Volkswagen introduces Caddy Beach camper
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 19th Jul 2018
VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles Australia has made a return to the camper van market with the launch of the Caddy Beach that will roll into Australian showrooms in quarter four from $44,990 plus on-roads.
Based on the long-wheelbase Caddy Maxi Trendline, the Caddy Beach adds a number of features for lovers of the outdoors.
With seating for five, the rear seats of the Caddy Beach can fold forward to accommodate a built-in fold-out bed, while a walk-through tent attached to the rear tailgate increases space for occupants and their gear.
Other camping-style equipment standard on the Caddy Beach includes two folding camping chairs and a table, rear fold-down tray tables for rear passengers, window blinds, a rechargeable torch and four storage bags mounted on the inside of the rear windows.
From the outside, the Caddy Beach is distinguishable by 17-inch Canyon alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlights, tinted rear windows and tail-lights, black roof rails and special ‘Beach’ decals. The Beach will be available in six different hues.
Volkswagen’s Composition Media infotainment system with AppConnect is standard, as is a colour multifunction display and six speakers.
Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and foglights with cornering function.
Power comes courtesy of a 92kW/220Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia marketing manager Nick Reid said the Caddy Beach builds on Volkswagen’s historic camper van legacy.
“With the iconic and ubiquitous Kombi van, Volkswagen forged a strong connection with travellers and explorers around the world,” he said.
“The Caddy Beach continues this tradition with the latest in engineering and technology.”
The current-generation Caddy landed Down Under in 2015, and through the first half of 2018 it has dominated the small van segment with 1112 sales, accounting for a 65.9 per cent segment share and comfortably ahead of the Renault Kangoo (432) and Citroen Berlingo (101).
More details about Caddy Beach including concrete timing will be released closer to its launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
