Volkswagen upgrades versatile Caddy compact van

THE VOLKSWAGEN CADDY VAN is a clever way to get into the Volkswagen brand, without paying a premium price. Now that it has been upgraded with additional cabin technology and more safety features across the range (Cargo, Crewvan, People Mover and California), it looks even more tempting.

There’s another temptation too: pricing is unchanged despite the Caddy now including wireless smartphone charging standard.

Just like a Golf, only more practical

Extensive standardised safety technology has resulted in the Caddy Cargo and Crewvan now mirroring the Caddy People Mover and California range.

Lane Assist is now standard on all MY23 Caddys including Cargo and Crewvan.

Working in a speed range above 60km/h, Lane Assist provides regulated counter steering as soon as the vehicle looks as though it is going to leave its lane and the driver has not activated the turn signal.

Front Assist can now detect cyclists and pedestrians on Cargo and Crewvan as well as People Mover and California. All Caddys can also now detect oncoming traffic when turning at an intersection and can apply braking to avoid a collision.

Active between 5km/h and 85km/h, Front Assist uses forward camera to firstly provide a driver warning of a possible hazard and then supportive or automatic braking in the event that the driver fails to respond. Pedestrians can be detected at parallel or right angles to the vehicle.

The seven-seat MY23 Caddy Life (People Mover) can be distinguished by new decorative chrome trim on the sliding doors, sliding door rail and tailgate.

The twin side doors of the Life, and MY23 Caddy Crewvan and Caddy California, also now feature hinged opening side windows allowing approximately 40mm of pop-out space for additional ventilation.

In keeping with Volkswagen Australia’s transparent approach to communicating semi-conductor supply challenges, the Caddy Cargo will temporarily be unavailable to order with optional Discover Media satellite navigation and Park Assist.