The 2022 Volkswagen Caddy is a new 7-seater van that rivals the Kia Carnival in terms of equipment

2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41

The 2022 Volkswagen Cuddy is a popular minivan that has recently changed generations. The new generation of the German model offers deeply redesigned bodywork, interior, list of onboard equipment and technical part. That is, within the framework of the generational change, almost all important structural details, including the suspension, were modernized. This happened due to the transfer of Caddy to the MQB platform. Now in Russia, the German model is available at a price of 2.012 million rubles and with only one naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter engine, which is combined with a manual gearbox. Despite such a "poor" engine range, in terms of equipment level, the Caddy in some cases can compete even with the more expensive Kia Carnival. Already in the basic version of the German model, all the necessary driver's assistants and options are provided that significantly increase the comfort of the driver and passengers. And in the top-end modifications, the 7-seater minivan acquires a trailer control system and other equipment.

Specifications

Thanks to the transfer to the MQB platform, the 2022 Volkswagen Cuddy came out in a completely new body. At the same time, judging by the official photos, the car retained its recognizable appearance, but some of the exterior details have undergone quite serious changes. Also, the manufacturer has made significant adjustments to the configuration and prices. At the same time, the technical characteristics were revised towards improving fuel efficiency. In part, the latter is facilitated by a change in the configuration of the body of the German model, which made it possible to reduce the coefficient of aerodynamic resistance to 0.3.

The Caddy presented in Russia is equipped with only one naturally aspirated 1.6 liter engine. Its declared net power does not exceed 110 hp, maximum torque is 152 N * m. Such an engine is combined exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. Caddy in this version gains the first 100 km / h in 12.8 seconds, consuming an average of 7.1 liters.

The German minivan presented in Europe offers a significantly larger number of engines. In addition to the "Russian" unit for 1, 6 liters in the Old World, you can purchase a Caddy with a similar engine running on natural gas. In this case, the maximum output is increased to 130 hp. A 2-liter turbodiesel engine is also available to buyers, presented in three modifications: 75, 102 and 122 hp. This unit is complemented by a dual urea injection system. Thanks to her, the 2-liter engine has become one of the most environmentally friendly diesel engines in the world. In addition, the Volkswagen Caddy should also receive a "mild" hybrid with a 48-volt starter-generator. With each of these units, both "mechanics" and a 7-speed two-disc "robot" are offered in Europe. Also on the territory of the Old World is a German minivan with a plug-in all-wheel drive, which is not available in Russia.

Up front, the new Caddy has the old McPherson struts, while the rear now has a twisted beam axle with new springs. Both suspensions are complemented by anti-roll bars. With the change of generations, the minivan has become larger. Its length is now 4500 mm, width - 1855, height - 1798 mm. The wheelbase reaches 2755 mm, the ground clearance is 144 mm.

Options and prices

The 2022 Volkswagen Caddy is presented in Russia in six versions. Each of the available versions can also be purchased with an extended body. The surcharge for this is about 80-100 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration.

Combi

The basic version of Caddy in Russia costs almost 2.012 million rubles. This amount includes 16-inch steel wheels (aluminum for a surcharge), halogen optics and headlights with automatic switching function. Also found in the basic configuration:

• electrically adjustable heated side mirrors;
• multifunction steering wheel;
• front power windows;
• central locking with remote control;
• electric heating for the first row of seats and washer nozzles;
• 6 airbags including side curtains;
• electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and driver fatigue monitoring;
• speed control system;
• wheel pressure monitoring sensors;
• assistant when starting to move up the slope.

Air conditioning with a cabin filter is supplied as standard with the Caddy, which can be replaced with dual-zone climate control for a surcharge. By default, the German model is equipped with an audio system with two speakers and an 8, 3-inch touchscreen. The relatively "poor" equipment of the basic version of the minivan can be significantly expanded due to a large number of additional options:

• four or six speakers;
• touch monitor with a diagonal of 10, 1 inches;
• navigation;
• rear view cameras;
• autonomous cabin heater;
• salon mirrors with automatic dimming function;
• front and rear parking sensors;
• intelligent car parker;
• tracking systems for "blind" areas;
• front fog lamps with cornering suspension;
• LED optics placed in a circle;
• adaptive headlights;
• lane departure prevention assistant.

For a surcharge, the list of "comfortable" options is also expanding. These include an electrically heated windshield, front seats with pronounced lumbar support, a multifunction display instead of a dashboard, leather steering wheel and seats. For a surcharge, a third row of seats appears in the basic version. In addition, options available with the entry-level package include an electric luggage compartment with a door closer, sliding side doors (on one or both sides) and rain-sensitive windshield wipers.

MT

The second version of the Volkswagen Cuddy, which in Europe acts as the base one, is estimated at a minimum of 2.315 million rubles in Russia. When buying a minivan in this version, you can get side sliding doors (but without an electric drive), electric heated windshield and front seats with developed lumbar support. This equipment complements the basic one due to adaptive head optics and parking sensors built into the rear bumper. In addition, the Caddy is complemented by a dual-zone "climate" and six speakers. And for a surcharge, you can purchase folding tables that are built into the front seats.

Life

For a complete set of Life, they ask for a little over 2.394 million rubles. This modification introduces aluminum wheels, rain-sensitive wipers, roof rails, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a rear-view camera. Seats with a combined finish are offered as an option with this complete set.

Move

The 2022 Volkswagen Caddy in this version, which costs almost 2, 556 million rubles, offers customers 17-inch rims, LED lighting, an electrically adjustable side door (located on the right side), a trunk closer and an electric sunroof in the roof.

Style

The Style package costs at least 2, 603 million rubles. It features a digital dashboard and seats in a combination of leather and fabric. Also, new decorative inserts appear in the interior of the German minivan.

PanAmericana

Volkswagen Caddy 2022 in the top-end version costs almost 2.681 million rubles. This amount is requested for the appearance of special nameplates and other decorative elements, indicating that the minivan belongs to a special version.

Options and prices (summary table)

#	Equipment	Model years	Cost, rub.	Drive unit	Transmission	Engine, cc cm	Acceleration from 0 to 100, s	Max. speed, km / h	Power, max., H.p. (kW) at rpm	Combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km
1	1.6 MPI MT California	2021 - 2021	2439100	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	12.8	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 1
2	1.6 MPI MT Style	2021 -	2603100	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	12.8	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 1
3	1.6 MPI MT Style Maxi	2021 -	2733100	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	13.3	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 2
4	1.6 MPI MT California Maxi	2021 - 2021	2618400	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	13.3	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 2
5	1.6 MPI MT PanAmericana	2021 -	2620800	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	12.8	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 1
6	1.6 MPI MT	2021 -	2315200	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	12.8	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 1
7	1.6 MPI MT Combi	2021 -	2011800	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	12.8	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 1
8	1.6 MPI MT Combi Maxi	2021 -	2096000	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	13.3	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 2
9	1.6 MPI MT Life	2021 -	2394100	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	12.8	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 1
10	1.6 MPI MT Life Maxi	2021 -	2524200	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	13.3	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 2
11	1.6 MPI MT Maxi	2021 -	2445200	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	13.3	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 2
12	1.6 MPI MT Move	2021 -	2555600	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	12.8	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 1
13	1.6 MPI MT Move Maxi	2021 -	2411200	Front	Manual transmission 6	1598	13.3	180	110 (81) / 5800	7, 2

* - information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for the exact cost.

Safety

The new Caddy has not yet been officially tested for safety. At the same time, its pre-reform version, according to the results of a crash test, protected the driver and front passenger in the event of a frontal impact with an 84 percent probability, a child sitting behind - with a 78 percent. Most likely, in the 5th generation Caddy, these indicators were improved, as the car moved to a more durable platform, and its design was further strengthened. In addition, the minivan has acquired improved security systems, which should increase the level of protection for the driver and passengers.

Handling and off-road capabilities

The new Caddy is equipped with a variety of driver assistance systems. Largely due to this, as well as the transition to the MQB platform, the German minivan has become more manageable. In fact, the Caddy has become a full-fledged family car, not distinguished by enviable acceleration dynamics, but offering a comfortable steering mechanism with good feedback and a soft suspension. However, the chassis of the minivan does not always cope with road irregularities with dignity. This is partly due to the fact that the rear is dependent and relatively stiff suspension, more focused on flat European roads. But this disadvantage is partially compensated by the fact that the Caddy is not able to quickly accelerate from a standstill, which reduces shaking while driving over bumps.

The German novelty boasts excellent directional stability. When maneuvering, there are no noticeable body rolls, and the car confidently enters the turns, keeping a straight line. On the other hand, it cannot be said that Caddy is adapted to Russian conditions. First of all, in our country, the minivan is devoid of a plug-in all-wheel drive, which significantly improves stability when driving on wet or snow-covered asphalt. It should also be noted the low ground clearance, which significantly limits the area of operation of the car: on the German model it is impossible to go outside the asphalt. Even the Toyota Camry in this vein looks like a more passable car than the VW Caddy.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the German model include the following:

• fuel efficiency;
• spacious and comfortable salon;
• many driving assistants;
• high-quality sound insulation.

However, the new Caddy comes with just one engine, which severely limits your choices. In particular, in Russia there are no diesel versions of the minivan that give out more traction than the atmospheric engine sold in our country. Also, in order to get a really comfortable German model, you will have to pay a lot for additional options.

Design

The body of the German model after the change of generations became smoother, which helped the manufacturer to improve the aerodynamic drag index and, as a result, reduce fuel consumption. The Caddy is equipped with a new, tapered head optics, between which runs a thin strip of the grille. Below from it there are 2 air intakes at once. The larger one is made in the form of a mesh, which smoothly turns into the original pattern on the side parts of the front bumper. The Caddy now has huge LED lights aft, stretching out along the Caddy's C-pillars. The tailgate has been replenished with a large glass, over which a noticeable rear wing hangs.

Salon Caddy after a change of generations is sustained in a minimalist style. The control of almost all built-in electronics has now been transferred to the touchscreen display, which is deployed towards the driver's seat. Under it, on an improvised shelf, there is a compact air conditioning unit. The steering wheel on the Caddy is tapered at the bottom for a sportier look. On the second row of the minivan there are 3 full seats.

Sales start

The updated Caddy entered the Russian market in April 2021. The car is delivered to our country ready-made from Germany.

Competitors

Caddy's competitors include Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo and Opel Combo. Moreover, all three models cost about a million rubles less.