What is the clearance of a Volkswagen Caddy 3rd generation. Volkswagen Caddy

The updated 3rd generation Volkswagen Caddy (Typ 2K model index) appeared on the Russian automotive market at the end of 2010. Family compact minivan VW Caddy is presented in Russia at eleven!!! variants (6 versions of Caddy with a regular wheelbase and 5 versions of Caddy Maxi with a base increased by 470 mm). In our review, we will try to help a potential buyer understand the complex intricacies of the German “heel” trim levels. Let's take a closer look at the appearance of the Volkswagen Caddy of the 2012-2013 model, choose the colors of the enamel for painting the body, tires and rims, accessories and additional equipment. Let's sit down in the cabin of the family Volkswagen Caddy, which can easily carry 5-7 adult passengers and a large amount of cargo in the trunk. Let's focus on the technical characteristics, find out the real fuel consumption, conduct an independent test drive of the Volkswagen Caddy 2013 minivan, indicate the price for which it is proposed to buy a car in Russia. For a full and correct perception of the car, our assistants will be the reviews and comments of the owners, photo and video materials.

Traditionally for Volkswagen AG cars, the Caddy has a simple and concise body design, and do not forget that the family minivan owes its birth to the ordinary Volkswagen Caddy Kasten commercial van. So there is no point in looking for bright and stylish solutions in the design of the exterior of the car. Everything is just “like a bicycle” in its appearance - smooth lines, flat surfaces, a trivial rectangular body, but at the same time the car looks modern and noble. The reason lies in the serious approach of the manufacturer to the little things.


The front of the Volkswagen Caddy has large headlights, a powerful front bumper with a large air duct, a hood with ribbed ribs on the sides, and huge rear-view mirrors.


When viewed from the side, we observe the correct form of wide doorways, second-row doors (in the base the door is only on the starboard side) with sliding mechanisms that provide convenient access to the cabin. High body with a perfectly flat roof and a vertical stern.
The rear of the compact van demonstrates phenomenal functionality, it is difficult to imagine a huge single lift door that fits in more rationally, providing such a convenient access to the luggage compartment with a loading height of only 585 mm.


As an option for 9,000 rubles, you can order swing doors of different sizes. Bypassing the car around, you understand that all the elements of the external design are aimed at achieving the main thing - the maximum passenger and cargo capacity of the cabin, comfortable access for passengers to their seats and convenient loading of luggage.

• For painting the body of the German “heeled” VW Caddy, a wide choice is offered colors: basic (the price is included in the price of the car) white (Candy), blue (Beluga), gray (Pure), sunny yellow (Sunny), green (Primavera), red (Salsa). By paying 206,000 rubles, you can choose one of seven metallic colors: maroon (Blackberry), red (Lava), gray (Natural), dark blue (Night), light blue (Ravenna), silver (Reflex), brown (Toffee) , for 23,700 rubles, the car will be painted with Deep pearl black enamel.
• At the factory, Caddy, depending on the saturation of the configuration, is shod in tires 195/ 65 R15 on steel or light alloy disks 15 radius, or tires 205/55 R16 and 205/50 R17 on cast 16-17 inch wheels.
• We only need to indicate the dimensions dimensions Volkswagen Caddy (Caddy Maxi): 4406 (4846) mm long, 1794 mm (with mirrors 2062 mm) wide, 1822 (1831) mm high, 2681 (3006) mm wheelbase, ground clearance is 149 mm, for cars with 4Motion all-wheel drive transmission clearance equal to 156 mm.

The body is strong in German with double-sided zinc coating, for severe Russian operating conditions the bottom and wheel arches are additionally treated with an anti-gravel coating, it is possible to install plastic protection for the engine compartment from below and reinforced suspension. As additional equipment and accessories for the Volkswagen Caddy, a wide range of external tuning elements is provided: xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, roof rails, towbar, glass with various degrees of tinting, moldings on bumpers and doors, not to mention such trifles as rugs and other small tuning.

Getting into the Volkswagen Caddy salon, you immediately understand that before your eyes the interior familiar from other models of the German manufacturer is a comfortable steering wheel, strict and informative instruments, comfortable first-row seats with dense padding, ergonomic placement of controls for the main and auxiliary control functions, comfort, entertainment, heating and ventilation.


Finishing materials are mostly solid and tactilely pleasant plastics (in some places they meet frankly cheap and hard plastic), fabrics, leatherette, Alcantara leather and even genuine leather. Interior elements are neatly assembled with minimal gaps, dark colors do not even seem gloomy due to the huge size of the interior space and large glass area.
In the first row - as if in an ordinary car, only a high ceiling with a mezzanine above the heads of the driver and passenger gives out the class of the car. In the second row, three adult passengers will sit comfortably and with an enviable headroom. Our advice, do not try to order additional seats of the third row in a car with a standard wheelbase, in which case only young children will be able to sit in the gallery.


For seven-seaters, it is better to choose the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi, where, thanks to the wheelbase stretched by 47 cm, even adults can sit in the third ore, but with a height of no more than 180-185 cm. So the optimal configuration is 5 seats in the Caddy and 7 seats in the Caddy Maxi. The second and third row seats can be dismantled to make a cargo van with impressive volume indicators from a passenger car.
Volkswagen Caddy with three rows of seats and a full passenger compartment is able to take in trunk only 190 liters of cargo, in the version with two rows and five passengers on board, the trunk already holds 750 liters, folding the second row of seats we get a cargo compartment 1354 mm long, 1120 mm wide, 1243 mm high with a volume of 2852 liters, leaving one driver in the cabin you can load about 3030 liters of cargo.


Volkswagen Caddy Maxi with seven people on board will fit 530 liters in the trunk, with five passengers the cargo capacity increases to 1650 liters, folding the second row of seats we get a cargo compartment 1824 mm long, 1170 mm wide and 1243 mm high with a volume of 3950 liters. With the addition of the passenger seat, the volume of the luggage compartment is simply phenomenal 4130 liters.
Maximum load capacity German "pie" is an impressive 752 kg. According to the reviews of the owners, thanks to the rear spring suspension, it is possible to transport up to 1000 kg of cargo without consequences for the car.
The interior of the minivan has a great many drawers and compartments for storing small items, pockets on the doors with containers for bottles, you can even order a retractable trunk floor that can withstand a load of 80 kg.
As a family car, the Caddy is simply indispensable, amazing passenger and cargo capacity is complemented by high quality workmanship with thoughtful interior transformation. I would also like the basic equipment to be richer, but in the initial configuration Caddy Startline will have a minimum set: a pair of front airbags, ABS with BAS and Hill Start Assistant, EBC, ESP, electric power steering, a steering column with height and depth adjustment, air conditioning, audio preparation, driver's seat lift, electric heated mirrors, front power windows.


The more expensive Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and the 30th Anniversary Edition 30 of the Caddy will of course be better packaged, and the list of optional equipment is simply huge with the traditionally high cost of options. You can order xenon headlights with LED cilia for 62,900 rubles, an assistant for parallel and perpendicular parking for 32,500 rubles, a dog cage in the trunk for 97,300 rubles, heated seats with an autonomous heater (control timer) for a price of 76,100 rubles, advanced music RNS-510 with a color screen and a navigator for 128,800 rubles, a sliding door on the port side - its cost is 18,100 rubles, and a lot of different chips.

Specifications Volkswagen Caddy 2012-2013 release: front suspension independent with MacPherson struts, rear dependent leaf spring. Disc brakes on all wheels, electric power steering is used.
For Russian motorists Kadi is offered with two petrol and one diesel engines. A 5-speed manual gearbox is intended for gasoline engines, for a diesel engine, in addition to mechanics, it is possible to order an automatic transmission - an automatic robotic gearbox with two 6 DSG clutch discs.

• Gasoline 1.2-liter TSI (85 hp) accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 14.7 seconds, the maximum speed is 155 km / h. Fuel consumption according to the manufacturer from 6 liters on the highway to 8.2 liters in the city.
• Petrol 1.2 liter TSI (105 hp) is able to accelerate the car to 100 mph in 12.4 seconds, top speed is about 170 mph. Passport fuel consumption outside the city will be 6 liters in the city 8 liters.
• Volkswagen Caddy diesel 2.0-liter TDI (110 hp) provides dynamics to the first hundred in 12.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 170 mph. According to the manufacturer, heavy fuel is needed from 5 liters on the highway to 7 liters in urban mode.

The analysis of the feedback from the owners allows us to talk about the real fuel consumption petrol versions at the level of 8-9 liters on the highway and 10-12 liters in the city.
On average, a diesel engine requires from 6-7 liters of diesel fuel on the highway to 8-9 liters in the city.
It is impossible to achieve the fuel consumption data declared by the manufacturer even when the vehicle is operated in economy mode without passengers and cargo in the cabin. If you constantly use the car as a truck, then the actual fuel consumption of gasoline versions can reach up to 12-13 liters, a diesel engine with a maximum load will require 10-11 liters of fuel.

Test Drive Volkswagen Caddy: let's just say that the car is not designed for aggressive driving. The suspension is stiff, especially the rear leaf spring. At the speed allowed by the traffic rules, the car is obedient and stable, excellent informative steering, tenacious brakes, but ... do not forget that the car was originally created for the transport of goods and, of course, phenomenal handling, instant response of the engine to pressing the accelerator pedal is not worth waiting for . In a word, Volkswagen Caddy is for a family car enthusiast who appreciates comfort, stability and reliability.

What is the price- sale of Volkswagen Caddy in showrooms of official dealers in Russia: the price of the Volkswagen Caddy family compact MPV starts from 758,000 rubles for the basic Caddy Startline package and soars to 1,065,800 rubles for the Caddy Highline package. Additional seats in the cabin, a long wheelbase, additional equipment, options and accessories can drive the cost of the Caddy far beyond 1,500,000 rubles.
As in many cases, minor repairs to the Volkswagen Caddy and simple maintenance can be done on your own. Buying spare parts and performing comprehensive maintenance - for these issues it is better to contact the official service. By the way, the purchase of a Volkswagen Caddy Boo from Germany often seems very profitable at first glance, however, in practice, cars that have passed a huge mileage in commercial service, getting to new owners, literally immediately loudly declare their wear and, as a result, the need for repairs, which can result in serious financial expenses.

What is Volkswagen Caddy for Russian drivers? Most likely, just a solid van - nothing more. And what about the new, fourth, generation of the German "heel"? Although it is built on the basis of the old PQ35 platform, the engineers promise unprecedented versatility and comfort level, like the Golf. It looks obviously an exaggeration, but do not rush to conclusions.

Minivan Volkswagen Caddy 2016: new or still restyling

Formally, Volkswagen insists on positioning the Cuddy, shown in Geneva in 2015, as a completely new fourth-generation car. This is not a restyling, although in fact the Caddy IV is not the fruit of a revolution, but a logical continuation of the third generation. Even after a comprehensive revision of the designers, the body is more than recognizable, its proportions have remained unchanged. Only new corporate-style optics and a different false radiator grille catches the eye.

True, inside the car has changed much more. Almost all interior panels have been replaced, and driving a model is difficult to get rid of the feeling that this is a Golf or Jetta. Only a high seating position and a large glass area reveal the truth. Now it has become quieter in the cabin, there are almost no vibrations from diesel power units, and you can forget about bare metal like a bad dream. As before, there is a huge supply of space above the head, and a spacious shelf sits decorously above the front row of seats.

The choice of equipment level is very wide. You can give preference to the utilitarian version with fabric upholstery and a standard gray torpedo. But lovers of the synthesis of practicality and wealth can order an exclusive version called Generation Four, created as a tribute to the next generation of the bestseller. In this case, 17-inch wheels of a special design, a front panel with red inserts and leather seats will become privileges. However, even without this offer, buyers are given a considerable selection of "special stages", including adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, an automatic parking system and Alcantara upholstery.

Two cars with a specific character are presented as target modifications. The first one has the prefix Beach in its name and is designed for active tourism: an entrance hall tent, easily fastened to the stern, a full-size bed and air mattresses, plus a 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Previously, a similar hybrid was called Tramper. The second exotic is the all-wheel drive Caddy Alltrack, dressed in protective plastic around the perimeter and involving attacks on light off-road.

Specifications Volkswagen Caddy

Dimensions and other parameters Caddy (short base):

• length - 4408 mm;
• total length (including towbar) - 4506 mm;
• width - 1793 mm;
• roof height - 1822 mm (with TDI engine - 1792 mm, with 4Motion system - 1851 mm);
• total height (including roof rails) - 1858 mm (with 4Motion system - 1887 mm);
• wheelbase - 2682 mm;
• overhang front / rear - 879/847 mm;
• approach / departure angles - 15.7 / 17.5º (with TDI engine - 13.2 / 18.1º, with 4Motion system - 14.7 / 23.2º);
• ramp angle - 13.5º (with TDI engine - 12.3º, with 4Motion system - 14.8º);
• tailgate - 1183 × 1134 mm;
• turning circle - 11.1 m;
• ground clearance (under the crankcase) - 155 mm (TDI - 125 mm).

Salon for 7 seats and long wheelbase Maxi version

The passenger version of the Combi is offered in two versions: five-seat and seven-seat. In both cases, the middle row accommodates three adult riders and suggests the possibility of complete dismantling. Alternatively, you can remove only one seat, thereby facilitating access to the third row. However, sliding doors, whose width is 70 cm, do a good job with this. Among other tricks: a folding front seat and folding tables on the backs of the second row. In addition to seven seats, the manufacturer also includes a 320 mm longer wheelbase in the options list. In the context of the cabin, the increase is even more tangible - as much as 47 cm, and the third row of seats is an optional attribute. This variation is called Maxi and is available for both passenger and cargo versions.

Dimensions and other parameters of Caddy Maxi:

• length - 4878 mm;
• total length (including towbar) - 4976 mm;
• width - 1793 mm;
• overall width (including exterior rear-view mirrors) - 2065 mm;
• roof height - 1831 mm (with 4Motion system - 1863 mm);
• total height (including roof rails) - 1868 mm (with 4Motion system - 1899 mm);
• wheelbase - 3006 mm;
• overhang front / rear - 879/993 mm;
• approach/departure angles - 15.9/15.3º (with 4Motion system - 14.7/20.2º);
• ramp angle - 12.1º (with 4Motion system - 12.6º);
• doorway (sliding door) - 701 × 1086 mm;
• tailgate (lifting) - 1183 × 1134 mm;
• turning circle - 12.2 m;
• ground clearance (under the crankcase) - 158 mm (4Motion - 152 mm).

Trunk

The smallest volume of the luggage compartment - in the short-base Caddy with a 7-seater saloon - is only 190 liters, but if there is no third row of seats, then the traveling displacement rises to 918 liters. When the middle row is also removed, the numbers increase to an impressive 3200 hp. In the case of a long-wheelbase body, the parameters are correspondingly larger: 530/1650/4130. In both cases, the minimum width of the luggage compartment is 1168 mm (maximum 1190 mm). Loading height - 575 mm (in the TDI version - 545 mm, and with all-wheel drive - 612 mm), and there is no threshold - a flat floor without a false bottom (the reserve is suspended under the car). The maximum height of the transported luggage is 1230 mm. As for the length, that is, the depth, of the trunk, 224 mm (Maxi - 644 mm) remains behind the third row of seats, 1095 mm (1566 mm) for the second, and 1781 mm (2250 mm) for the first.

Engine range: gasoline or diesel (TDI engine)

The line of power units has been completely updated to the level of Euro 6. There are three gasoline engines. The “smallest” has a volume of only 1 liter - this is a TSI three-cylinder that produces 102 hp. and 175 Nm (from zero to hundreds in 12 s). There is also a 1.2 with 84 hp. Most dynamics in the gasoline cohort can offer 1.4 to 125 hp. However, this is a set for the Old Woman of Europe. In Russia, the bet is on 1.6 MPI, which meets the Euro 5 standard and produces a tolerable 110 hp.

It is hard to disagree with the fact that the diesel “heart” is the most organic option for an economic minivan and a “heel” for small-scale distribution of goods. There are four engines that consume "heavy" fuel. The lowest caste is the low-powered 2.0, which has a agility of only 75 “horses”. Thrust appears only after 2000 rpm, and by 3000 rpm it begins to drop noticeably. The gearbox is a 5-speed "mechanics", which is not well suited for high speeds on the highway. But in the city, the tandem feels good, pleasing with a consumption of 5 liters per 100 km.

A little higher in the hierarchy is a two-liter “four” with a capacity of 102 hp. With such a motor, Cuddy goes faster, and the consumption is almost the same. Checkpoint - "robot".

As for the top-end 150-horsepower version, it accelerates the carrier to 100 km / h in 10 seconds, but comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission - you will often have to pull the lever.

There is also an intermediate version 1.4 with a capacity of 122 hp. But this is a motor for versions driven through a Haldex 5 multi-plate clutch.

For domestic dealers, the situation looks somewhat different:

• 1.6 TDI 75 HP (5-speed manual transmission);
• 1.6 TDI 102 HP (5-speed manual transmission / DSG);
• 2.0 TDI 110 HP (5-speed manual transmission + 4Motion);
• 2.0 TDI 140 HP (6-speed manual transmission / DSG / 4Motion).

Owner reviews

1. Salon . The width of the cabin is more than enough, but in order to increase the space, the designers sacrificed the door armrests - there is simply nothing to rely on. The same applies to any handles under the grip during turns. The rest of the interior of the novelty causes only positive reviews.
2. Trunk . The dimensions of the luggage compartments on different versions and even in different trim levels can differ markedly. This should be taken into account when buying. Europallet butt fits only when it is placed in a narrow part between the arches. But it is very convenient to use the trunk even in the passenger version: the seats fold directly from the loading side, the floor is low, there is a 12V socket, and the seats can be dismantled without any problems for maximum efficiency.
3. spare wheel . There is no spare wheel under the trunk floor - it is fixed under the bottom. But not in all versions! When buying a variant with 4Motion all-wheel drive, it should be understood that there is simply no place under the stern, and a “stowaway” is not included in the delivery. For European buyers, in this case, a set of wheels with RunFlat technology is offered, and for Russian - just a repair kit.
4. tailgate . There are two options for the design of the rear door: hinged and lifting. In the second case, the blind canvas requires quite a lot of space when opened - about 90 cm behind the bumper. In this regard, the doors of the two halves look much more attractive.
5. Control . Since the platform is old, the suspension design remains the same: McPherson in front, semi-independent beam with springs in the back. True, if earlier the rear of the car literally jumped over bumps in an unloaded state, now only small rearrangements make it slow down on bumps. First, the spring attachment points have changed. Secondly, instead of single-sheet ones, double-sheet ones are used, with rubber spacers, which added a smooth ride.

Options and prices in Moscow

Many were wary of the coming generational change, because in the case of Volkswagen, this is fraught with a noticeable price increase. And the miracle did not happen - Cuddy as a whole became more expensive. But marketers still left a loophole for thrifty buyers - a new package called Conceptline appeared. It costs less than Trendline, even if we take the prices of the previous spill.

Equipment concept line for 1,253,200 rubles. includes:

• air conditioner;
• heated front seats;
• ABS+ESP;
• central locking with remote control;
• front power windows;
• rain sensor + light sensor;
• power mirrors;
• heated windshield washer nozzles;
• frontal airbags;
• tire pressure controller;
• anti-rollback system when starting uphill;
• unpainted bumpers;
• one sliding door.

trend line from 1,302,600 rubles:

• additional sliding door on the left;
• full-size wheel covers;
• door handles and exterior mirror housings in body color;
• leather steering wheel;
• central armrest;
• windshield heating;
• entry-level multimedia system;
• socket in the trunk;
• side airbags.

comfort line from 1,491,700 rubles:

• alloy wheels 15 or 16 inches;
• roof rails;
• multimedia system with color display;
• rear parking sensor;
• fog lights.

Spacious back row "heel" from Volkswagen

Highline from 1,603,500 rubles:

• bumpers in body color;
• combined seat upholstery with Alcantara;
• Cruise control;
• automatic high beam.

beach from 1,529,000 rubles:

• bed;
• curtains;
• duffel bags;
• folding tables;
• additional interior lighting.

Alltrack from 1,559,800 rubles:

• protective plastic body;
• 17 inch wheels;
• aluminum pedals.

Buy a used car (with mileage)

Cars of the previous generation in the secondary market can be purchased at a price of 500,000 rubles. Caddy with low mileage (up to 70,000 km), which are under warranty, will cost 700-800 thousand rubles. For well-stocked copies, they can ask for up to a million rubles.

Video: test drive Volkswagen Caddy 2016

How much oil, filters and spare parts: air conditioning, timing belt, door disassembly

When purchasing a Caddy, you should consider the cost of consumables and spare parts:

• engine oil Helix Ultra AV-L 5W-30 4 l (gasoline) - 2500 rubles;
• Bosch oil filter - 400 rubles;
• air conditioner radiator - 6000 rubles;
• air conditioner dehumidifier - 1800 rubles;
• timing belt kit - 9800 rubles;
• sliding door (used) - 23,000 rubles.

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The new Volkswagen Caddy debuted in its home market in February 2015, and the international presentation took place at the Geneva Motor Show in March of the same year. In fact, the car is a full-fledged fourth generation, and not another planned restyling. The manufacturer has upgraded the technical stuffing, expanded the list of options and retouched the appearance. The design of the novelty is made in the actual, at the moment, style and echoes many passenger models of the German manufacturer. It has slightly elongated angular headlights with four rectangular focusing lenses and a stylish LED daytime running light border. The radiator grill is visually adjacent to the lighting equipment. It consists of several thin chrome-plated horizontally oriented ribs and flaunts the manufacturer's logo. Below it, on the front bumper, is a small trapezoidal air intake, made in a similar style. On the sides of it you can see special recesses with rectangular blocks of fog lights. All in all, the car received quite a few cosmetic changes, while remaining true to its roots and still highly recognizable on the road.

Dimensions

The Volkswagen Caddy is a passenger-and-freight compact van. Its overall dimensions are: length 4408 mm, width 1793 mm, height 1822 mm, and the wheelbase is 2682 mm. The clearance of the car is average - 155 millimeters. Such ground clearance is typical for cars whose path is paved streets and suburban highways. They hold the road perfectly, can drive over a small curb and do not lose stability even at high speeds.

By default, the interior of the compact van is five-seater, but can be additionally equipped with two more seats. In this layout option, only 190 liters of free space remain in the back, but if the owner does not plan to take on board more than 5 passengers, then the third row can be removed and freed up to 918 liters of free space. Thanks to this spaciousness, the car will perfectly cope with the usual tasks of an ordinary motorist, as well as with light commercial transportation. If, by a whim of fate, the owner has to take bulky luggage on board, he can additionally fold the middle row and free up up to 3200 liters of usable space.

Specifications

In the domestic market, Volkswagen Caddy received five different engines, mechanical and robotic gearboxes, as well as front-wheel drive or branded all-wheel drive. Thanks to the widest list of units presented, the car has an amazing amount of versatile qualities and is able to satisfy even the most sophisticated buyer. Everyone will be able to pick up a complete set to taste and a purse.

The basic equipment of the compact van is equipped with an ordinary in-line atmospheric four with 110 horsepower. It works in tandem with a five-speed mechanics and a monodrive. For fans of heavy fuel units, there is a turbodiesel similar in layout. Depending on the degree of forcing, it develops 75 or 102 horsepower, and can also be equipped not only with mechanics, but also with a seven-speed robot with two clutches. The top configurations received at their disposal a two-liter diesel four, issuing 110 or 140 horses. It works with both manual and robotic transmissions and can be equipped with an all-wheel drive system for extra money.

Outcome

Caddy is quite multifunctional. It has a stylish, but at the same time unobtrusive design that will look advantageous in any situation. Such a car looks great both in a busy city stream and on the winding streets of provincial cities. Salon is a realm of high-quality finishing materials, well-considered ergonomics, unsurpassed practicality and comfort. Even a long trip or traffic jams during rush hour cannot cause unnecessary inconvenience. The manufacturer is well aware that the main task of each car is to give pleasure from the trip. That is why the compact van is equipped with an excellent line of units, which are an alloy of innovative technologies and unsurpassed German quality. Caddy is perfect for both personal and commercial use.

Video

It is probably difficult to find a more famous commercial vehicle of the German concern than the Volkswagen Caddy. The car is light, compact and at the same time able to meet the needs of the largest family. This minivan has received many awards at prestigious automobile exhibitions. For example, in 2005 the car was named the best European minivan. In Russia, the car is also popular. What are its main characteristics? Let's try to figure it out.

A bit of history

The first Volkswagen Caddy rolled off the assembly line in 1979. It was then that farmers in the United States had a fashion for pickups, which they made by simply cutting the roof off their old Volkswagen Golfs. German engineers quickly appreciated the prospects of this trend, and created the first two-seater van, the body of which was covered with an awning. The car was sold only in the USA, and it reached Europe only in 1989. It was the first generation of the Volkswagen Caddy, which was positioned as a compact delivery van. There were three generations of the Volkswagen Caddy. Cars of 1979 and 1989 have long been discontinued and are of interest only to collectors. But the cars of the newest, third generation, began to be produced relatively recently: in 2004. Production continues today. Below we will talk about these machines.

Main technical characteristics of Volkswagen Caddy

Consider the most important technical parameters of the popular German car Volkswagen Caddy.

Body type, dimensions, load capacity

The vast majority of Volkswagen Caddy cars that can be found on our roads are five-door minivans. They are very compact, but at the same time quite roomy. The body of the car is one-piece, treated against corrosion with a special compound and partially galvanized. The manufacturer's warranty against perforation corrosion is 11 years.

The dimensions of the 2010 Volkswagen Caddy are as follows: 4875/1793/1830 mm. The car is designed for 7 seats. The steering wheel is always on the left. Gross vehicle weight - 2370 kg. Curb weight - 1720 kg. The minivan is capable of carrying up to 760 kg of cargo in the cabin, plus another 730 kg placed on a trailer not equipped with brakes and up to 1400 kg if the trailer design provides for brakes. The trunk volume of the Volkswagen Caddy is 3250 liters.

Chassis, transmission, ground clearance

All Volkswagen Caddy cars are equipped with front-wheel drive. This technical solution is easy to explain: it is much easier to drive a front-wheel drive car, and it is easier to maintain such a car. The front suspension used on all Volkswagen Caddy models is independent.

It is completed with rotary racks with depreciation fists and trihedral levers. The design of this suspension is borrowed from the Volkswagen Golf. This solution makes driving a Volkswagen Caddy comfortable and dynamic.

The rear suspension includes a one-piece rear axle that mounts directly to the leaf springs. This increases the reliability of the suspension, while its design remains very simple. The chassis of the Volkswagen Caddy has a few more important features:

• the overall layout of the undercarriage is incredibly simple, because the design does not include a hydraulic pump, hoses and hydraulic fluid reservoir;
• taking into account the above design, hydraulic fluid leaks on the Volkswagen Caddy are completely excluded;
• the chassis has a so-called active return, thanks to which the wheels of the car can be automatically set to the middle position.

All Volkswagen Caddy cars, even in basic trim levels, are equipped with electric power steering, which significantly increases the controllability of the car. Depending on the configuration, the following types of gearboxes can be installed on the Volkswagen Caddy:

• five-speed manual;
• five-speed automatic;
• six-speed robotic (this option appeared only in 2014).

The ground clearance of the car has changed slightly since 1979. On the first Cuddy models, it was 135 mm, now it is 145 mm.

Type and consumption of fuel, tank volume

Volkswagen Caddy can consume both diesel fuel and AI-95 gasoline. It all depends on the type of engine installed on the minivan:

• in the urban driving cycle, a Volkswagen Caddy with a gasoline engine consumes 6 liters of fuel per 100 km of run, with a diesel engine - 6.4 liters per 100 km of run;
• when driving on country roads, the consumption of gasoline cars is reduced to 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers, and diesel - up to 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers.

The volume of the fuel tank on all Volkswagen Caddy models is the same: 60 liters.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase of the Volkswagen Caddy is 2682 mm. Tire sizes for a 2004 car are 195–65r15.

Disc size 15/6, disc offset - 43 mm.

Power, volume and type of engine

Depending on the configuration, one of the following engines can be installed on a Volkswagen Caddy:

Brake system

All Volkswagen Caddy models, regardless of configuration, are equipped with ABS, MSR and ESP.

Let's talk about these systems in more detail:

• ABS (anti-lock brake system) is a system that prevents the brakes from locking. If the driver suddenly and abruptly braked, or he had to urgently brake on a very slippery road, ABS will not allow the drive wheels to lock up completely, and this, in turn, will not allow the car to go skidding, and the driver completely lose control and fly off the track;
• ESP (electronic stability program) - a system for maintaining vehicle directional stability. The main purpose of this system is to help the driver in a critical situation. For example, if the car enters an uncontrolled skid, ESP will keep the car on a given trajectory. This is done with the help of smooth automatic braking of one of the drive wheels;
• MSR (motor schlepmoment regelung) - engine torque control system. This is another system that prevents the drive wheels from locking up in situations where the driver releases the gas pedal too quickly or uses very hard engine braking. As a rule, the system turns on automatically when driving on slippery roads.

It should also be noted here that, at the request of the buyer, an anti-slip system ASR (antriebs schlupf regelung) can also be installed on the car, which will keep the car stable at the moment of a very sharp start or when driving uphill on a slippery road. The system is activated automatically when the vehicle speed falls below 30 km/h.

Features of the internal configuration

The steering column on the Volkswagen Caddy can be adjusted in two directions: both in height and reach. So that each driver will be able to adjust the steering wheel for themselves. The steering wheel has a number of keys that allow you to control the on-board multimedia system, cruise control system and even a mobile phone. And of course, the steering column is equipped with a modern airbag.

The cruise control system of the Volkswagen Caddy can maintain the speed set by the driver, even if this speed is very low (from 40 km/h). If the system is used when driving outside the city, then it allows you to achieve significant fuel savings. This is due to the more even pace of the ride.

All modern Volkswagen Caddy models can be equipped with a special Travel & Comfort module built into the headrests of the front seats. The module also includes an adjustable mount for tablet computers of various models. The module also includes hangers for clothes and hooks for bags. All this makes it possible to more efficiently use the interior space of the cabin.

Video: 2005 Volkswagen Caddy review

So, Volkswagen Caddy can be a real gift both for a large family and for people involved in private transportation. The compactness of this car, combined with high reliability, provided him with a stable demand, which, presumably, will not fall for many years to come.

Bright green color and plastic body kit freshen up the look of the Caddy

What only Caddy did not have to endure: gravel sections of Karelia, primers of the Chernozem region, the traditional lack of asphalt near Tula and in Bologoy ... The victims of such a run were two simultaneously punctured wheels (more on that later) and about 400 liters of diesel fuel. The latter indicator can be considered quite good: the all-wheel drive Caddy consumed only 5.7–5.9 liters of diesel fuel at a cruising speed of 110–120 km/h. And this despite the fact that having a pronounced windage heel was well loaded.

As for the transportation of belongings, the Caddy is clearly good here: low loading height, large luggage compartment, quick transformation of the seats with the possibility of dismantling them ... And what a spaciousness awaits the rear row passengers: seats with a margin both in breadth and up! True, the level of comfort will begin to decline as soon as the driver stops slowing down in front of speed bumps: the inhabitants of the second row literally bounce in their seats, while the driver and front passenger pass the obstacle quite comfortably. Well, why the passenger version of the spring rear suspension? Although this question is rather rhetorical: it is very expensive and irrational to remake the design. The picture, by the way, changes immediately, as soon as you throw some 500 kilograms of luggage into the trunk of a Volkswagen: a slightly sagging feed noticeably smooths out both the amplitude of body vibrations and the dissatisfaction of passengers. Bring sandbags with you!

Transmission is good: the rear axle connects instantly

Since the inscription Cross proudly flaunted on its bright green sides, forgive me, neither conscience nor natural curiosity allowed me not to check what was written. Cross means cross. Caddy, for his part, did not hit the face in the dirt. At least in its entirety - the protruding "lip" of the front end continually sought to remove part of the soil (there are only 16 cm of ground clearance under the front gearbox). Once again, prepared ballast saves us: sandbags should be included as standard! The fact is that in a loaded state, not only smoothness improves, but also the risk of damage to the ill-fated bumper is reduced, which, due to a slightly sagging stern, rises 2-3 centimeters above the ground. Those places on which our heels cling to the belly, when fully loaded, flew calmly, proudly with its nose up. And on the primer Caddy really justifies the name Cross: if it weren’t for the low ground clearance, it would be possible to drive along the broken country roads at a rally pace: the suspension is energy-intensive, and the all-wheel drive works perfectly - to check it, I have repeatedly traveled to black soil washed out by rain. Even with purely asphalt tires, this Volkswagen climbs forward with enviable stubbornness - the moment of connecting the rear axle is absolutely invisible. The main thing is not to forget to turn off the ESP so that it does not "choke" the engine.

Fortunately, in any case, the motor pulls perfectly: a 2-liter diesel engine (110 hp, 280 Nm) allows our “grasshopper” to feel like a fast locust, especially in the bustle of the city. It's hard to believe in 12.8 seconds to a hundred - a maximum of 10! But on the track, his ardor subsides, and after 100 km / h it becomes a little difficult to overtake, but still possible. However, even despite the notorious rear springs, the Caddy's handling is almost Golf.

Low profile tires in the Cross version are not the best solution

Excellent feedback on the steering wheel, small rolls, a pleasant stroke of the manual lever and predictable brakes. No wonder, because the chassis is based on the "trolley" Golf V 2003, with the exception of the rear suspension. But there are nuances: if the front-wheel drive Caddy is equipped with a more comfortable semi-independent beam suspended on 2-leaf springs, then the 4Motion versions have a continuous axle with more rigid single sheets. Therefore, all-wheel drive versions on rough roads behave a little more nervously.

Additional removable bags on the trip will not be superfluous

It is impossible not to note the traditional Volkswagen ergonomics: everyone is comfortable in the cabin! When traveling, an abundance of various niches, drawers and shelves will be especially useful. And for a surcharge, Volkswagen can be equipped with extremely convenient removable fabric bags for small items that fill the openings of the rear side windows and hang on the backs of the front seats. On a long journey, I was especially pleased with the dipped beam: excellent lighting, especially in the version with bi-xenon headlights with a cornering light function. The high beam is also good, but it could be better - in this mode, the headlight beam only slightly rises above the road. But it did not help to save the "grasshopper" from injury. At night, exactly halfway between Moscow and St. Petersburg, one serious drawback of this vehicle configuration was confirmed. Namely, low-profile 17-inch tires, two of which were successfully punctured on one of the treacherous railroad crossings. And the damage was fatal: on the front wheel, a cast disk was badly bent, and on the rear, the sidewall was pierced. Download will not work. Of course, it was worth driving at a slightly lower speed, and such an opportunity would not have happened. But, on the other hand, at the same 40 km / h on standard 15-inch tires, this could have been avoided. The most interesting thing is that there is no spare wheel in the basic configuration of the Cross Caddy!

The caddy is surprisingly good on light off-road! He would have more ground clearance, but a shorter bumper ...

“You should have seen what queues for tire fitting line up in winter!” - the employee of the gas station “reassured” us. I had to get out of the situation: instead of a punctured wheel, collect a suitable 15th disc in the workshop and mount an old tire on it, and put a “Gazelle” camera in a bent wheel.

What is the verdict of our test? Cross Caddy belongs to the rare class of all-wheel drive minivans for our country - there are practically no alternatives in this segment. It combines the qualities most demanded in our country: a reliable suspension, all-wheel drive, an economical turbodiesel and a roomy interior. Why not replace the traditional SUV? Before a real “cross”, you don’t need so much: slightly increase the ground clearance, cut off excess plastic from the front bumper, soften the rear suspension and put on more tenacious tires.

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