Destined to make its local debut in November, ahead of its introduction, VWSA has revealed the different trim levels and standard features for the eagerly awaited fifth-generation Caddy.
Let’s kick-off with the engine range - two powertrains (one petrol and one diesel) will be made available. The petrol is a 1.6-litre which produces 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque. Coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, it’s capable of achieving a claimed consumption figure of 7.3 L/100 km. VW says this engine will be available in the Caddy, Caddy Kombi (SWB) and Caddy Cargo (SWB) variants.
The 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel boasts the same amount of power, but a healthy extra dose of torque. 300 Nm of twist is available and, like the petrol derivative, is mated to a six-speed manual. Fuel consumption is superior, rated at 5.5. The diesel engine is available in more models - Caddy, Caddy Maxi (LWB), Caddy Kombi (SWB), Caddy Maxi Kombi (LWB), Caddy Cargo (SWB) and Caddy Maxi Cargo (LWB) are all available with this powertrain.
The Caddy and Caddy Maxi come with LED head- and taillamps as standard, while body-coloured bumpers (front and rear) give an upmarket look. To personalise your people move, Volkswagen is offering up to 12 paint colour choices and the option to upsize your alloys to 16-inches. An optional panoramic sunroof is also available.
The more practical, robust Kombi range does without the regular Caddy’s LED lights (although they can be added as an option) and colour coded bumpers. Kombi models also receive steel wheels and an electronic parking brake. A number of optional extras are available to add some luxury touches to your Kombi, including a reversing camera, 16-inch alloys and a multi-function steering wheel. Rear wing doors are also an option.
Aimed at the business and commercial market is the Cargo range. Available as both a regular model and a Maxi LWB, they offer plenty of packing space for delivery drivers and the like. The LWB has a cavernous 3 700 L of space while the shorter model still has an impressive 3 100 L. Unlike the other models, the Cargo has H7 Halogen headlamps and - while more utilitarian in terms of equipment - has a brake assist system and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.
VW is yet to announce pricing for the Caddy range, but notes that both the Caddy and Caddy Maxi come standard with a three-year/120 000 km warranty/ The rest of the range receives a two-year/unlimited warranty. The entire range, however, comes standard with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, while service intervals are set at 15 000 km.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Volkswagen Caddy cost in South Africa?
VWSA hasn't released official pricing yet, but expect the entry-level Caddy with the 1.6-litre petrol engine to start around R450,000, while the diesel variants will likely kick off from R480,000, with the range-topping Maxi models pushing closer to R550,000.
Q: Is the new Volkswagen Caddy worth buying?
Absolutely, the fifth-generation Caddy offers excellent versatility with both petrol and diesel options, impressive fuel economy of 5.5L/100km in diesel form, and a comprehensive range from passenger to cargo variants that should suit most South African buyers' needs.
Q: What engine options are available in the new Volkswagen Caddy?
The new Caddy comes with two engine choices: a 1.6-litre petrol producing 81kW and 152Nm, and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 81kW but a more muscular 300Nm of torque, both paired with six-speed manual transmissions.
Q: When will the new Volkswagen Caddy be available in South Africa?
VWSA has confirmed the fifth-generation Caddy will arrive in South African showrooms by November 2024, with multiple variants including regular, Maxi, Kombi, and Cargo models available from launch.
Q: What's the difference between Caddy, Kombi, and Cargo variants?
The standard Caddy is the premium people mover with LED lights and body-coloured bumpers, the Kombi is more practical with steel wheels and optional rear wing doors, while the Cargo variants are commercial workhorses offering up to 3,700L of loading space in Maxi LWB form.
Should You Buy It?
The best commercial van under R500,000 in SA is shaping up to be the new Volkswagen Caddy, and you should definitely consider it when it arrives in November. With proven German engineering, excellent fuel economy of 5.5L/100km in diesel form, and a comprehensive range covering everything from family transport to commercial cargo hauling, the Caddy ticks all the right boxes. The 2.0-litre TDI with 300Nm of torque will be the pick of the range for most buyers, offering the perfect balance of performance and efficiency. At an expected starting price around R480,000 for diesel variants, it's positioned competitively against rivals like the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200, while offering superior build quality and resale value that Volkswagen is known for in South Africa.
