All new 4th Generation VW Caddy launched today.

• Emissions and fuel consumption reduced by new introduction of EU6 engines
• New driver assistance systems improve safety
• Classic design refined with clear pronounced lines

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has unveiled the fourth-generation of its hugely popular Caddy. The third-generation model recorded more than 1.5 million sales around the world during its eleven-year production – a success that the latest generation Caddy urban delivery van, and its passenger carrying brother, intends to continue.

The Caddy’s drive systems use state-of-the-art technology, with new EU6 engines providing improved efficiency. The Caddy range is powered by new 2.0-litre, four cylinder diesel engines. The performance range includes: 55 kW / 75 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, and the top-of-the-range engine a 110 kW / 150 PS. Recording the lowest fuel consumption is the Caddy Blue Motion panel van, specially developed for inner-city deliveries: 

“With its low fuel consumption of less than four litres per 100 kilometres (70+ mpg), the new Caddy sets a new standard,” explained Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The new Caddy range will also be available with quiet, refined 2.0-litre, four cylinder EU5 diesel engines: 55 kW / 75 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS.

In its fourth-generation, the Caddy shines in its class for having a high level of safety features.  

Numerous new safety and comfort features protect the occupants and support the driver. “To achieve this, we have incorporated a large number of driver assistance systems, which are unmatched in the urban delivery van segment”, said Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

One of these is the ‘Front Assist’ surroundings monitoring system, including City Emergency Braking.  If the driver fails to see an obstacle below a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph), the system automatically applies the brakes, aiming to prevent any collisions. In the passenger carrying variant, Caddy Life, occupants are protected by the use of side and curtain airbags.

Approximately 22 per cent of all accidents involving injuries are collisions with more than one obstacle. In order to minimise the risk related to this scenario, the award-winning Multi-collision Brake System is included as standard in the new Caddy. After a collision, it automatically initiates braking if the driver is no longer able to take action.

Other options which are now available include the ‘Light Assist’ and ‘Driver Alert’ systems.

The latter recognises any deviations from normal driving behaviour and recommends to the driver when a break is necessary. Also available is the option of a heated windscreen, which helps to ensure a permanently good view, no matter the weather.

For the first time on Caddy, there is the option of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which is active at speeds of 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph) with DSG or 30 to 160 km/h (19-100 mph) with a manual transmission – and uses radar sensors to monitor the distance and relative speed to vehicles in front. When used in conjunction with DSG, the ACC system can also slow the vehicle down, for example in queues or traffic jam situations, to a complete stop.

In combination with the Composition Colour and Composition Media radios and with the Discover Media radio-navigation system, customers are able to order a reversing camera. The optional 'Park Assist' system enables automated parallel parking as well as parking at right-angles to the carriageway – an especially practical feature for courier services.

An evolution of a best-seller: the new Caddy's design impresses with sharper folds and clearly defined surfaces with stylish clarity. The re-designed front and the distinctively presented rear give the new compact van an unmistakable character – further distinguished by the new look of the front and rear lights. While remaining extremely functional, the high-quality urban delivery van has gained noticeably in presence.

In keeping with the expressive exterior, the vehicle's interior also features accentuated lines and shapes. Striking decorative trims with integrated air vents and a new generation of infotainment equipment underline the new Caddy's modern look.

The new Caddy will be launched in Germany at the end of June. UK vehicles will arrive later in the year.

UK specifications and pricing will be announced in due course.

Passat beats German rivals in the residual value fight.

PREMIUM CAR quality with a mainstream new vehicle price tag will spell success for the all new Volkswagen Passat in the battle of the ‘big five’ company cars, say independent experts CAP Automotive.

It’s a sector that is hotly contested by five giants of the company car world – Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Ford Mondeo, Mercedes C Class and Volkswagen Passat – which means every new launch is critical for a manufacturer.

Key to success in this market is driver appeal to attract company car choosers, together with competitive depreciation so that fleets can offer the best possible contract hire rates.

According to CAP the all new Passat wins on both counts, with premium car quality normally associated with prestige badges and lower cash depreciation forecast than for any of its German rivals.

CAP’s future used car value forecasting experts – whose ‘Gold Book’ residual value forecasting tool is the industry’s independent benchmark for tomorrow’s second hand prices – say new Passat will retain 37.4% of its value after three years and 60,000 miles.

It means the completely re-engineered Passat is expected to lose just over £13,400 over three years, compared with £15,880 for the equivalent Mercedes C-Class, £16,970 for the Audi A4 and £17,445 for the BMW 3 Series.

The strength of the Volkswagen brand – which is now knocking on the door of premium car status in the form of the new Passat – is revealed by the fact that CAP is forecasting a three year old car to be worth more than its BMW and Audi rivals at the same point.

CAP senior forecasting editor Dylan Setterfield said: “People might reasonably assume that a Volkswagen would generally be worth less as a used car than the equivalent models from more traditionally premium image manufacturers, like Audi and BMW.

“In reality, though, we are anticipating the new Passat to be worth £10,900 in the trade market, after three years, which is £325 more than our forecast for the Audi A4 and £725 above the BMW 3 Series.

“Volkswagen have kept to their ethos of evolution rather than revolution, with the new Passat. Even though everything has changed under the skin, there’ll be no question of unsettling the existing Passat fan because the outward changes remain quite subtle.

“It’s fair to say that this new model will keep the loyal Passat chooser happy while tempting those drivers who want a premium car without the premium new price tag to try a Volkswagen for the first time.”

Volkswagen dealers to take orders for all new Polo Petrol Bluemotion.

Volkswagen Retailers in the UK will begin taking orders for the first-ever petrol version of the Polo BlueMotion today, ahead of first UK deliveries in March, with prices starting from £14,730 (RRP OTR).

The greenest petrol engine in the range is powered by a 1.0-litre BlueMotion TSI petrol unit.  It emits 94 g/km of CO₂ and returns 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle. 

Delivering 95 PS between 5,000 and 5,500 rpm the new three-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.  The Polo BlueMotion has a maximum torque of 118 Nm (160 lbs ft) produced between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.

Efficiency does not come at the expense of performance.  The Polo BlueMotion will reach 62 mph from a standing start in 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 119 mph.

Based on the S trim, the BlueMotion models add even more equipment including a styling pack which includes uniquely shaped front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, side skirts and rear roof spoiler, body coloured door handles, body coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators, front fog lights and static cornering function and unique BlueMotion badging.

Additional kit over that on the S trim includes 15-inch ‘Buenos Aires’ alloys with low rolling resistance tyres, aero body kit, multifunction leather steering wheel, alarm with remote central locking, air conditioning, a front centre armrest, Composition Media and infotainment system, cruise control and Volkswagen’s Driver Alert System.  This version of the Polo comes with a Think Blue, Trainer, which gives hint and tips on how to drive in a more economical fashion by analysing journey patterns.

This 1.0-litre BlueMotion TSI petrol 95 PS engine joins the three-cylinder diesel 1.4-litre TDI BlueMotion engine that produces 75 PS, returns 91.1 mpg and emits just 82 g/km of CO₂. 

All Polo models come with a colour touchscreen, SD card reader, DAB radio and USB and AUX-in connections, as well as a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

The BlueMotion models are available to order now with first deliveries expected in March.  For pricing see below, and for more information on the Polo BlueMotion and the rest of the award-winning Volkswagen range visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Engine derivative	Gearbox	Body	Combined mpg	CO2 (g/km)	Price, £ RRP OTR
1.0-litre TSI 95 PS	5-speed man	3-door	68.9	94	14,730.00
1.0-litre TSI 95 PS	5-speed man	5-door	68.9	94	15,360.00
1.4-litre TDI 75 PS	5-speed man	3-door	91.1	82	15,795.00
1.4-litre TDI 75 PS	5-speed man	5-door	91.1	82	16,425.00