The Volkswagen Caddy is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle (M-segment) produced by the German automaker Volkswagen Group since 1980. It is sold in Europe and in other markets around the world. The Volkswagen Caddy was first introduced in North America in 1980 and in Europe in 1982. The first and second generations also had pick-up (coupe utility) variants.
The Caddy came to fruition when Volkswagen of America was experimenting with Golf derivatives, developing an estate and a pickup truck with a 1.83m-long (6.0ft) bed.[1]:28 VW of America's engineering team was led by Duane Miller, who acknowledged the initial design was completed in partnership with Sheller Globe.[2]
Volkswagen of America was interested in the pickup, and Volkswagen released the Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup in North America, produced at the Volkswagen Westmoreland Assembly Plant in Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1984.[1]:28 Trim levels such as LX and Sportruck were available.[3]
In North America, the Rabbit Pickup was equipped with one of two engines: originally a 1.6-litre petrol engine, joined by a 1.5-litre diesel for 1980. These were soon replaced by a 1.6 diesel with 52hp (39kW) or a 1.7 petrol engine with 78hp (58kW).[4] One unique feature of the diesel was that it came with a five-speed gearbox, with the fifth gear, carrying a 0.76:1 ratio, labeled as E for "Economy". Fuel consumption was rated at 23/32mpg‑US (10.2/7.4L/100km) on the EPA city/highway cycles for the petrol engine with the four-speed manual and a corresponding 41/54mpg‑US (5.7/4.4L/100km) for the five-speed diesel.[2] Observed fuel consumption for the diesel with no load and driven at a steady 35mph (56km/h) in fifth gear was 57.6mpg‑US (4.08L/100km), dropping to 38.9mpg‑US (6.05L/100km) at 55mph (89km/h).[5] The maximum interior width of the bed was 64.4in (1,640mm) and the rated payload was 1,100lb (500kg).[2] In Canada and many other markets outside of the United States, a turbodiesel version was also available.
The first cars under the name Rabbit Pickup were sold in the United States in late 1979 for the 1980 model year, delayed from a planned spring 1979 rollout.[6] It was not sold as the Caddy until three years later, when the model was introduced to Europe as the Caddy. Cosmetically, the North American Rabbit Pickup had rectangular headlamps, while the rest of the world received round headlamps.[1]:28
The Caddy nameplate was never used in North America. Its first use was in 1982, when the vehicle was released in Europe. European Caddys were built in Volkswagen's plant TAS in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (at the time SFR Yugoslavia), between 1982 and 1992.[1]:28 A fibreglass-reinforced plasticbox cap was available to cover the open bed, turning the Caddy into a small panel van with an enclosed 2.65m3 (94cuft) of cargo volume,[8] and it also could be used as a caravan with an appropriate in-bed unit.[1]:28
The original Caddy also was produced in Uitenhage, South Africa, from 1981 until 2007,[1]:28 alongside the first generation Golf itself (which was sold until 2009).
Worldwide production of the first-generation Typ14 Rabbit Pickup/Caddy totaled more than 207,000 vehicles.[1]:28 For the pickup truck market, Volkswagen sold the Taro, a rebranded Toyota Hilux, from 1989 to 1997;[9] the Caddy name continued in 1995 as a slightly smaller panel van and multi-purpose vehicle developed with Škoda and SEAT.
Engine specs
The 1979–1984 Caddy pickup used the following engines:[citation needed]
International
1.5 EA827: 51kW (69PS; 68bhp), 110N⋅m (81lbf⋅ft) at 2500rpm[10]
1.6 EA827: 55kW (75PS; 74bhp), 125N⋅m (92lbf⋅ft) at 2500rpm[8]
1.6 diesel EA827: 40kW (54hp; 54PS), 100N⋅m (74lbf⋅ft) at 2300rpm[10][8]
1.6 turbodiesel
North America
1.6 49-state: EA827: 78hp (58kW) at 5500rpm, 84.1lb⋅ft (114.0N⋅m) at 3200rpm (1979–1980, FI)
1.6 California: 76hp (57kW) at 5500rpm, 82.7lb⋅ft (112.1N⋅m) at 3200rpm (1979–1980, FI with catalytic converter)
1.7 49-state: EA827: 78hp (58kW) at 5500rpm, 88.2lb⋅ft (119.6N⋅m) at 3000rpm (1981–1984, FI)
1.7 California: 74hp (55kW) at 5000rpm, 89.6lb⋅ft (121.5N⋅m) at 3000rpm (1981–1984, FI with catalytic converter)
1.7 petrol
1.5 diesel: 48hp (36kW) at 5000rpm, 56.5lb⋅ft (76.6N⋅m) at 3000rpm at 5000rpm (1980)
1.6 diesel EA827: 52hp (39kW) at 4800rpm, 71.5lb⋅ft (96.9N⋅m) at 3000rpm[5] (1981-1984)
Released in 1995, the Volkswagen Caddy Typ 9K, or Volkswagen Polo Caddy, was a light van, designed by Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary SEAT, and derived from the SEAT Ibiza 6K, on the Volkswagen Group A03 platform. The area of the cargo floor is 2.6m2 (28sqft), while the loading volume is 2.9m3 (102cuft). Typical payload is 550kg (1,210lb), depending on drivetrain and market specifics, and the two rear cargo doors are of a 60/40 split design. Safety features were improved from the previous generation, reflecting a changing market: Driver airbag was standard and a passenger airbag was optional, ABS and what Volkswagen called an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) was also available. In spite of the name, EDL is not a true differential lock: sensors monitor wheel speeds, and if one is rotating substantially faster than the other (i.e., slipping), the EDL system momentarily brakes it. This effectively transfers all the power to the other wheel. Air conditioning was an available option.
It was built in Spain, at the Martorell factory of SEAT, from 1996 to 2004. Its twin, the SEAT Inca, was quickly phased out when the SEAT marque was realigned as the "sporty" branch of the Volkswagen Group.
It was in production in Argentina until 2008 for the Latin American market.[11] In 2005 the Argentinian-made Caddy (called the Derby Van or Pointer Van, depending on the market) received a facelift which was never sold in Europe, with a front treatment similar to that of the Polo Classic (6K; 1999 facelift).[12]
Caddy II (Typ 9KV)
The facelifted, Argentian-built Caddy, also sold as the Derby Van or Pointer Van
The third generation of Volkswagen Caddy debuted at the end of 2003, at the RAI Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam, with production commencing in May 2004.[citation needed]
The Typ 2K shares 50% of its modules with the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 and Volkswagen Touran. The new model Caddy has a more aerodynamic design, the angle of the windscreen and A pillar is more horizontal, making the dashboard bigger and the bonnet (hood) smaller.
There are two body sizes: "normal" and Maxi. These can both be configured as a Panel Van, a Window Panel Van, Kombi (spartan passenger version), Caddy Life (family version), and a Camping version called the Caddy Tramper or Caddy Life Camper.
A Caddy Life or Kombi seats up to five in two rows while a Caddy Life Maxi or Kombi Maxi seats up to seven in three rows. The Life version has interior trimmings like that of a conventional five seater wagon while the Kombi is a naked panel van with windows and seats. The difference in road noise between the two is described by some as substantial.
Caddy Panel (2010–present)
The Caddy Panel grew in size over the Caddy Typ 9K, it measures in length 4,405mm (173.4in), width 1,802mm (70.9in), height 1,833mm (72.2in), wheelbase 2,682mm (105.6in), has a 750kg (1,653lb) payload, and a loading volume of 3.2 m3. The current shape Typ 2K Caddy, on sale in Europe since 2003, is a leisure activity vehicle with Volkswagen Golf Mk5 front suspension.
It resembles the compact MPV Touran, and is assembled at the Poznań factory in Poland. In May 2007, British Gas signed a landmark deal which saw 1,000 vans being supplied to the firm, which were fitted with a bespoke racking system and a speed limiter, designed by Siemens.[17] The deal was renewed in September 2015.[18]
Caddy Life
Caddy Life
The Caddy Life, a seven-seat passenger oriented People Mover, debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It comes with twin sliding doors and a 608kg (1,340lb) payload.
Caddy Life has a flexible seating system. The two rear bench seat rows can be taken out of the vehicle altogether to give the vehicle 2850litres of cargo room; in addition, the Caddy Life has a 1,500kg (3,307lb) towing capacity.[citation needed]
In 2005, a Special Edition Caddy Life Colour Concept with two distinctive colours, Red Spice and Ravenna Blue, was released with upholstery fabrics, floor mats and a variety of other elements on the dash panel in the same colour as the exterior body, and a leather trimmed steering wheel, gear and handbrake lever.[19]
Caddy Maxi and Caddy Maxi Life
Caddy Maxi
Debuting at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented the Caddy Maxi Life the people mover version of the Maxi range. The Caddy Maxi range carried over all of the Caddy engine and debuted the 2.0L TDI engine producing 103kW (138hp; 140PS).[20]
The Caddy Maxi family is 470mm (19in) longer version of the Caddy with 4.2 m3 loading space, this is due to extensions of the wheelbase which measures 3,002mm (118.2in) an extended, rear overhang now 151mm (5.9in), plus the growth between the sliding doors and the rear axle now at 319mm (12.6in) and payload is up to 800kg (1,764lb) to 810kg (1,786lb) on commercial versions.
The Caddy Maxi Tramper, the camping version of the Caddy Maxi, debuted at the 2008 AMI Leipzig Motor Show along with the Caddy Maxi EcoFuel Study.
Caddy Life Tramper (Camper)
Caddy Life Tramper
Based on the Caddy Life the Tramper or Camper (Australia) package comes with two seats and a table, a fold out awning that is packaged within the rear tailgate, a bed that is made by folding down the seats measures 1.10 m x 2.0 m, also curtains are standard for privacy, options include a seven-litre cool box.
Carrera Cup Edition
The Caddy Carrera Cup Edition is a limited (250 units) version for the Swedish market. It is based on the 2.0L TDi model with black 17 inch wheels with 225/45R17 tyres, a new body kit, white body with red trim, black and red leather sport seats, a fire extinguisher under the passenger's seat, a sport leather steering wheel and gear knob.
The vehicle has MSRP of 250,000 Swedish krona (US$34,200 or €22,000).[21]
Caddy 4Motion
At the 2008 IAA (Hannover Motor Show), Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles revealed the all wheel drive Caddy 4Motion range teamed with the 1.9 TDI engine and manual transmission.[22]
Early in 2010, the Caddy Maxi range will receive the 4Motion drivetrain.[23]
Caddy in Australia
Since its introduction in the Australian market in 2003, the Caddy range has taken the market lead for small vans, with a 42% share in 2007.[24] Even with the more premium pricing over its competition, buyers are still willing to pay more for the TDI and DSG transmission options.[25]
Awards
Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine Small Van of the Year 2007 (United Kingdom)
Van Fleet World Best Small Van 2007 (United Kingdom)
Towards the end of 2010, the Caddy underwent a facelift to match the new design language of Volkswagen vehicles. Changes included a front with new headlights and grille from the Touran Mk2 which is similar to the Volkswagen Golf Mk6.
2015
Volkswagen Caddy 2K (second facelift; 2015)
Interior (second facelift)
In 2015, it underwent a second facelift consisting of a new front fascia, roof spoiler and a new interior to keep it competitive alongside its more modern rivals. Referred to as Caddy 2K SA (or Mk4/MkIV). It is not based on the new Volkswagen Group MQB platform, but it may be differentiated when compared to the new Touran front end.
In 2012, Volkswagen launched the Cross Caddy model with a series of crossover-inspired aesthetic changes.[33] In 2015, the Caddy Alltrack, the successor to the CrossCaddy, debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show.[34]
Volkswagen Group tuner Abt Sportsline unveiled a battery-electric conversion of the Caddy (Typ2K) at the IAA 2018 Commercial Vehicle show in Hanover; the ABT e-Caddy is based on the long-wheelbase Caddy Maxi, and is driven by an electric traction motor that develops 82kW (110hp) and 200N⋅m (148lbf⋅ft) of torque. Driving range is 220km (137mi) (NEDC), drawing from a lithium-ion battery with 37.3kW-hr of capacity.[35]
Safety
Euro NCAP test results Volkswagen Caddy 2.0 TDI 'Trendline' (LHD) (2015)[36]
The fourth-generation Caddy was unveiled in February 2020.[38] For the first time, it is based on the Volkswagen MQB platform. The switch to MQB has enabled VW to offer new tech to the Caddy lineup, including Travel Assist, the new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, connected infotainment systems and digitalized controls.[39] VW is offering the estate and MPV in Kombi, Caddy, Life, Move, and Style trim levels, while the delivery van will be offered in multiple trim levels; for each variant, "Maxi" is appended to the name to designate the long-wheelbase variant.[1]:15–18 It went on sale in November 2020.
The design team responsible for the TypSB was led by Albert Kirzinger.[1]:7 Overall length and width have increased by 92 and 62mm (3.6 and 2.4in), respectively, while height has decreased by 5mm (0.20in) compared to the Typ2K.[1]:7
Models
The Caddy is available in a light commercial vehicle (LCV) variant with two seats (Caddy Cargo)[40] or a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with five or seven seats (Caddy/Caddy Life).[41] There is also a five-seat model prepared for camping, with a slide-out kitchenette in lieu of the third seating row of the MPV (Caddy California).[42] All versions are available with regular or extended wheelbase (Maxi).
The Caddy Cargo Typ SB is now able to accommodate a EUR-pallet; the opening at the rear hatch was widened to 1,234mm (48.6in) and the interior width between the wheel arches was increased to 1,230mm (48in). With sliding side doors that are 846mm (33.3in), 145mm (5.7in) wider than the standard Caddy Cargo, the Caddy Cargo Maxi is able to accommodate a second EUR-pallet loaded cross-wise in the cargo area. Maximum cargo width is 1,613mm (63.5in) for both variants, interior height is 1,272–1,274mm (50.1–50.2in), and the loading lengths are 1,797 and 2,150mm (70.7 and 84.6in), for the standard and Maxi, respectively, making the cargo volumes 3.1 and 3.7m3 (110 and 130cuft).[1]:8–12
In July 2022, the Volkswagen Caddy received a CNG-powered TGI variant and the Dark Label special edition.[43]
Caddy Cargo
Caddy Commerce Pro
Caddy Maxi California
Interior
Ford Tourneo Connect
In 2021, the Ford Tourneo Connect was announced as a rebadged Caddy, the first model developed under the Ford-Volkswagen partnership.[44] Prior Ford MPVs in this size class have been based on the Ford Transit Connect. The Tourneo Connect shares the Volkswagen Caddy's engine lineup, with the EA288-evo rebranded to EcoBlue and the EA211-evo rebranded to EcoBoost. The first deliveries started in the spring of 2022.[45][46]
The Active trim level features a crossover-inspired look with plastic cladding, aluminum-style skid plates and unique 17-inch wheels.[46]
Euro NCAP test results Volkswagen Caddy 2.0 diesel Kombi 'Life' 4x2 (LHD) (2021)[47]
Test
Points
%
Overall:
Adult occupant:
32.3
84%
Child occupant:
40.6
82%
Pedestrian:
37.6
69%
Safety assist:
12.7
79%
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1 2 3 Witzenburg, Gary (February 1980). "Driving the 1980 VWs". Popular Mechanics. Vol.153, no.2. The Hearst Corporation. pp.98, 158, 160–161. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
↑ Witzenburg, Gary (April 1979). "Detroit Listening Post". Popular Mechanics. Vol.152, no.4. The Hearst Corporation. p.62. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
↑ "Detroit Pickups Vanquish The Imports". Popular Mechanics. Vol.155, no.9. The Hearst Corporation. September 1982. pp.82–85, 178–184. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
1 2 3 "Volkswagen Caddy"(PDF) (in Dutch). Volkswagen AG. August 1985. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
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1981 Rabbit Diesel LX (US spec)
1981 Rabbit Diesel LX (US spec)
