The Volkswagen Caddy, initially introduced in the US in 1979 under the name of “Rabbit Pick-Up,” was first rolled onto European manufacturing lines in November 1982 and since then has established itself as an important player in the urban and compact van market.
The Caddy was initially based upon originally based on the Mk1 Volkswagen Golf, and adopting its front-end and rear-end, the Caddy has proved itself to be an adaptable, durable, well-constructed vehicle that is suitable for traders’ delivery companies as well as young families and has had success across the span of four decades and five generations of the Caddy.
To commemorate the Caddy’s 40-year production run, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is looking back at the story of this iconic vehicle.
Following the introduction of the first generation Caddy in 1982, the model continued to be sold across Europe from 1982 until 1993, before the release of the second generation model in the year 1995.
It is available as a panel van and a high-roofed estate. Caddy 2’s versatility has made it ideal for anyone from couriers to tradespeople to service providers.
Caddy “Mk3” arrived in 2003, and production was transferred to the Volkswagen plant in Poland, which has been committed to the vehicle since.
Improvements to the model were huge, from the change towards Mk5 Golf, the Mk5 Golf platform, the capacity, payload, and the model’s versatility of seven-seat configuration that offered its arms to families with young children at first.
The fourth-generation Caddy offered further improvements to the safety of the vehicle and its efficiency, and also a choice of five, two and seven-seat configurations to provide the ultimate flexibility of customers, which makes it ideal for leisure and work, urban driving, countryside excursions, and family life, as well as other activities.
Moving into its fifth generation Caddy 5, the Caddy 5 is more innovative and flexible than ever before. It has a wide range of driver assist systems and technological features that make driving easier and more enjoyable.
It comes with features like Bluetooth hands-free, a multi-functional steering wheel, and an emergency e-call feature, all available as standard.
The Volkswagen Group’s Multi-Use MQB platform Based on the MQB platform, the Caddy collection has expanded and now includes Caddy Life, Caddy Cargo, and Caddy California.
Caddy Cargo
The Caddy Cargo provides a wealth of space due to the large load bay that ranges in size from 3.3m3 to 4.0m3, which is enough to accommodate two Euro pallets loaded sideways.
With various engine options, a choice between manual and DSG gearboxes, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive, The Cargo can be adjusted to any driving style for loading cargo, fitting into narrow spaces, or going on long trips.
Caddy California
Caddy was the name of the game. The caddy range was expanded and now includes Caddy California. Caddy California is the ideal companion for those looking for adventure, including the huge fold-out bed to the functional mini-kitchen and al fresco dining set.
As the most modern and compact model in the Volkswagen campervan line, The Caddy California maximizes space by having a fold-out bed that doubles as a shelf in the rear, two folding chairs, and a table to create a true home away from home.
With Volkswagen’s most sophisticated information technology, connectivity, and driver assistance system, the brand Caddy California is the newest Volkswagen Caddy California can be described as the most advanced and flexible yet.