2020 VW Caddy - Roadtest & Review | Vanarama.com
Small vans are under a lot of pressure these days. They’ve got to be car-sized, nippy, comfortable to drive, and they’ve got to let users pack a load of kit in the back. So, say hello to the VW Caddy, Volkswagen’s very own small van that aims to tick ALL those boxes.
The version we have with us today is a Highline… the very top trim level, and it features the best engine and the 6-speed DSG gearbox - I’ve been excited about getting my hands on this one, so let’s see how it handles its very own Vanarama road test.
• Great-looking engine grille and badge.
• Front fog lights.
• Heated windscreen.
• Rain sensor with automatic wipers and intermittent control.
• Body-coloured bumpers, passenger car style door mirrors and handles.
• 16" Bendigo alloy wheels.
• Rear-parking sensors.
• Hatch door.
• Ply-lined loading bay.
• Lashing points.
• LED spotlights.
Back door width: nearly 1.2m
Back door height: nearly 1.1m
Payload: around 700kg
Length: nearly 1.8m
Width: over 1.5m
Width between arches: nearly 1.2m
Height: over 1.2m
Side sliding door width: 0.7m
Side sliding doors height: nearly 1.1m
Highlights:
• 8-way adjustability on driver’s seat, including lumbar support.
• Height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats.
• Steering wheel and controls.
• Radar cruise control with speed limiter.
• DID in centre of dashboard.
• Infotainment screen with bags of gadgets and gizmos.
• Climatic air conditioning.
Well, the VW Caddy is certainly not short on options… on this top trim level it’s overflowing with equipment and additions. It’s also fast and fun to drive, but still capable of returning a sensible level of fuel efficiency.
The only place it falls behind the competition is payload… and even then it’s only by about 50kg, which is hardly worth worrying about.
People complain that you must pay a premium for the VW badge, but they’re wrong. The VW Caddy is sensibly-priced, offers excellent ROI, looks great, drives great… etc, etc. It’s a great contender in the small van sector.
It’s unafraid to wear its heritage on its sleeve, and yet it’s not shy about putting a fair bit of distance between itself and the competition with its many, many, many options. That alone, has convinced me of its value… what about you?
Пікірлер: 75
Have my caddy highlife until sep 2021. I love it! The new one for next year looks even more awesome inside and out
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: I couldn't agree more. The current and next gens are both great performing & great looking vehicles. I can't wait to snag a new one for a review!
@sadiporter2966
4 жыл бұрын
@@vanaramauk The 2021 model doesn't have a folder seat opening giving you an extra 1 metre of length unlike the peugeot partner, citroen berlingo and vaxhaul combo. As the 2021 model is a complete redesign i was expecting it to have this crucial feature.
Indeed, you will need that conveniently placed hazard warning light switch when the injectors inevitably pop, van goes into limp mode and you are stranded on the side of a motorway for 4 hours! Excellent review though. One thing to add - elbows get sore on long journeys - the elbow rests on the doors seriously need some light padding. Also, on top of all of my injectors needing replacing, the central locking also failed due to a steering column fault. On all occassions, VW customer servise has been appalling, absolutely shocking. Apart from that, the van drives like a dream ,tows easily, looks great, brilliant fuel economy. Rubbish customer service but I'd still buy another, if anything for the way it drives.
@cclow9494
3 жыл бұрын
I can relate to being standed on the side of a motorway in a VW Caddy. The M6 south of Carlisle. My VW Caddy has been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. Even contacted VW UK HQ at Milton Keynes but no sympathy or support from the company whatsoever. 8 fuel injector failures and vehicle only now on 31k miles. The vehicle has ruined 3 holidays and is not fit for purpose. EGR also failed at 30k miles and now replaced. Can best describe the VW Caddy as a bottomless hole money pit.
I had a caddy maxi highline in 2017 ish. Not bad but I had issues getting comfy not sure if it's the seat or the bulkhead. I'm surprised they still haven't swapped the satnav and climate controls around 😳
Best reviews on KZread
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Thank you so much for that comment, Ryan. Much appreciated and glad you're enjoying our content.
The 2 cup holders at the back are for second-row passengers in the crew cab version of Caddy.
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Which makes them a bit awkward in the single row version, eh?
@johnnydaller
4 жыл бұрын
Vanarama Only if you are 4-cup type of dude!
I pulled over and got my grinder out. 2mins later after cutting half of the bulkhead out I continued on my way with seat reclined.
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Blimey!
Nice video! I really enjoyed the details! I also reviewed the 2021 Volkswagen Caddy (new generation), in my channel! It was the passenger version, but I was rather disappointed with it because it's starting price was 28,000 Euros, yet it was endless plastic in the interior, plus the rear had absolutely no comfort for the rear passengers. The rear passenger seat windows DON'T open, that very unusual for a 28k vehicle, let alone a Volkswagen. Otherwise I did praise how Volkswagen finally took a revolutionary turn in the design, rather than evolving it like they've done for the past 10 years. I did also mention that the Caddy would be an ideal company car, since companies buy them in fleet, so they'd automatically gain some price reductions and bonuses.
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
Tom here: I really like the Caddy. At the small end of the market, premium brands like VW van really make a statement. The Caddy has refinements in drive & comfort that other small vans don't. However, it's a harder market sector now that the PSA Group vans account for around 40% of the vans on offer.
7:08 -that would be defrosting button for back window. but at 2:36 it seems that you dont need to defrost your back window because there is none.
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Eagle eyes!
You forgot to mention that anyone over 6ft with longer than average legs will be crammed in. You’ll be sat bolt upright and have to remove the bulkhead to get any decent driving comfort
I have a 2019 Caddy Maxi Highline 5 seater with even more things than this one: leather and Alcantara seats, dual zone AC, park assist, etc... It look good, the interior doesn't fells cheap but with more or less 20.000 miles I have some creaks in the dashboard. The quality looks better than it really is.
Ive had up to 83mpg on my maxi.. Great mpv I had extra leds built into my hatch in the factory.
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Excellent mods there. The LEDs are an excellent shout. The Caddy Maxi is a force to be reckoned with.
@hovermotion
3 жыл бұрын
@@vanaramauk not sure about that mk 5 yet...
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
@@hovermotion Tom here: Why not? What's holding back the likes?
@hovermotion
3 жыл бұрын
@@vanaramauk electric hand brake..why have vw got rid of the good old mech hand brake...
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
@@hovermotion Tom here: I don't know really. It's just a modern thing a lot of van manufacturers add in these days. Personally, I feel commercial vehicles should have manual hand brakes. They're just a bit more reassuring.
Love this van thanks for the review
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Hey Ned, you're welcome glad you enjoyed it. Okily dokily!
Fantastic review!
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: You're too kind, really pleased you enjoyed the review. Thanks for the support.
these 2 cup holders. are made for the people in the back sit, not for you. you removed the sits, but you can't remove the cup holders, simple as that. ;=)
Time to replace my Caddy .. don’t think it will be the next VW Caddy. Too many QA issues reliability. Fuel injector failure and at $1600 to replace each😏 it’s not a good feeling. DSG not that good for loading heavy gear. Hope this new gen is better in those fields. Great review.
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Thanks for the feedback, appreciate your support. What van you going to choose next then, if you don't go for a Caddy?
@A861967
4 жыл бұрын
I’m thinking of a Ute with a Custom canopy. Brand new and I will still have change 😊
What a difference in tone and objectivity, compared to tests of non-vw vans. This van is basically the same as any other brand, only you pay a sh!t load more to get it up the same spec. And then the engine breaks down, gearboxes refuse cooperation, etc, etc. The VW build quality went out of the window after the 90's. Pro-tip: Ask an owner's opinion, not one from a sponsored KZreadr, who needs to change his shorts every time he sits in a VW...
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Okay, so. Let's clear up a few things... listen to my reviews and you'll find them all to be enthusiastic - I just love vans. Also, I make a point of saying "you always pay a premium" when you choose VW - again, watch all my reviews. Admittedly, yeah, an owner might have more hands-on experience with a Caddy - can't argue with it, you free? But finally, my shorts are clean, mate. I'm trying to give people a good look at a van - some people might just want to watch a video that shows them round it rather than some miserable dude pulling things to shreds.
I have a little dilemma. I need a second vehicle for my business. I currently have just the one van which I use as my personal car too. I want another commercial vehicle for tax reasons but one that I can use as a family car too so am considering a caddy maxi crew van or an Amarok. Will mostly be used to run around town to town but will occasionally be used for further drives for leisure. Thoughts please!
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Right now, we have deals on the Highline trim level Amaroks (one of the best trim levels, double cab, 3-litre V6 engine, lots of comfort, lots of style, widest load bay on the market, etc) you should take a look - they're great trucks: www.vanarama.com/volkswagen-van-leasing/amarok/d/cab-pick-up-highline-3-0-v6-tdi-258-bmt-4m-auto-9915.html
Nice1..Vanara & thank u
Love my Caddy.....👍🇮🇲
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
Tom here: As well you should!
@ManxAndy
3 жыл бұрын
@@vanaramauk SWB 1.6tdi....lowered /mapped/ converted to a mini camper in rear, 👍🇮🇲
Pressume the caddy vans with seats in the back are quite rare?
Lot better without the Bulkhead because after a while driving your back starts to ache and you cannot ajust the seats back,a real Pain
Ive a cady 2020 i think its hard on fuel
Total quality .
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: I agree - a great small van. The review's good too though...
Appena acquistato,2000cc 150cv dsg super!!!
I’m 17 what is the best small van for money and enjoyment
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Well, you need to be 18 to lease, but best value for money are Ford Transit Couriers, Renault Kangoos or Fiat Fiorinos - but that's just my opinon. You get a lot of van for the money with those three.
@bobby5634
3 жыл бұрын
Peagout Partner?
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
@@bobby5634 Tom here: Yes, another great small van. Built on the same platform as the Citroen Berlingo & Vauxhall Combo (the latter of which I'd say is the best value for money in its Cargo trim level).
Had both this and Ford transit connect ride is to hard on vw caddy , cup holders rubbish position , no climate control on caddy highline , I would go for the transit connect and save some money , rubber load mat in back of connect much better
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
Tom here: I'm a Connect fan too. I'd still choose a PSA Group van over the Connect, but the Connect is excellent (really excellent) value for money.
@kevinwillis6707
3 жыл бұрын
@@vanaramauk you really end up paying 4 or 5 grand extra just for a vw badge, and agree the ride is too hard. id rather a berlingo or combo, havent tried the connect but people rave about the transit custom so i assume its similar. ive never really got the cult following for vw. of course if money was no object id go for the new electric morris commercial, but 60 grand is a bit much...citroen/ peugot need to pull their finger out and release a new version of an electric small van, i hear the despatch is good.
The pro detailers will be spattering in their pants for this van.
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Rude, crude, but true.
Plenty of room to stand in the back thou.
Why are you reviewing a Caddy van that hasn't changed for the past 5 years basically now, when a new Caddy is very soon to be released? I'd say you & VW are trying to push sales before the new one comes out. I've only discovered your channel recently & hoped your reviews would be worth spending my time watching, but what I've discovered is that your reviews are basically no better that going through the car/van company's model video promo or brochure.
@qazwerspoil
4 жыл бұрын
Liamofloin well they are only going to review vans they lease. Not going to give a bad review or even any constructive criticism of a van they want people to lease from them
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Good question - we got it in because we have special deals on it.
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: I keep the reviews as factual as possible, just stating things as I notice them, and I'm honest in the driving sections. I'm also very passionate about commercial vehicles, so I'm going to say good things and try to balance those things with constructive comments. Let me know what I can add to make these work for you better.
@Liamofloin
4 жыл бұрын
@@vanaramauk Thanks Tom for getting back. I cannot take your reviews seriously if you are also selling those vans. It's like asking a salesman if his product is any good... "It's the best van ever".
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
@@Liamofloin Tom here: I can totally understand your point of view - it's why I really try to make the video about the vehicle and offer some personal opinion when it feels right. I want these reviews to give people an idea of the vehicle and what it packs, my personal opinion (as someone who just loves LCVs) is usually positive anyway. Appreciate your feedback.
There junk i have one no disrespect but you drive the van for a few hours and think its great I use mine everyday there noisey bad seats and terible suspension didn't break a sweat try loading it up with tools and do that
@vanaramauk
3 жыл бұрын
Tom here: I drove it every day for a week before filming the review - I know that's not as long as a full-time operator - but I have to say it was a great van to drive. We're planning a series of practicality videos for 2021, using the vans as operators like you would. Hope they fit the bill for you.
@roadwarrior8560
3 жыл бұрын
was looking for a caddy but I see they have lots of problems with injectors etc. Not sure what to buy now, might go for a slightly bigger van of some kind.
Best bit of this review was the last 30 seconds. The rest.... boring, boring, boring. Yawn.
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: Sorry to hear that, but glad that at least some of it was useful.
@ryanquinn5557
4 жыл бұрын
You obviously don’t want the full insight regarding the specifications and all the details
Good for 250k miles
@vanaramauk
4 жыл бұрын
Tom here: And the rest, eh?
VW has no style anymore.