The Volkswagen Caddy is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle (M-segment) produced by the German automaker Volkswagen Group since 1979. It is sold in Europe and in other markets around the world. The Volkswagen Caddy was first introduced in North America in 1979 and in Europe in 1982. The first and second generations also had pick-up (coupe utility) variants.
The following vehicles are related to the Volkswagen Caddy and are also manufactured by the Volkswagen Group.
- Typ 14 was derived from the Volkswagen Golf Mk1,
- Typ 9K was derived from the Volkswagen Polo Mk3 (Volkswagen Caddy) / SEAT Ibiza Mk2 (SEAT Inca) platform,
- Typ 9U was rebadged Škoda Felicia pickup,
- Typ 2K was derived from the Volkswagen Touran platform with Golf Mk5 front suspension,
- Typ SB was rebadged for the third generation of the Ford Tourneo Connect since 2021.
First generation (Typ 14; 1979)
Released in 1979, the first Volkswagen Caddy is a coupe utility and van based on the Volkswagen Group A1 platform, shared with the small family car Volkswagen Golf Mk1.
Volkswagen Typ is:
- 147 = LHD (Left hand drive)
- 148 = RHD (Right hand drive)
Rabbit Pickup
The Caddy came to fruition when Volkswagen of America was experimenting with Golf derivatives, developing an estate and a pickup truck with a 1.83 m bed. VW of America's engineering team was led by Duane Miller, who acknowledged the initial design was completed in partnership with Sheller Globe.[1]
Second generation (Typ 9K/9U; 1996)
Released in 1995, the Volkswagen Caddy Typ 9K, or Volkswagen Polo Caddy, was a light van, designed by Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary SEAT, and derived from the SEAT Ibiza 6K, on the Volkswagen Group A03 platform. The area of the cargo floor is 2.6 m2, while the loading volume is 2.9 m3. Typical payload is 550 kg, depending on drivetrain and market specifics, and the two rear cargo doors are of a 60/40 split design. Safety features were improved from the previous generation, reflecting a changing market: Driver airbag was standard and a passenger airbag was optional, ABS and what Volkswagen called an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) was also available. In spite of the name, EDL is not a true differential lock: sensors monitor wheel speeds, and if one is rotating substantially faster than the other (i.e., slipping), the EDL system momentarily brakes it. This effectively transfers all the power to the other wheel. Air conditioning was an available option.
It was built in Spain, at the Martorell factory of SEAT, from 1996 to 2004. Its twin, the SEAT Inca, was quickly phased out when the SEAT marque was realigned as the "sporty" branch of the Volkswagen Group.
It was in production in Argentina until 2008 for the Latin American market.[10] In 2005 the Argentinian-made Caddy (called the Derby Van or Pointer Van, depending on the market) received a facelift which was never sold in Europe, with a front treatment similar to that of the
Third generation (Typ 2K; 2004)
The third generation of Volkswagen Caddy debuted at the end of 2003, at the RAI Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam, with production commencing in May 2004.
The Typ 2K shares 50% of its modules with the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 and Volkswagen Touran. The new model Caddy has a more aerodynamic design, the angle of the windscreen and A pillar is more horizontal, making the dashboard bigger and the bonnet (hood) smaller.
There are two body sizes: "normal" and Maxi. These can both be configured as a Panel Van, a Window Panel Van, Kombi (spartan passenger version), Caddy Life (family version), and a Camping version called the Caddy Tramper or Caddy Life Camper.
A Caddy Life or Kombi seats up to five in two rows while a Caddy Life Maxi or Kombi Maxi seats up to seven in three rows. The Life version has interior trimmings like that of a conventional five seater wagon while the Kombi is a naked panel van with windows and seats. The difference in road noise between the two is described by some as substantial.
Caddy Panel (2010–2021)
The Caddy Panel grew in size over the Caddy Typ 9K, it measures in length 4405 mm, width 1802 mm, height 1833 mm, wheelbase 2682 mm, has a 750 kg payload, and a loading volume of 3.2 m3. The current shape Typ 2K Caddy, on sale in Europe since 2003, is a leisure activity vehicle with Volkswagen Golf Mk5 front suspension.
It resembles the compact MPV Touran, and is assembled at the Poznań factory in Poland.
Fourth generation (Typ SB; 2020)
The fourth-generation Caddy was unveiled in February 2020.[34] For the first time, it is based on the Volkswagen MQB platform. The switch to MQB has enabled VW to offer new tech to the Caddy lineup, including Travel Assist, the new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, connected infotainment systems and digitalized controls.[35] VW is offering the estate and MPV in Kombi, Caddy, Life, Move, and Style trim levels, while the delivery van will be offered in multiple trim levels; for each variant, "Maxi" is appended to the name to designate the long-wheelbase variant. It went on sale in November 2020.
The design team responsible for the Typ SB was led by Albert Kirzinger. Overall length and width have increased by 92 and 62 mm, respectively, while height has decreased by 5 mm compared to the Typ 2K.
Models
The Caddy is available in a light commercial vehicle (LCV) variant with two seats (Caddy Cargo) or a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with five or seven seats (Caddy/Caddy Life). There is also a five-seat model prepared for camping, with a slide-out kitchenette in lieu of the third seating row of the MPV (Caddy California). All versions are available with regular or extended wheelbase (Maxi).
External links
References
- Witzenburg, Gary. Driving the 1980 VWs Popular Mechanics, The Hearst Corporation, February 1980, retrieved 7 December 2022^
- Golf Caddy carries it off Volkswagen Driver, AutoMetrix Publications, December 2005^
- Huffman, John Pearley. This Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup Was a Rare Stroke of Genius Road & Track, November 1, 2021, retrieved 7 December 2022