Tough tyke Cross joins Caddy clan

The Kombi is the bestselling derivative in VW's T5 range with 8,600 of them having been sold locally since its introduction in 2004. Buyers wanting the newly-introduced transmission set up have the choice between the Trendline and Comfortline eight-seaters.

At the media introduction I drove the 2.0-litre TDi 103kW model and was particularly impressed with its new DSG set-up which is quick and smooth - and even automatically changes down gears under braking. The seventh gear serves as a long-ratio overdrive so that it reduces engine speed, fuel consumption, emissions and noise.

Although we were only two-up on the launch drive, the large vehicle felt lively enough not to struggle when carrying a full load of a driver and seven passengers on board, thanks to 340Nm which come into play from as low as 1750rpm.

Top notch build quality and finish

VW claims a top speed of 172km/h for this big people-hauler and a fuel consumption figure of 8.0-litres per 100km in the combined cycle. It's a stylish-looking vehicle and the build quality and finish is top notch. On top of that, it is spacious and comfortable inside and the ride is pleasant with the occupants cocooned in a well-insulated cabin.

Buyers can choose between short wheel base and long wheel base and the equipment levels are good on both versions, including nice touches such as sun roller blinds on the side windows, grab handles, flexible seating, armrests, electric windows, central locking with remote control and other standard and optional extras.

Although already on the pricey side at R474,300 in standard format, the test vehicle I drove had several extras such as larger wheels, darkened windows, park distance control, floor carpets, as well as communication and comfort packages, all of which pushed its price up to R522,000.

At the introduction of the two new VW's I also drove the new five-speed 2.0-litre TDi Cross Caddy which kicks out 81kW and 250Nm and will gallop to 170km/h. VW claims it will sip a mere 5.7-litres in the combined cycle.

Smooth transmission in Cross Caddy

Obviously, both in size and usage, the two vehicles are poles apart and have totally different characteristics, but I found the new little Caddy particularly appealing - and at R340,600 (R360,000 with optional extras) it is also considerably less expensive than the larger Kombi.

Typically of VW, the Cross Caddy transmission is smooth. The cabin is airy and surprisingly spacious for the vehicle's size. Our test car was fitted with the optional extra Parking Distance Control which I would highly recommend in spite of its R4,050 price tag.

The Cross Caddy has cute make-up touches such as 17-inch Canyon wheels and black fairings on the wheel housings, silver roof rails and underbody protection, dark trim along the sides and on the bumpers which are strong tough tyke touches to make the Cross stand out from the rest of the van-like Caddy clan.

Attractive and handy features of the living quarters are the multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel, central locking, cargo nets in the roof frame, heated front seats, a good radio/CD system, air vents painted in high-gloss black with silver surrounds, two-toned front seats and leather accents with grey seams on the gear shift grip and parking brake lever.

Driver and passenger pleasures include cruise control, hill hold assist, Bluetooth, light and rain sensors plus 24 storage and drinks compartments.

Standard passive safety features are front, side and head airbags, Isofix child seat fittings at the outer second row seats, daytime running lights and a removable second seat row. The Cross Caddy can be ordered as standard five-seater or optional seven-seater.

Optional service plans are available for the Cross Caddy but the Kombi's prices include an Automotion Maintenance Plan. The price of the Cross Caddy, which includes a three-year/120,000km warranty, is R340,600. The prices of the Kombi range, which includes the same warranties as above, are:

• Kombi 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG Trendline SWB - R474,300
  
• Kombi 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG Comfortline SWB - R536,500
  
• Kombi 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG LWB - R544,500