Spring 2004 saw the arrival of Volkswagen's all-new Caddy on the streets of the UK. Unlike its predecessor, this Caddy was designed from the ground-up to be a van, rather than using the front-end of an existing car and sticking a box on the back. Two engines are up for grabs and both are diesel — VW has no plans to sell a petrol in the UK. The 2-litre SDI normally aspirated unit produces 69 bhp and develops 103 lb/ft of peak torque, while the 1.9-litre TDI provides 104 bhp and 184 lb/ft at 1,900rpm. VW is sticking with unit-injection instead of going common rail. Suspension is conventional with an independent MacPherson strut assembly at the front and a leaf-sprung axle with an anti-roll bar at the rear. Brakes are discs all-round and anti-lock and traction control are included. Electro-mechanical power steering is standard. Asymmetrically split rear doors give access to the 3.2m3 load bay and there's the option of one or two sliding side doors. Six load-tie points are provided. With a GVW in excess of 2,200kg, a payload of 815kg and the ability to tow a braked trailer grossing at up to 1,400kg Caddy is a heavy duty high cube van.

Technical Specifications
  • Driver's airbag
  • Remote Central Locking and Immobiliser
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • CD / Radio Player
  • Sliding Side Load Door
  • Engine: cyl/cc 4 / 1968
  • Front engine Front-wheel drive
  • Gearbox 5 speed
  • Max Power 68 bhp @ 4000 rpm
  • Max Torque 103 lb/ft @ 2200 rpm
  • Wheelbase 2682mm
  • Load Height 1257mm
  • Load Length 1781mm
  • Load Width 1558mm
  • Load Volume 3.2m³
  • Gross Payload 720Kg
  • Gross Vehicle Weight 2185Kg
  • Kerb Weight 1465Kg
  • Towing Limit 1325Kg
  • Tank (Litres/Gallons) 60 / 13.7