NEW VW CADDY: GOLF FOR WORK
I took the most modern platform, the diesel "exhaled" cleanly.
One of the most popular "confectioners" in our country - VW Caddy received a new, fifth generation. And unlike the fourth, which can also be seen as a facelift of the third, this is truly a novelty.
It is built on the most advanced platform for compact cars with internal combustion engines of the mega-group VW called MQB. If the abbreviation in question does not mean anything to you, I hasten to clarify that the latest, eighth generation VW Golf is built on the same platform. But in contrast, the new Caddy looks good.
Here, the designers refrained from experimenting and relied on a clean line with regular geometric shapes, characteristic of the brand. Yes, the headlights have been modernized and acquired a more dynamic shape, but unlike the Golf headlights, they do not have the unnecessary bends and "jerks", as if they were loved in the Chinese market. In the passenger versions, the rear ones offer excellent LED graphics.
Unfortunately, in the interior, VW has relied on the new Golf's sensory solutions and the associated more complex use of basic functions. Buttons in the usual sense of the word are practically absent. They were replaced by touch buttons and screens that control all the functions of the car. Even on the left side of the dashboard, the light is controlled by touch controls. And I don't like the idea of going through multiple multimedia menus on the center console to find the function I want, especially on the road.
Versions
In terms of versions, the new Caddy has a lot to brag about. As before, it is available as a light or truck with a short wheelbase (wheelbase 2755 mm, which is 73 mm more than its predecessor) or long (2970 mm, minus 36 mm).
The range will be complemented by the new Caddy California, which is the successor to the Caddy Beach camper (will be available with a kitchenette and larger tent as an option). 4MOTION all-wheel drive versions will appear in the spring, after which we will see the top version of the Caddy PanAmericana - a kind of crossover between a van and an SUV.
Interestingly, the short base has grown by about 10 cm at an exact length of 4,5 m, while the long base has decreased by about 2 cm (4853 mm).
The growth of the standard Caddy has meant that in its cargo version, two Euro pallets (cargo space of 3,1 sq. M.) Can now easily fit transversely at the rear. This was helped by the new design of the rear axle and the distance between the rear wheel arches increased to 1230 mm. Passenger versions have 5 or 7 seats. New in this case is the option to individually remove the third row seats for maximum flexibility.
Most of the space allowed for a huge panoramic roof with an area of 1,4 square meters and rear sliding doors with electric closing (including luggage). Trunk volume in the 5-seater configuration reaches an impressive 1213 liters (when loaded to the ceiling), but if you need more, you take out the second row of seats and get an impressive 2556 liters.
Engines
The engine range includes a 1,5-liter gasoline engine with 114 hp. and a two-liter diesel engine in 75, 102 and 122 hp versions.
We'll see a methane version soon, where the 1,5-litre petrol engine goes up to 130bhp, and then there's the hybrid. Gearboxes are either a 6-speed gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. For the test, I chose the most preferred version for our market - a 102 hp, 280 Nm diesel with manual speeds (this is a clean upgrade, because the 1,6-liter Caddy diesel engine used to supply this power). It offers perfectly balanced dynamics - neither fast nor slow - with impressive efficiency. The engine is pleasantly agile, as not only is its torque available at low revs (1500 rpm), but peak power (2750 rpm) further contributes to low consumption. With a quiet ride, the on-board computer brought a consumption of about 4 liters per 100 km, while a brand new and undeveloped car reported even less than the 4,8 liters per 100 km promised by the manufacturer in the combined cycle. Diesel engines are available with the new Twindosing technology, which converts nitrogen oxide emissions into harmless nitrogen and water, making them one of the cleanest diesels available today.
The road behavior is also significantly improved as the rear suspension is no longer a leaf spring beam, but a stabilizer bar, reaction bar and leaf springs. Thus, driving comfort is at a much higher level, without compromising the payload (780 kg).
The driver has 19 electronic assistants, 5 of which are brand new. The most noteworthy is the system with which the car almost independently drives on roads with good markings. It maintains the set speed by lowering or stopping completely (and starts in automatic versions) and, by intervening with the steering wheel, also maintains the selected lane. For legal reasons, the driver must still keep his hands behind the wheel. Essential for a car like the Caddy is the Reverse Assistant with a Reverse Trailer, which overrides the driver's work.
Under the hood
| Дvigatel | Diesel |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| drive unit | Front |
| Working volume | 1968 cc |
| Power in hp | 102 h.p. (at 2750 rpm) |
| Torque | 280 Nm (at 1500 rpm) |
| Acceleration time | (0 – 100 km / h) 13,5 sec. |
| full speed | 175 km / h |
| Fuel consumption | |
| Mixed cycle | 4,8 l / 100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 126 g / km |
| The weight | 1657 kg |
| Price | from 41725 BGN with VAT |
