Ekurhuleni via the Bronkhortspruit main road towards Mamelodi and ultimately to Cullinan. The petrol-powered Panel Van was first, and proved comfortable and easy to drive. Unfortunately this model does not feature too many nice goodies. The side mirrors for instance, can only be adjusted manually by sticking out one’s hand and doing it 1970s style. Windows too are very much hands-on affairs. At least there was power steering, air conditioning and a radio/ CD sound system.

Best to note though, is that this is something of a mild work horse normally bought by relatively small delivery-oriented companies like Postnet, eKhona Technologies, Debonairs Pizza and others.

The Crew Bus was a much better experience, as expected. It features 7 full seats for 7 passengers and has good space at the back to load about enough luggage for four of them, from what I could estimate.

Combining the 2.0-litre TDI with the DSG ‘box has always been an excellent idea. This case is no different. While the Crew Bus is more plush than the Panel Van, it’s not as cushy as the Renault Scneic, one of its main competitors. For example, the top radio/ CD system has Bluetooth yes, but there isn’t even an option of a satellite navigation system, which is standard in the Scenic.

From the outside a new facial expression has been provided, thanks to VW’s current family design. A redesigned VW badge is integrated into the front grille and the bumper either comes in an anthracite or colour-coded form. A cornering function is included in the fog lights which illuminate the side to which the car is turning. Extra safety is assured by the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) that is standard across the range.

Two new alloy designs in 15-inch and 16-inch size are a strong side view. The rear end is now also different. Exterior paint colours total 16, including ones called Salsa Red, Pure Grey and Candy White, as well as metallics Black Berry and Venetian Green among others.

The new Caddy commercial models come standard with a 2 year/unlimited kilometres warranty and passenger models come standard with 3 year/120 000 kilometre manufacturer warranty. Service and maintenance plans are optional on all models.

All models have a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.

New Caddy Pricing

Commercial Models
Caddy Panel Van 1.6i 75kW (R172 940)
Caddy Panel Van 2.0 TDI 81kW (R199 900)
Caddy Maxi Panel Van 2.0 TDI 81kW (R209 200)
Caddy Maxi Crew Bus 2.0 TDI 81kW (R219 200)

Passenger Models
Caddy Trendline 1.6i 75kW (R240 110)
Caddy Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW (R255 495)
Caddy Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW (R269 880)
Caddy Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG (R292 080)