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.
1.5 petrol 1.5 diesel (1980) 1.6 petrol 1.7 petrol 1.6 diesel w/turbo in Canada and abroad 1.8 petrol 1.6 petrol 63 kW 1.6 petrol 60 kW 1.6 diesel 44 kW 1.8 petrol 70 kW
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: a 1.6L diesel with 52hp (39kW) or a 1.7L petrol 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]
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 fiberglass-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]
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.
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
Features
Length: 4.2m (170in)
Loading area: 2.6m2
Loading volume: 2.9 m3
Payload: 550kg (1,210lb)
Two rear doors with 60/40 split
FM/AM radio with cassette player
Standard steel partition separating loading from driving space with upper mesh section
Lockable glove compartment (not available on models with optional passenger airbag)
Heating system with optional air conditioning
Electric windows and electrically heated door mirrors (optional)
Note: The electronic differential lock (EDL) employed by Volkswagen is not a differential lock at all despite its name. 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.
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.[16] The deal was renewed in September 2015.[17]
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.[18]
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).[19]
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 tires, 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).[20]
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.[21]
Early in 2010, the Caddy Maxi range will receive the 4Motion drivetrain.[22]
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.[23] Even with the more premium pricing over its competition, buyers are still willing to pay more for the TDI and DSG transmission options.[24]
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.[32] In 2015, the Caddy Alltrack, the successor to the CrossCaddy, debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show.[33]
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.[34]
The fourth-generation Caddy was unveiled in February 2020.[36] 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.[37] 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)[38] or a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with five or seven seats (Caddy/Caddy Life).[39] 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).[40] 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.[41]
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.[42] 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.[43][44]
The Active trim level features a crossover-inspired look with plastic cladding, aluminum-style skid plates and unique 17-inch wheels.[44]
The Volkswagen Polo is a supermini car (B-segment) produced by the German car manufacturer Volkswagen since 1975. It is sold in Europe and other markets worldwide in hatchback, saloon, and estate variants throughout its production run.
The Volkswagen Type 2 is a forward control light commercial vehicle introduced in 1950 by the German automaker Volkswagen as its second car model. Known officially as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, or, informally, as the Volkswagen Station Wagon (US), Bus, Camper (UK) or Bulli (Germany), it was given the factory designation Type 2 as it followed – and was initially derived from – Volkswagen's first model, the Type 1 (Beetle).
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973. It has been marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat, with varying body styles such as saloon, estate, and hatchback.
The Volkswagen Touareg is a car produced by German automaker Volkswagen Group since 2002 at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant. Considered to be the first luxury mid-size SUV from Volkswagen, the vehicle was named after the nomadic Tuareg people, inhabitants of the Saharan interior in North Africa. Originally, the Touareg was developed together with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, and as of October 2020, the Touareg was developed together with the Audi Q8, the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus. This family of vehicles are all unibody SUVs with independent suspension. The first generation (2002–2010) offered five, six, eight, ten and twelve-cylinder engine choices.
The Volkswagen LT is the largest light commercial panel van produced by Volkswagen from 1975 to 2006, before being replaced by the Crafter. Two generations were produced.
The SEAT Inca was a van and panel van produced by the Spanish manufacturer SEAT between 1996 and 2004. It was designed and assembled in Spain, based on the SEAT Ibiza Mark 2. It was first shown at the Barcelona Motor Show of 1995.
The Škoda Roomster is a small family car manufactured and marketed by Škoda Auto from 2006 to 2015 over a single generation with a single intermediate facelift. It has a five-door, five passenger, front-engine, front-wheel drive, high-roof design and has been described as a hatchback, an estate car, or a multi-purpose vehicle. Styled by Thomas Ingenlath and Peter Wouda, the Roomster premiered at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show) as the first car marketed after Volkswagen Group's takeover of Skoda, sharing the A4 (PQ34) platform and components with the second generation Škoda Fabia.
The Volkswagen Polo Mk4 is the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Polo supermini car produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen. It was marketed from early 2002 to 2010 in most countries except Argentina and the USA. It was manufactured in South Africa until 2017, it was sold as the Polo Vivo. The Mk4 replaced the Volkswagen Polo Mk3, while the Polo Vivo replaced the Citi Golf. In 2018 the Mk4 was replaced by the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 Polo Vivo. In Brazil, It was manufactured until 2014 with a second facelift called 9n4, It was replaced in 2017 by Volkswagen Polo Mk6.
The Volkswagen Polo Mk3 is the third generation of the Volkswagen Polo supermini car and was produced from 1994 until 2002, with a facelift at the end of 1999. It was available in hatchback, sedan and wagon body styles. Although the Polo Mk3 hatchback didn't share the same platform as the Seat Ibiza, saloon and estate models were rebadged as Seat Córdoba.
The Volkswagen Crafter, introduced in 2006, is the largest three- to five-ton van produced and sold by the German automaker Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The Crafter officially replaced the Volkswagen Transporter LT that was launched in 1975, although it is known as the LT3, its production plant code.
The Volkswagen Golf Mk5 is a compact car/small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen, as the fifth generation of the Golf in three- or five-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon (2007–2009) configurations, as well as the successor to the Golf Mk4. Using the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, the Mk5 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 2003 and went on sale in Europe for the 2004 model year. While marketed as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, the GTI model in these countries was marketed simply as the Volkswagen GTI.
The Volkswagen Amarok is a pickup truck produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles since 2010. It is a body-on-frame truck with double-wishbone suspension at the front and leaf springs at the rear. The Amarok range consists of single cab and double cab, combined with either rear-wheel drive or 4motion four-wheel-drive, and is powered by turbocharged petrol or turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines.
The EA827 family of petrol engines was initially developed by Audi under Ludwig Kraus leadership and introduced in 1972 by the B1-series Audi 80, and went on to power many Volkswagen Group models. This is a very robust water-cooled engine configuration for four- up to eight- cylinders. In Brazil this engine was produced under the name Volkswagen AP AP.
The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 is the fifth generation of the Polo, a supermini-class car manufactured by Volkswagen since 2009. The vehicle unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, while the three-door version was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. A four-door long-wheelbase sedan version has been produced and sold outside Europe in several emerging markets since 2010 either as the Volkswagen Vento or the Volkswagen Polo sedan. A short-wheelbase sedan version was sold in India between 2016 and 2020 as the Volkswagen Ameo.
The Volkswagen Passat is a front-engine D-segment large family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen from 2005 to 2011 (B6) and from 2010 to 2015. Respectively the six and seventh generation Passat, and internally designated B6 and B7, they were marketed in sedan and wagon bodystyles in front-wheel as well as all-wheel drive configurations, with a range of petrol and diesel engines.
The Volkswagen Golf (Mk7) is a C-segment car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen. It is the seventh generation in the Golf series and the successor to the Golf Mk6. It was introduced in Berlin on 4 September 2012, before a public launch at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Sales in Europe began with the model in November 2012.
The Ford Transit Custom is a mid-sized, front wheel drive van produced by Ford Europe since 2012. It marked a split in the Transit range, with the Custom being the smaller version and the Ford Transit being the larger. Similar to other Transit variants, the passenger versions were branded Tourneo Custom.
The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Transporter vans. It is the successor to the T5 Transporter. The Transporter line is the mid-size van offered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, between the larger Crafter and smaller Caddy.
The Volkswagen Multivan (T7) is seventh generation of the Volkswagen large van series. The Multivan is introduced as a large MPV riding on the front-wheel drive based MQB Evo platform which categorises vehicles such as the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Caddy. The Multivan offers a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models. The T7 Multivan went on sale in Europe in 2022.
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)
