The fifth-generation Volkswagen Caddy debuts in Europe as a compact van for hauling goods or people. There's also the new long-wheelbase Caddy Maxi that has room inside for two European-standard pallets.
The new Caddy rides on VW's highly adaptable MQB platform and is available as a cargo van or a passenger model with room for as many as seven people. The latest model has a smoother shape that reduces the drag coefficient to 0.30, rather than the existing generation's 0.33. Despite being a work-focused vehicle, VW offers the van with luxurious amenities like a panoramic sunroof that measures 15.1 square feet (1.4 square meters), LED headlights, and keyless start.
Gallery: Volkswagen Caddy (2020)
The Caddy gets upgraded engines, including diesels with the company's Twindosing system that uses two AdBlue injectors. There are a variety of tunes of a 2.0-liter diesel, and it's available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Buyers can select front- or all-wheel-drive layouts. There's also a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a supercharged natural gas powerplant. VW predicts the new powerplants should have fuel economy that's 12 percent better than the previous generation.
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Inside, the new Caddy is available with lots of tech. Buyers can specify a fully digital instrument cluster and choose between 6.5- and 10-inch infotainment screens. There's also Travel Assist adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and Trailer Assist to make hauling easier.
Unlike other models from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, there's a chance that the Caddy might arrive on American roads – but with a Ford badge on the front. VW has a partnership with the Blue Oval to develop a city van, and this product might turn out to be the replacement for the Transit Connect.
Source: Volkswagen