Eleven years after the introduction of its predecessor which was launched in South Africain the last quarter of 2004 and was updated in 2010, the 2016 Volkswagen Caddy compact van has been revealed, gaining new engines, and a range of advanced safety systems.

Enhanced and refined

Globally, the Caddy has sold around 1.5 million units over the eleven year period, and Volkswagen promises a dynamic continuation of this success story with the new model.

The new Caddy has a redesigned front section with a larger grille that is flanked by restyled headlights, while at the rear it features a restructured tailgate, new bumper and restyled taillights.

The vehicle’s interior has also been updated with a new infotainment system, fresh switchgear, new door panels, a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, and higher quality materials throughout including metallic accents and colour-coordinated trim on higher-end variants.

‘Unmatched’ tech specifications

For 2016, the Caddy will be available with a range of engines including a 75 kW 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder unit, a 1.2-litre TSI four-cylinder with 62 kW and a 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder unit delivering 92 kW. In addition, there will be four TDI diesel engines with power outputs ranging from 55 kW to 110 kW.

The 2016 Volkswagen Caddy is claimed to be the first vehicle with “unmatched driver assistance systems in the urban van segment”, such as city emergency braking, which automatically applies the brakes to avoid a collision or lessen its severity at speeds below 30km/h, adaptive cruise control, which is operational up to 160km/h, and light assist and driver alert systems.

Other features include satellite navigation, reverse-view camera, and semi-automated reverse parallel and rear-to-kerb parking.