New Volkswagen Caddy van pricing and features

The 2021 Volkswagen Caddy is finally arriving Down Under, after being unveiled in Europe in 2020.

Starting from $34,990 (plus on-road) costs, the new Caddy is available in many different guises for commercial and passenger applications.

The fourth-generation Caddy is the first to be built on VW’s MQB modular platform, which also serves as the base for other models such as the Polo, Golf, and Tiguan.

The Caddy can be had in either short wheelbase (SWB) or long-wheelbase (Maxi) forms.

However, compared to previous generations, this latest iteration is easily the largest, with even the SWB measuring almost 100mm longer than its predecessor.

The latest version of the moniker scores a raft of safety features such as a driver alert system, rearview camera, and autonomous emergency braking.

Inside, the Caddy also has a 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and people mover variants will be able to option an even larger 10.0-inch touchscreen.

From launch, just one engine will be available for Aussie customers, despite the myriad different powertrain choices the Caddy is offered with elsewhere across the globe.

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Pricing and model range

From launch, there will be seven different iterations of Caddy available, four intended for commercial purposes, and three for passenger use (prices do not include on-road costs):

• Caddy Cargo TDI280 6-SP – $34,990
• Caddy Cargo TDI320 7-SP – $37,990
• Caddy Cargo Maxi TDI280 6-SP – $36,990
• Caddy Cargo Maxi TDI320 7-SP – $39,990
• Caddy Maxi TDI320 7-SP – $45,490
• Caddy Life Maxi TDI320 7-SP – $49,990
• Caddy California Maxi 7-SP – $54,990

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Engine, transmissions and fuel economy

The 2021 four-generation Caddy will only be available with one engine option for the Australian market. However, VW has said other powertrain options might be a possibility later in 2021.

For now, all Caddys will come equipped with VW’s EA288-Evo TDI 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor.

Power will be sent exclusively to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission (for Cargo vehicles only) or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG).

Commercial buyers will also be able to choose between a TDI280 or TDI320 state of tune, with the former producing 75kW/280Nm with the manual and the latter making 90kW/320Nm with the DSG.

Volkswagen has yet to release fuel consumption figures for the 2021 Caddy range.

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Features

All of the Caddy Cargo commercial variants come as standard with features such as:

• Rear combination lamps
• Cruise control system with speed limiter
• Single passenger-side sliding door (SWB)
• Dual sliding doors (Maxi)
• Rear wing doors with window apertures
• Central locking system with separate cabin and cargo locking
• 8.25-inch 'Composition' infotainment touchscreen and app connect
• Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• LED interior lights in the cabin and rear cab
• 12V sockets
• Multi-function display plus
• Two USB type-C ports

For the Caddy Maxi TDI320, standard features include:

• Seven seats, three in the second row and two in the third, all removable
• Child seat anchors and top tethers
• 8.25-inch 'Composition' infotainment touchscreen and app connect
• LED reading light in passenger compartment
• LED tailgate surround lighting
• Luggage compartment cover which folds and is removable
• Black painted exterior mirror housings, body-coloured door handles, and silver sliding door rail
• Tailgate with window aperture

The Caddy Life Maxi TDI320 builds on these features and adds:

• "Trialog" seat trim
• Digital driver’s dash
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with allergen filter
• Central locking and keyless start
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rain sensing wipers
• Two 12V outlets, one in the load compartment and one in the dashboard
• Powered tailgate with window aperture
• 17-inch ‘Barahona’ alloy wheels
• Black roof rails
• Automatic headlight control with separate DRL, entry and exit lighting

And, for those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Caddy California Maxi offers:

• 17-inch 'Colombo' alloy wheels
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with allergen filter
• Digital driver’s dash
• Central locking and keyless start
• Heat-insulating front side windows, 74 per cent light-absorbing glass in rear side windows and rear window
• Foldable bed
• Storage bags for the rear side windows
• Darkening covers
• Dimmable LED lights
• LED lights in tailgate
• Dual ventilation grids with integrated fly screens
• Foldable table and two chairs

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Dimensions

The Caddy SWB variants are 1797mm long, 2100mm wide, and 1856mm tall with a wheelbase measuring 2755mm.

The Maxi long-wheelbase iterations are 4853mm long, 2100mm wide, 1860mm tall and have a wheelbase 215mm longer than the SWB, measuring 2970mm.

The SWB can take a maximum 724 kilogram payload, while the Maxi can shift a 754 kilogram payload. Both examples have a 1230mm wide cargo bay.

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Safety

Being the new kid on the block, the 2021 Caddy is yet to receive an ANCAP safety rating.

For Cargo models, the following safety features are standard:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Driver alert monitoring
• Electric parking brake with auto-hold function
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors

For people mover Maxi models, additional safety features include

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert

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Warranty and servicing

Like the rest of the Volkswagen range, the new Caddy comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Capped price servicing is also included, and owners can pre-purchase a service plan for three ($1200) or five years ($2400).

Availability

The 2021 Volkswagen Caddy range is due to arrive on Aussie shores from July, with dealers accepting customer orders now.