New economical Volkswagen Caddy unveiled

The fourth-generation Volkswagen Caddy van has been unveiled, with a new exterior, improved economy and uprated safety tech. The new Caddy will reach the UK in November and prices are expected to start at £14,500 (excl VAT). 

The fourth-generation Caddy is based on a heavily revised version of the current Caddy platform, with a number of improvements to bring it into line with its chief rival, the Ford Transit Connect. The Caddy's payload has also been upgraded by 66kg, which means the van now has a maximum payload of 832kg.

There has been some notable improvements to the engine range; the Caddy will now be powered by a new 2.0-litre engine, with stop/start technology fitted as standard. The four-cylinder turbocharged diesel will be available in three outputs - 75PS, 102PS or 150PS - and Volkswagen has confirmed plans for a new BlueMotion model, which it claims will return more than 70mpg. 

All of the new engines will meet upcoming Euro 6 diesel engine emission laws, with some models emitting less than 100g/km of CO2. However, for a lower list price, customers can specify the current crop of Euro 5 engines, in the form of the 1.6 and 2.0 diesels, with 75PS, 102PS or 140PS. Transmissions will remain unchanged, with five or six-speed manuals (depending on output) along with the option of an automatic DSG 'box.

Changes to the exterior are subtle, with a new bumper, headlights and grille. At the rear the van gets styling tweaks, with revised light clusters, reflective bumper strips and a rear spoiler.

The cabin changes are more obvious, with new seats, switchgear, air vents and instrument clusters. Volkswagen has also fitted a new radio/navigation systems and all models now get a colour touchscreen as standard. In-van connectivity should also be easier, with the MirrorLink option, allowing 'mirroring' of smartphone display on the infotainment touch-screen via a USB connection.

Volkswagen has made significant steps in regards to safety equipment, with automatic city braking and a new post-collision braking system that automatically initiates braking after a collision, even if the driver is no longer able to take action. Adaptive cruise control will be offered for the first time as a paid for option.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Volkswagen says the forth-generation Caddy will be cost “a little more” than the current model, so expect prices to start in the region of £14,500 when the van reaches UK showrooms this winter.