24 Aug 2018
By
VOLKSWAGEN launched the heavily revamped version of the 2KN third-gen Caddy in late 2015, but only in petrol guises pending the outcome of the diesel stop-sale due to the emissions cheating crisis.
The redesigned range of commercial van and people-mover vehicles from Poland promises significant improvements to performance, economy, efficiency, refinement, practicality, safety and comfort.
Central to all that is a new 92kW/220Nm 1.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo powertrain as per the Golf, bringing with it a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission option in lieu of a standard six-speed manual – the first time buyers can specify a petrol auto in the series.
More models are coming in early 2016, including a 62kW/160Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder TSI160 Caddy Runner manual as the entry-level van, offered in a single-spec manual. The TDI diesels in question are a 75kW 1.6-litre and (circa) 110kW 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel models (traditionally the bestsellers with more than 80 per cent of all volume), completing the MY16 Caddy rollout.
The new larger petrol drivetrain with DSG reflects the Caddy’s adoption of Volkswagen Group’s up-to-date MQB modular transverse platform drivetrain technology, although this new C4 generation is really only a heavily modified version of the Mk3 2KN-series van that surfaced in 2004.
Consequently it gains a raft of upgrades, including idle-stop, Multi Collision Braking, Fatigue Detection, and driver-assist devices like Autonomous Emergency Braking, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Everything else is as per the previous Caddy, meaning two wheelbase dimensions (2682mm and 3006mm Maxi respectively), with the latter resulting in a 47mm longer body, for a one cubic metre boost in cargo space. There is also a Maxi Crewvan with five seats.
The front-drive platform employs the old Golf V’s beefed-up MacPherson strut front end, while a leaf-spring set-up on all variants brings strength as well as flat rear floor section.
Stylistically the Caddy looks extremely similar to its MY11-15 2KN predecessor, and most body panels are shared save for the redesigned headlights, grille, bumpers, tail-lights and lift-up tailgate sheetmetal. The dash has also been restyled, with a more car-like appearance.
