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Some of us need a practical vehicle. Yes, we’d all like to drive a fabulous looking sports car or a high-rise SUV, but having responsibilities calls for an in-charge and reliable vehicle – one with a diverse level of carrying capabilities. VW’s call to action, their four-generation Caddy. It is made in Poland and they’ve sold 23 400 in South Africa since they were first launched.

It may be functional but it is no ugly duckling. At first glance it could be called boxy, top heavy and a bit fussy but understanding that the car was designed with practicality in mind, one can forgive it for its proportions.

After a closer inspection, you’ll notice that the Caddy wears a striking new look that incorporates the very latest Volkswagen design language. This attention to detail can be seen in its linear lines that VW is using on all their cars. These lines can be easily seen in the grille, LED head lights and flattened bonnet – the result is modern. As a result, new VW’s appear wider, lower and more sophisticated than ever before.

The new Caddy is available in four derivatives. Panel Van and Crew Bus that appeals to commercial customers. Trendline and Alltrack, which replaces Cross Caddy, are aimed at private customers. Payload ratings from 741 kg to 815 kg for Panel Van.

On the inside there’s not much to fault, a lot of thought went into making this car easy to drive and a pleasure to drive.  It’s got “family friendly” written all over it - featuring cup holders, 12v sockets, storage compartments and practical seating arrangements. Having driven it on a gravel road there were no notable rattles at all which is commendable as most cars like this rattle. Something we’ve come to expect from VW is a great build quality and an ease of ownership, the Caddy is no different.

So what’s it like on the road? Surprising, really!

When looking at the Caddy you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking it could be a sluggish mom’s taxi. This isn’t the case, especially for the flagship 2.0 TDI, which offers a handsome 103kW of muscular power. Although I have not reviewed the entry level 1.6l or less powerful 2.0l turbo diesel, I’m sure they will confidently power the Caddy adequately.

The Caddy is fitted with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed DSG gearbox. Having reviewed the 6-speed DSG I can attest to it being a pleasure to drive in town, on the highway or for long drives. This gearbox is paired exclusively with the range-topping turbocharged diesel engine (320Nm) which means it has enough power to get you out of a tight spot. If that’s not enough, flick the gear knob into Sports mode and the gearbox acts like it is Michael Schumacher and the Caddy gets even more exciting to drive. VW claims a fuel consumption of around 6.3 l/100km of fuel on the combined cycle but if you're going to drive it like Michael expect higher figures around 8.5 l/100km.

After driving Hyundai's H1 Bus the week prior and although I know the Caddy is smaller, it feels a lot more nimble on the road by comparison. It doesn’t feel like you are driving a big car at all and it carries itself well in corners and feels solid and secure on the road.

So, what do you get for your money? It is a bit pricey, especially in top guise models. Keep in mind though that pricier models are well endowed with quality driver aids and mod-cons.

Pro’s

• Practical- carries up to seven passengers
• Offers a variety of features
• Comfortable
• Great DSG gearbox
• Refined 103kW engine

Con’s

• Expensive
• As a family vehicle (Maxi Trendline guise) although functional it lacks sex appeal

Pricing

Panel Van

Caddy Panel Van 1.6i 81kW - R238 700

Caddy Panel Van 2.0 TDI 81kW - R271 000

Caddy Maxi Panel Van 2.0 TDI 81kW - R295 200

Caddy Maxi Panel Van Sport 2.0 TDI 81kW - R319 100

Caddy Maxi Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG - R323 700

Crew Bus

Caddy Crew Bus 1.6i 81kW - R231 300

Caddy Crew Bus 2.0 TDI 81kW - R275 900

Caddy Maxi Crew Bus 2.0 TDI 81kW - R308 700

Caddy Maxi Crew Bus 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG - R337 200

Trendline

Caddy Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW - R358 200

Caddy Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW - R377 300

Caddy Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG - R407 200

Alltrack

Caddy Alltrack 2.0 TDI 81kW - R372 700

Caddy Alltrack 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG - R402 900

Warranty and service

The new Caddy Panel Van and Crew Bus (except 1.6 with 81kW – service plan optional) come standard with a 2 year/unlimited kilometres warranty and a 3-year/60 000km Automotion Service Plan.

The new Caddy Trendline (including Alltrack) comes standard with 3 year/120 000-kilometre manufacturer warranty and a 3-year/60 000km Automotion Service Plan.

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

http://www.vw.co.za/en.html