The new and upgraded Volkswagen Caddy 4

The van version of the Caddy 4 offers 2 seats, without side windows in the back, with 2 sliding doors.

Unveiled in the new factory of Wrzesnia near Poznan, Poland, in February, the new Caddy 4 from Volkswagen was displayed at the Geneva International Motor Show, from March 5th to 15th 2015. First introduce in 2004, the Caddy 3, sold at 1,5 millions with 60% to professionals, had already been redesigned for the Paris Motor Show in 2010.

The van version of the Caddy 4 offers 2 seats, no back windows, and 2 sliding doors. This range for professionals is available with panel back doors or a hatchback, and a trunk's volume of 3.030 litres. Even though the 4th generation of this van hasn't drastically changed on the outside, it offers numerous equipments from new technologies.

The inside of the vehicule looks more like the inside of a car.

An outside look almost untouched

Still sitting on the PQ35 chassis, the outside silhouette of this new Caddy hasn't changed much incomparison with the other new models from VW that sit on the new MQB chassis. At the front, the radiator grille has been enlarged and the lights slightly redesigned. At the back, the hatchback's form, the lights and the bumper have slightly evolved to have smoother lines.

Inside, the changes are noticeable, with a new dashboard and new door panels. The dashboard is similar to the one of a car, but the material is plastic like any other VW's vans.

Efficient diesel engines

The new range offers 8 different engines ranging from 75 to 150 hp in diesel (2.0 L TDI), and from 84 to 125 hp in fuel (1.2 L TSI for 84 hp, 3 cylindres 1.0 L for 102hp, 1.4 L TSI for 125 hp). The two most powerful engines go from 110 to 122 hp and from 140 to 150 hp. The 1.4 TGI develops 110 hp. The 122hp diesel version isn't available with 4 drive wheels, adn the 102hp, 3-cylinder version won't be on the market until October 2015.

Equipped with the SCR system, the 4 diesel engines meet the Euro 6 norm requirements. The Adblue level must be checked every 6.000 km. Volkswagen says the van should use up to 1,2 L/100 km less. The 102hp diesel version received the BlueMotion label and claims an average fuel consumption of 4,2L/100 km and 109g/km of CO2 emissions.

New options from the latest technologies

For the launch of this new range, Volkswagen offers a limited edition : the Generation Four.

The new VW van is equipped with a speed controller, automatic braking up to 30 km/h (Front Assist) and a monochrome 5" tactile screen. Depending on the models, it is also possible to opt for the DSG 6 or 7 gear gearbox.

From the latest developped technologies on VW's other ranges, several options are available :

• 7" tactile screen
• Advanced emergency braking systems (AEBS City)
• Automatic braking after an impact  (Multi Collision)
• Adaptative lights
• Adaptative cruise control (ACC)
• Semi-automatique parking (Park Assist)
• 4Motion integral transmission
• Fatigue sensor
• Reverse camera
• Heated windshield

Up to 3.700 litres for luggage in the maxi version

Very popular among professionals, the maxi version (7 seats) of the Caddy 4 was unveiled by VW at the Geneva Motor Show. The Caddy Maxi is 470 mm longer than the standard Caddy and has a longer wheel base. It offers an interior of superior quality and a large space for luggage. The passenger version has 3 rows of seats and can have 7 people with a loading volume of 530 litres.

When the third row of seats is taken out, this volume reachs 1.350 litres, and up to 3.700 litres when the second row is also out. The Caddy Maxi has 848 litres more than the standard version with the back seats out (2.852 litres).

The maximum load for the Caddy Maxi is 1.005 kg.

Soon the new versions of the Amarok, the Transporter and the Crafter…

Available for order this month, the Caddy 4 will be on the market in June, starting at 14.785 euros in Germany for the van version, 18.590 euros for the Caddy Maxi van version, and 18.960 euros for the passenger verison.

The German make is not done renewing its van ranges : the new Amarok version is due in a few months while the new Transporter and Crafter are due in 2016.