Volkswagen Caddy (2010 – 2015) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Volkswagen Caddy (2010 – 2015) At A Glance
High quality interior, refined and comfortable making it ideal for both long and short work, impressive TDI engines are punchy yet frugal, ESP as standard.
1.6 TDI model can feel underpowered when full laden, narrow load area compared to rivals, increasing number of injector problems.
The Volkswagen Caddy may have started life as a pick-up but these days it's one of the best small vans around. The current version isn't technically new but rather a thorough overhaul of the 2003 model with a new look and a high quality interior. In terms of comfort and refinement, there's little else this size that can match the Caddy aside from the latest Ford Transit Connect.
Alongside the standard Caddy is a long wheebase version, the Caddy Maxi, but both are powered by the same engines - either a 1.6 TDI or a 2.0 TDI - the latter of which is also available with 4Motion four-wheel drive which is handy if you're going to be tackling more tricky conditions. Stick a set of winter tyres on when it turns cold and the Caddy 4Motion should prove great in the snow and ice.
Both these TDI engines - in their various power outputs - are common rail diesels which means they are far quieter and smoother than the older PD engines that the previous Caddy used. They are also Euro 5 compliant and available with Volkswagen's DSG automatic gearbox alongside the standard manual transmission. The most economical Caddy is the BlueMotion Technology with the 102PS version of the 1.6 TDI - it has an official economy figure of 55.4mpg.
In terms of practicality the Caddy is starting to show its age. The load area of both is narrower than many rivals and although you can fit a Euro pallet in, it has to go lengthways rather than widthways. The side door openings could also be bigger to make access easier. That said overall load volumes are good on paper with 3.2m3 for the Caddy and 4.2m3 for the Maxi. Payloads have increased and now range from 681kg to 766kg although that's still not as high as alternatives like the Ford Transit Connect.
Used Buying Guide - Volkswagen Caddy
A classy, well specified, fine driving van, the Caddy is a great used buy. However, there are a few well-known faults that you have to look out for when buying used, with DSG automatic gearboxes and EGR valves being problematic and costly to repair. |
|
Driving the Volkswagen Caddy (2010 – 2015)
The Caddy feels every inch the upmarket van it's billed as. Both diesel engines are quiet and refined yet still offer strong performance for their outputs. That said, the entry-level 1.6 TDI with 75PS and 225Nm of torque can feel like it's struggling if you have a full load on board. It's not too noticeable around town but getting up to speed on a dual carriageway can prove long-winded.
The more powerful 102PS 1.6 TDI is a much better option and offers the best combination of performance and economy in the range. Go for the BlueMotion Technology version - which gets revised gearing, low friction tyres, a start/stop system and brake energy recuperation - and claimed economy rises to 55.4mpg for the standard wheelbase version.
Despite the modest power figures, the more powerful 1.6 TDI engine is surprisingly quick in the Caddy, helped by 250Nm of torque. It still only has a five-speed gearbox, but it's easy to hustle the Caddy along if you need to. It will happily sit at 70mph on the motorway with very little noise, making it ideal for longer haul work.
Above that is the 2.0 TDI 110PS which comes exclusively with 4Motion four-wheel drive. If you're going to be towing or covering more demanding terrain then this could make a lot of sense, especially if you fit it with mud and snow tyres. The top engine is the 2.0 TDI with 140PS which manages 0-62mph in 10 seconds. It's a highly rated engine and turns the Caddy into a little rocket, helped by 320Nm of torque and a six-speed manual gearbox. Economy is still reasonable at 47.1mpg and it's a very relaxed engine on the motorway, barely breaking a sweat.
Volkswagen has worked hard to make its van range echo its car line-up, both in design and interiors. The same can also be said of the handling. The Caddy drives very much like a Volkswagen passenger car with well weighted steering and plenty of front end grip. It's impressively stable with a full load on board and on a country route it gives you plenty of confidence in its ability to tackle tight bends.
The ride is excellent too and it's a very comfortable van to travel in. At higher speeds it feels stable and on bumpy and undulating roads it keeps its composure well. Elements like the nicely weighted clutch and positive gear change have a solid feel to them, helping put the Caddy a cut above the majority of the competition.
In town the Caddy is ideal thanks to its impressive manoevrability. It has a turning circle of 11.1 m, while the extra length of the Caddy Maxi’s wheelbase increases its turning circle to 12.2 m. Another plus is that ESP comes as standard on all models.
Volkswagen Caddy (2010 – 2015) interior
This generation Caddy is essentially a revamped version of the 2003 model so it's not the newest van around and that does have an impact on versatility. You can just about squeeze a Euro pallet in the Caddy lengthways but most rivals have more room between the rear wheelarches so they are able to fit a pallet in widthways. The Caddy Maxi has more length but it's no wider and has the same issues, despite having an impressive overall load volume of 4.2m3.
On the plus side it does get six mounting rings in the floor plus a hardboard roof liner. The standard van has a sliding side door on the passenger side, while the Caddy Maxi range has sliding doors on both sides. These doors are 700 mm wide to make load access easier, but that's not as wide as vans like the Mercedes-Benz Citan and Renault Kangoo.At the back there are asymmetrically split, rear double-wing doors. The window van gets a tailgate instead. A second sliding side door is an option for the standard Caddy plus a rear tailgate can be specified, although we'd suggest sticking with the standard twin doors. The tailgate is big and it's not easy to open in tight spaces.
Loading and unloading is easier thanks to low load sills - less than 60cm for both the Caddy and Caddy Maxi while the Caddy BlueMotion Technology is even lower at 56cm due to its lowered suspension. However another area where the Caddy lags behind other small vans is payload. It can carry a maximum of 750kg whereas a Fiat Doblo Cargo XL can cope with 1000kg.
It's also disappointing that the Caddy doesn't come with a full steel bulkhead as standard. Unlike the majority of its rivals, the Volkswagen has a half-height version and although there's a plastic mesh at the top it's not as reassuring as having a full bulkhead. That said you can add the C20+ pack for a further £100 which gets you a full height bulkhead which is more secure and means there's less noise too. The pack also adds heavy duty suspension and opague glass for the rear doors.
Volkswagen Caddy (2010 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4406–4876 mm |
| Width | 1794 mm |
| Height | 1821–1886 mm |
| Load Volume | 1.6–4.2 m3 |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1477–1893 kg |
| Payload | 522–767 kg |
| Warranty | 36/100,000 24/Unlimited |
| Servicing | 18000 |
Combi Van
| Version | List Price | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kombi C20 1.6TDI 102 | £15,630 | 49.6 mpg | Details |
| Kombi C20 1.6TDI 102 DSG | £16,945 | 49.6 mpg | Details |
Crew Van
| Version | List Price | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kombi C20 1.6TDI 102PS | £15,310 | 49.6 mpg | Details |
| Kombi C20 1.6TDI 102PS DSG | £16,710 | 49.6 mpg | Details |
Maxi Panel Van
Panel Van
People Carrier
Window Van
| Version | List Price | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window Van C20 1.6TDI 102 | £15,430 | 49.6 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 1.6TDI 102 BlueMotion Tech | £15,840 | 55.4 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 1.6TDI 102 DSG | £16,745 | 49.6 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 1.6TDI 102 DSG BlueMotion Tech | £17,155 | 53.3 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 2.0TDI 110 4MOTION | £18,110 | 43.5 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 2.0TDI 140 | £17,370 | 47.1 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 2.0TDI 140 BlueMotion Tech | £17,780 | 50.4 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 2.0TDI 140 DSG | £18,685 | 44.8 mpg | Details |
| Window Van C20 2.0TDI 140 DSG BlueMotion Tech | £19,095 | 47.9 mpg | Details |
Model History
- July 2010: New Caddy and Caddy Maxi unveiled
- September 2010
- January 2012: Volkswagen Caddy Match launched
- October 2012: Volkswagen introduces Trendline and Highline models
- January 2014: Volkswagen Caddy BlueMotion launched
- September 2014: Caddy Black Edition introduced
July 2010
New Caddy and Caddy Maxi unveiled
The new generation models are refreshed with the latest frontal styling found across all new Volkswagens, such as the latest Polo and Transporter. There are also new rear light clusters, plus roof rails available for the first time, and the option of cornering lights. It is a similar story inside, where new instruments, steering wheels and audio/navigation systems plus the option of Bluetooth connectivity enhance the Caddy range with more quality and style.
Under the bonnet there is a completely new range of four of Volkswagen's latest common rail, four-cylinder TDI engines which are up to 13 per cent more fuel-efficient. This includes two 1.6-litre TDI engines producing 75PS and 102PS, plus two 2.0-litre TDI units producing 110PS and 140PS. These are quieter, more refined and economical, with cleaner Euro5 standard levels of emissions. Other new features introduced to the new generation Caddy include Volkswagen's latest seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
BlueMotion Technology models will now be available in the van and passenger-carrying models with the 1.6-litre engine, offering the ultimate in economy and low emissions. These use Start/Stop and battery regeneration systems to help deliver carbon dioxide emissions of as low as 129g/km and an average fuel consumption of up to 57mpg, giving a potential range of up to 735 miles on one tank of fuel.
September 2010
Prices for the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi were announced. They start at £12,100 excluding VAT for the 1.6-litre 75 PS TDI Caddy van while the Caddy Maxi starts at £14,050 excluding VAT for the entry-level model equipped with a 1.6-litre 102 PS TDI engine.
Standard equipment across the Caddy range includes Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), ABS Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control System (TCS), automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking, a driver's airbag, speed sensitive power steering, remote central locking and a CD stereo with
AUX-in socket.
January 2012
Volkswagen Caddy Match launched
The Caddy had its first ever special edition, the Match, offering value for money with a higher specification and stylish exterior. It comes with air conditioning, Bluetooth, a trip computer, electric windows, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, cruise control, wheel trims plus body-coloured bumpers and wing mirrors.
The Match trim is available for both the standard Caddy and the long wheelbase Caddy Maxi (except 4MOTION and EcoFuel models) with prices starting from £14,110 (ex. VAT) and £16,060 (ex. VAT) respectively.
October 2012
Volkswagen introduces Trendline and Highline models
The Caddy Trendline gained specification worth up to £1,555 (plus VAT), with a premium of £900 (plus VAT) over the standard model, representing a customer saving of over £650.
The Caddy Trendline gets Bluetooth connectivity, an upgraded CD/radio with ParkPilot display for rear parking sensors, cruise control, electric windows, height adjustable passenger seat, heated and electrically operated door mirrors, storage compartments under the front seats, vanity mirrors in the sun visors and a cover for the dashboard centre storage compartment. Externally, the Trendline is enhanced with wheel trims and body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors and door handles.
Similarly, the Caddy Highline costs £1,900 (plus VAT) more than the standard model, with additional specification worth up to £3,245 (plus VAT). This includes all the Trendline enhancements, plus Climatic air conditioning, a leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, alloy wheels, front fog lights and an alarm.
January 2014
Volkswagen Caddy BlueMotion launched
The cleanest and most fuel-efficient Caddy panel van ever produced is available to order from February with prices starting from just £14,600 (basic RRP ex. VAT). Available in short-wheelbase panel van form only, the Caddy BlueMotion is powered by a frugal 1.6-litre TDI common rail direct injection engine that develops 102 PS and 250 Nm of torque.
Fuel consumption figure of 61.4mpg (combined) – 6mpg more than the already fuel-efficient Caddy with BlueMotion Technology and 11.8mpg better than the base Caddy. With its 60-litre fuel tank, it can travel over 800 miles. Based on an annual mileage of 30,000 and an average diesel price of 140p per litre, the new Caddy model delivers a fuel cost saving of £744 over the standard 1.6-litre TDI 102 PS model. CO2emissions are 119 g/km.
The new model achieves its remarkable efficiency through the sleek, aerodynamic body design combined with Volkswagen’s standard BlueMotion Technology features – Cruise Control, Hill-Hold Assist, Start/Stop and Energy Recuperation – plus three additional new BlueMotion design and engineering advancements. 15-inch reduced rolling resistance tyres, reduced ride height by 27 mm to reduce drag and more efficient engine control.
In addition to its advanced fuel-saving features, the new Caddy BlueMotion introduces a number of styling features to differentiate it from the rest of the range. New multi-spoke 15-inch wheel covers, body-coloured side guard strips and a black and blue coloured trim fabric are particular to the BlueMotion model.
September 2014
Caddy Black Edition introduced
The limited edition model is based on the Highline specification but includes £2150 of additional equipment, representing a customer saving of £1350. The striking new model goes on sale 1 October and is available until 31 December 2014.
The Caddy Black Edition gets Deep Black Pearlescent paint, unique black and polished 17-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails and radiator grille surround. There is also a multi-functional steering wheel, leather gear knob and gaiter, heated wing mirrors and electric windows as standard.
Available in short-wheelbase panel van form only, the Caddy Black Edition is powered by a frugal 1.6-litre TDI common rail direct injection engine that develops 102PS and 250Nm of torque, and is offered with a five-speed manual transmission. BlueMotion Technology - which includes hill-hold assist, energy recuperation and start/stop - means drivers can expect fuel economy of 55.4mpg combined and emissions of 134g/km.
To give the Black Edition a sportier appearance and improved handling the Dynamic Suspension reduces the ride height by 27mm. Inside, the seats are trimmed in leather and Alcantara while the cabin is separated from the load cube by a full-height solid bulkhead. The new Caddy Black Edition goes on sale from 1 October with an on-the-road price tag of £17,860 (ex. VAT).
