Call me Sexy, not Caddy...

The Caddy's styling takes its lead from the trendy Amarok.

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But that is what a caddy is meant to do - carry things. That's why it is a pity that Volkswagen persists with bundling its delightful passenger-bearing Caddy vehicles under the same umbrella as its load-bearers.

This means that the public tends to associate the name Caddy with vehicles that move things rather than people - and that is really a very unfair because the four new people carrier models are poles apart from the four new load-hauling fellow Caddy models which have just arrived in this country.

Bearing the Caddy name is especially hard on the latest passenger models because the wagons designed for people rather than things are so good that it is easy to prefer them to saloons and hatches.

After having driven two of the new Caddy passenger vehicles I would happily spend the next few years in a Caddy rather than in a new Golf (on whose underpinnings the Caddy rides on in any case).

Glued and screwed... and stylish

I know it is rather hackneyed by now but the Caddy now really feels like a saloon with an interior which is typically classy VW; solidly glued and screwed together, easy on the eye and the gauges and dials are attractively displayed and logical to use.

Even more important, they look much, much more stylish than their rather duller load-hauling siblings. Compared to the work-horses they should be called Sexy, not Caddy.

It's got everything that opens and shuts.

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For the purpose of this article I will focus on the passenger carriers in the new range, being the entry-level Caddy Trendline 1.6i 75kW, the Caddy Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW, the Caddy Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW and the Caddy Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG.

I drove the "baby" 81kW 2 litre Trendline diesel and the bigger Maxi Trendline with the same engine on a fairly pleasant route in Jozi when the new range was introduced to the motoring Media and although I was impressed with both, my choice would be the smaller of the two models.

Small? Forget it!

Having said that, the smaller vehicle is anything but small. The cabin is spacious enough for four (maybe even five) adults, plus all their luggage for a week away.

For the first time the second row of seats can now be removed and the cabin is upgraded with new upholstery, steering wheel and controls.

It is now also available with two to seven seats, depending on model and specification.

The new seat configuration makes it possible to remove from the back of the vehicle not only the third-row bench seat (optional on Crew Bus and Trendline and standard on Maxi Trendline) but the second row of seats as well.

Making it less van-like and more like a car inside are full upholstery and improved side and floor coverings.

There's bags of room.

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The new steering column is fully adjustable, so finding a suitable driving position is easy. The vehicle also offers the same kind of high-riding driving position so popular in MPV and SUV's.

Good news, particularly from a safety point of view, is that the new power steering system is electro-mechanical which makes the cute vans even easier to drive and most importantly, makes it easier to make corrections when driving in side winds or on roads with a camber to one side.

In combination with ESP the steering system also provides countersteer assistance in critical situations.

Quiet

The two Caddy models I drove rode pleasantly on firm, but not jumpy-thumpy, suspension, and acceleration through the gears was effortless, even when overtaking in top gear (both vehicles have five-speed manual boxes and only the more powerful 103kW comes with a six-speed DSG transmission).

I was particularly impressed by the overall low noise intrusion, particularly as a perky oil-burning, turbocharged engine powers them.

With the commercial model, loading from the the rear or either side is a breeze.

But then VW are masters at producing good common rail direct injection 2 litre diesel engines that are both quiet and fuel-efficient.

This model really feels as good as the Golf on the road and even though it's high profile doesn't make it as dynamic as the car, it certainly doesn't lack confidence, even when you've got the whip out.

'Hello, officer... Was I speeding?'

I managed to get to go-to-jail speeds without even realising it and without having to row very hard with my left arm. It really is a delightful vehicle to drive and I reckon it could become the cause of a few arguments in a family home between daddy wanting to go to work in it and mummy claiming it for school taxi, shopping, or "coffee with the ladies" duty.

A particularly popular feature of the Caddy has always been its rear sliding door which makes getting in and out of the back effortless, even for Grandpa Gerard and his walking stick and Uncle Robin with the bad back.

The bigger Caddy felt very much the same in the handling department although the suspension was noticeably stiffer because it is designed to carry more people in its role as shuttle service vehicle and other, probably more commercial, purposes.

Going, going, gone...

However, with a full load of passengers and luggage on board and the same engine under the hood, the going might not be as smooth and as enthusiastic as the smaller van, particularly up in the thin air of the reef.

The Caddy was launched in South Africa in the last quarter of 2004 and has to date sold over 13 000 units (commercial and passenger models). Since 2006, Caddy Panel Van's average market share has been 57%.

Moreover, it is easy to understand why when you look at the latest version which will no doubt be the next chapter in this VW success story.

It's a delightful vehicle to drive and could become the cause of a few arguments in a family home.

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Some of its many attractive features include ESP, daytime running lights, electromechanical power steering and an anti-theft alarm system, and styling that takes its lead from the trendy Amarok with the radiator grille and headlights forming a single unit and the horizontal lines of the grille continuing all the way into the headlight clusters.

Depending on the model, the bumper is finished either in anthracite or vehicle body colour with sunken fog lights with a cornering light function (optional on commercial models and standard on Trendline models).

Sexy...

Sporty alloys are now also part of the design package and at the rear the new two-part winged tailgate adds to the practicality of the Caddy, whether for commercial or private and recreational use.

To add to the Caddy's appeal are a range of sexy new colours, including seven base colours and eight metallic paint hues.
In addition to an extensive range of standard features, there is also along list of extra options to personalise the vehicle of your choice (see below).

Prices

The full model range with prices which include emission tax on the passenger models are:

The new Caddy commercial models come standard with a two- year/unlimited kilometres warranty and passenger models come standard with three-year/120 000km manufacturer warranty. Service and maintenance plans are optional on all models.

All models also have a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000km service intervals.

The clever boykies at Volkswagen have definitely put on their thinking caps with the new Caddy and it is strides ahead of all its predecessors and whatever competitors there are out there.

Certainly from a passenger vehicle perspective I reckon the Caddy has elevated itself into a serious proposition for family duties and fun and recreational activities.

It is a solid, good value for money, fun to drive option that should not be overlooked by anybody looking for a vehicle in this category.

Optional features

The new Caddy offers a wide range of optional features for comfort and convenience.

They are:
• Towbar
• Comfort package for commercial models (cruise control, foglights and multifunction display)
• Comfort package for passenger models (cruise control, 'Coming and leaving home function', light and rain sensor, auto dimming rear light)
• Communication package (multi function leather steering wheel, RCD 310 Radio/CD, Bluetooth mobile phone prep) - only available in passenger models

Check at your local dealers for further information.

Specifications

Volkswagen Caddy UK Launch

2011 VW Caddy

The new VW Caddy

VW Caddy EuroNCAP crash test