10 things you should know about the new Volkswagen Caddy

The new Volkswagen Caddy van has been unveiled at a glitzy ceremony at its factory in Poznan, Poland. As a result, we got to spend some time with the new model to find out what makes it different and better than the old Caddy.

Click through the gallery below to find the 10 things you should know about the new Volkswagen Caddy.

It’s not really a ‘new’ van

The fourth-generation Volkswagen Caddy might be billed as ‘all-new’, but delve into the technical specs and you’ll discover that it’s actually based on the same platform as the previous Caddy. This is by no means a bad thing – the previous van was excellent – but we were hoping for something more radical in regards to the design and load area. However, as the old saying goes, ‘if it ain't broke, don't fix it’.

There's a new 2.0-litre diesel engine

Under the bonnet there are some important changes, with a new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, with stop/start technology fitted as standard. The four-cylinder unit will be available in three outputs - 75PS, 102PS or 150PS - and emit less CO2 and return improved economy. 

BlueMotion model will return up to 70mpg

Volkswagen has confirmed plans for a new BlueMotion Caddy, which it claims will return more than 70mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2. This will be good news for delivery drivers and fleets, looking to cut running costs and carbon emissions. We also think a few builders will be tempted, although we’ll have to wait until the van’s launch to verify its headline economy figures. 

Payload has also been upgraded

We were hoping the new Caddy would get a one tonne payload, but alas this hasn’t happened. Volkswagen’s decision to use the old Caddy platform restricts the van’s payload and as a result it has only gained a small 66kg upgrade, which means the Caddy's maximum payload is 832kg. You can still fit a Euro pallet in though, but it has to go lengthways rather than widthways due to the shape of the load bay.

Cabin has been improved with new dashboard

Volkswagen has updated the Caddy’s interior, with new seats, dashboard and switches. The air vents have also been replaced and the interior is much neater than before. What’s more, all models now get a colour touchscreen as standard. 

In-van connectivity has been improved 

As well as improving the interior, Volkswagen has updated the Caddy’s in-van connectivity, with MirrorLink, which allows 'mirroring' of smartphone display on the infotainment touchscreen via a USB connection. This means it will be a lot easier to connect your mobile and access contacts and apps. 

Improved safety kit

Volkswagen has significantly improved the Caddy’s safety spec, with the addition of automatic emergency braking, which will stop the van at low speeds to prevent accidents. A new post-collision braking system has also been included as standard, along with Driver Alert, which will monitor the van’s driving behaviour and recommend regular breaks if it senses the driver getting tired. 

New lights and bumpers

Okay, we admit the fourth-generation Caddy looks like a facelift of the old model, but Volkswagen has made some changes to the exterior, with new bumpers and headlights. The rear of the van also gets new light clusters and reflective strips on the bumpers.

Caddy finally gets a lockable glovebox

On the face of it, a lockable glovebox might not sound like too much to get excited about. However, the past two generations of Caddy have been sold without any secure cabin storage, which can be a pain if you want to hide away valuables from prying eyes.  

Rear spoiler

UK specs for the Caddy are yet to be confirmed, but we’ve been reliably informed that the new van will get a rear spoiler as standard, with integrated brake light. Admittedly, it will do little to improve the van’s mid-corner downforce, but it does give a touch of sportiness to Caddy’s appearance.