Funky VW Cross Caddy not for Oz

VOLKSWAGEN unveiled a lifestyle-oriented, ruggedised version of its Caddy compact van at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hanover – but there are no plans to bring it to Australia.

Available in the Scirocco coupe’s lurid Viper Green exterior paint finish and fitted with stylish 17-inch two-tone ‘Canyon’ alloy wheels, the Cross Caddy also features unpainted black plastic lower body cladding to convey its outdoorsy intentions.

Contrasting with the black plastic are silver roof rails and silver plates on the front and rear bumpers – hinting at the presence of underbody protection – along with metallic psuedo side-steps on the sills.

Smoked tail-light clusters and privacy glass for the rear windows complete the look.

Inside the cabin – available with five-seat or seven-seat options – are two-tone fabrics matching the nine available exterior colours and air vents finished in gloss black.

Meanwhile the steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake lever are wrapped in leather.

#gallery#Although the Cross Caddy’s name and styling suggest off-road intentions, VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is optional.

A range of engines are offered in Europe, with outputs ranging from 63kW to 125kW across petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG fuel types.

AWD has been available on the Caddy in Australia since it was introduced at the Melbourne motor show in July last year, commanding a $3500 premium over top-spec variants of the long-wheelbase Maxi van and seven-seat Maxi Life people-mover.

Although Australians will miss out on the Cross Caddy, a similarly styled-up, limited-run Caddy Edition 30 – celebrating three decades of the commercial vehicle nameplate – will be launched on Volkswagen Australia’s Sydney show stand next month.

Also unveiled at Hanover was the Mercedes-Benz Citan, a fuel-efficient Caddy competitor that is based on the Renault Kangoo which will arrive in Australia late next year.