This Caddy is actually a bit of everything. That’s its main attraction. We put it to the test.
Is it a van? Is it a car? Is it a bus? Nope. It’s actually a bit of all of the above. In fact the Volkswagen Caddy 1.0 TSI Trendline is really what you want to make of it. And it has a bit of everything too.
FRUGAL AND FUN TURBO LITRE ENGINE
The big news this time around happens to be under the bonnet. Where VW’s cheeky little 75 kW 175 Nm turbo litre triple takes over from the old atmo four-pot petrol lump paired to a five-speed manual ‘box to deliver most impressive 5.6 litre 100km. consumption.
Not a hell of a lot else has changed – this people’s Caddy remains an interesting little vhehicle that delivers van space, car-like handling and bus versatility to cap a trio of clichés. All of which this little Volkswagen aces.
Caddy feels light, brisk and effortless and benefits a command raised seating position with the controls higher positioned too. For ergonomic harmony. The accent is on space, where cavernous storage pockets match this versatile critter’s taller stance.
VAN SWINGS, CAR ROUNDABOUTS
So it yaws slightly more when you press a little. But with a tight turning circle its manoeuvrable. Large windows provide great visibility and sliding doors improve ingress to flexible seating configuration. Even that drone from the once rattly parcel tray atop the driver’s head is much better
It looks the part with those 16-inch Bendigo alloys, optional Bi-xenon headlamps complete with daytime running lights, a cornering assistant by night and fog lamps too. And those black roof rails and darkened tail lights make for maximum Vader effect.
Caddy further detaches itself from its commercial image by a generous helping of on-board tech and other cool bits and pieces.
PACKED WITH PROPER KIT
This Caddy packed power windows and wing mirrors, a Composition Media radio with a touchscreen multi-function display and climatic air conditioning. Height adjustable front pews have under-seat storage and there’s a heated rear window too.
Our tester also came fully stacked with even more bonus kit. Like front and rear Park Distance Control complete with a rear view camera, cruise control, a removable towbar, a so-called Light & Sight Package and a leather multifunction steering wheel. To really make that infotainment pop.
At the end of the day, Carry is still a van at heart. But it lacks for nothing and the people who will consider such a mode of transport won’t want to be hobbled by the confines of a car anyway. But there’s enough car here to keep them happy. And a fair bit of bus and van too. – Michele Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Volkswagen Caddy 1.0 TSI Trendline Engine: 75 kW 175 Nm 1-litre turbo petrol I3 Drive: 5-speed manual FWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h: 5.11 sec 0-100 km/h: 12.11 sec 0-120 km/h: 19.70 sec 400m: 18.1 sec @ 121 km/h 80-120 km/h: 9.33 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 170 km/h Fuel: 5.6 l/100 km CO2: 128 g/km Warranty/Service: 3y 120K/3y 60K km LIST PRICE: R409K RATED: 7
