- World premiere of the latest generation in Geneva
- Emissions and fuel consumption reduced by new EU6 engines
- Safety increased by new driver assistance systems
- Design refined
Shortly after the world premiere of the Caddy in the Polish city of Poznań, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now presenting the latest generation of the best-seller for the first time in the long version named Maxi at the Geneva International Motor Show. More than 1.5 million of the award-winning previous generation were sold worldwide during its eleven years in production. Around one-third of these Caddy MPVs were sold as the 47 cm longer Caddy Maxi version. The successor to the Maxi wants to seamlessly extend this success with its long wheelbase, which is 32 cm longer than in the normal version.
Prices of the new Caddy Maxi in Germany start at 18,590.00 euros (net list price for the Caddy Maxi panel van as TSI with 92 kW) and 18,960.00 euros net (22,562.40 euros gross) in the passenger version with the same engine and Conceptline equipment features (replaces the Startline that was familiar previously).
In the Caddy Maxi, which features two rows of seats in the passenger compartment, cargo volume is 530 litres. The backrest of the third row bench seat folds down, and the second row bench seat also folds forward. This seat folding process quickly expands cargo volume. If necessary, both rows of seats may be removed entirely. This creates additional cargo space with just a few hand movements. When the third row seat is removed, storage volume is extended to 1,350 litres, and when the second seat row is also removed it is increased to 3,700 litres. Hence, the Caddy Maxi offers 848 litres more cargo space than the 2,852 litres in the small Caddy with rear seats removed. This means that users can load much more in the Caddy Maxi with its cargo volume of up to 4.7 m3 (in combination with the optional Flex Plus seat) than in the Caddy with its 3.2 m3. The maximum payload of the Caddy Maxi panel van, including the driver, is 1,005 kg.
The drive systems use state-of-the-art technology, with the Caddy’s new engines providing maximum efficiency and compliance with the EU6 emissions standard. The basis for the three TDI diesel versions of the Caddy Maxi is always a two-litre four cylinder engine. Their performance ranges from 75 kW / 102 PS to the top engine with 110 kW / 150 PS.
In the case of petrol engines there is a choice of two for the Caddy Maxi. They range from the 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI with 75 KW / 102 PS up to the 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder with a power output of 92 KW / 125 PS.
In the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi numerous new safety and comfort features protect the occupants and support the driver.
One of these is the ‘Front Assist’ surroundings monitoring system, including City Emergency Braking: if the driver fails to see an obstacle below a speed of 30 km/h, the system automatically applies the brakes and, ideally, will prevent any rear-end collisions entirely. Moreover, the passenger car versions, for example, come fitted with side and curtain airbags.
Approximately 22 per cent of all accidents involving injuries are collisions with more than one obstacle. In order to minimise the risk related to this scenario, the award-winning multi-collision brake system is included as standard in the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi. After a collision, it automatically initiates braking if the driver is no longer able to take action.
Other available options are the Light Assist and Driver Alert systems. The latter recognises any deviations from normal driving behaviour and recommends that the driver should take a break when apparently necessary. Also available is the option of a heated windscreen, which helps to ensure a permanently good view.
In the case of the optional Adaptive Cruise Control, ACC for short, which is activated at speeds of 0 to 160 km/h (DSG) or 30 to 160 km/h (manual transmission), a radar sensor monitors the distance and relative speed to vehicles in front. In combination with the DSG, the ACC system can also slow the vehicle down, for example in queues or traffic jam situations, to a complete stop.
In combination with the Composition Colour and Composition Media radios and with the Discover Media radio-navigation system, customers are able to order a reversing camera. The optional Park Assist system enables automated parallel parking as well as parking at right-angles to the carriageway – an especially practical feature for courier services.
Evolution of a best-seller: the design of the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi not only impresses with sharpened contours and clearly defined surfaces with stylish clarity. The redesigned front and the striking rear design, in particular, give the new compact van an unmistakable character – in part by the new light signatures of the front and rear lights. While remaining extremely functional, the high-quality urban delivery van has gained noticeably in presence, exclusivity and dynamism. In keeping with the expressive exterior, the vehicle’s interior also features accentuated lines and shapes. Striking decorative trims with integrated air vents and a new generation of infotainment equipment underline the modern look of the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi.
The new Caddy and Caddy Maxi will be launched in Germany at the end of June, with all other countries following quickly thereafter. Dealers in Germany will be already taking orders in March.
