New 2015 VW Caddy gets safer, greener and prettier too
Volkswagen's next-gen Caddy commercial vehicle gets updated looks, new safety tech and improved efficiency
Volkswagen has announced details for the fourth-generation Caddy light commercial vehicle ahead of its UK release in mid-2015. The Ford Transit Connect rival gets a fresh design inside and out, as well as new driver assistance systems and Euro 6 compliant engines.
The firm says the latest Caddy will build on the success of the third-generation model, which has sold over 1.5 million units in its eleven year lifespan. Therefore exterior changes are mild, with new head and tail lights, revised bumpers front and rear, a redesigned tailgate and new smooth side panels. The passenger carrying model also gets tinted rear windows.
Inside, the changes are more noticeable, with a new dashboard, updated switchgear borrowed from more expensive VW passenger car models and classier materials. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, once the preserve of high-performance VW Group models, also features. There are new infotainment and navigations systems available too.
The Caddy engine range is now compliant with EU6 regulations, with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit in three power outputs of 74bhp, 101bhp and 148bhp. A Caddy Bluemotion model will also appear, which the firm claims will be capable of over 70mpg. Unusually, some Euro 5 diesel engines will remain, possibly with a lower pricetag.
A range of new safety technology will be optional for the first time, including the familiar Front Assist monitoring system with City Emergency Braking. This feature automatically applies the brakes if it detects an imminent low-speed collision. It can also detect other obstacles after a high-speed crash and continue applying the brakes.
Other optional kit on the new Volkswagen Caddy includes Light Assist and Driver Alert systems, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, Park Assist and an automated parking system. VW says the new Caddy will arrive in June in Germany, with UK sales starting soon after. Pricing will be confirmed prior to release.
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