New vs used Volkswagen Caddy: what are the top 3 differences?

New face for a very familiar van

To be honest, the 2016 update amounted to little more than a very comprehensive facelift, but there were enough changes to justify calling it a new vehicle nonetheless. It’s still based on the same “PQ35” platform which underpinned the Golf 5 and Golf 6 (among many others), which makes the Caddy probably the most car-like to drive in its class. It still has a significant amount of brand cachet, to the point where it’s one of very few local vans that actually has its own customising fraternity.

Nothing has changed since that last major update, apart from a new engine option for the passenger-focused “Trendline” derivatives, which was announced late in 2018. The Caddy range is still available in a wide array of body styles, encompassing 2- and 5-seater vans, 5- and 7-seater passenger vehicles, and two wheelbase sizes. The engine range runs all the way from turbo- and non-turbo petrol engines to VW’s 2.0TDI mill in two stages of tune. 

But, apart from that new-car smell, and fresh warranties and service plans, what are the three main differences between pre-2016 Caddies and the current crop? We chart the changes, to highlight the changes between the older ones and showroom-fresh examples.

 

Related: Watch our video review of the Caddy 2.0TDI Trendline here.

 

1. New engine range

The only carry-over drivetrain (which has been a Caddy mainstay since the initial arrival of this model range back in 2005) is the ancient 1.6-litre petrol engine with its attendant 5-speed manual gearbox. Higher up, the changes are more significant, with the current-generation 2.0TDI engine in two states of tune replacing all the previous diesel derivatives. 

The lower-powered 2.0TDI comes only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and delivers 81 kW and 250 Nm in this application. Buyers who want more power has the option of specifying a 6-speed DSG transmission for 2.0TDI variants, which automatically ups the outputs to 103 kW and 320 Nm. 

The least-expensive van-configuration variants still soldier on with the old 1.6-litre petrol mill, however, although a new “entry-level” Trendline passenger variant with a new-generation 1.0TSI (turbo petrol) 3-cylinder engine (good for 75 kW and 175 Nm, and only available with the 5-speed manual) arrived in late-2018 to augment the existing engine range.

 

Related: Which Volkswagen Caddy is better: diesel or petrol?

 

2. Comprehensive restyle, inside and out

While the Caddy’s boxy body remained mostly as it was, the cosmetics received some serious attention. The front end gained Volkswagen’s latest design language, which employs squared-off and oversized headlights along with a horizontal design theme to create a new look. To this end, the bumper and front metalwork were restyled, to give a much more contemporary appearance than before. The rear end changes are less dramatic, with a redesigned bumper and tail lights being the only major differences.

The changes in the cabin were more notable, with a completely new dashboard, centre console, and switchgear. These updates were most welcome, and brings the Caddy in line with current Volkswagen styling themes. New infotainment systems across the board also brings some new-generation VW tech to the cabin, with upgrades up to the top-spec Composition Media system’s colour touchscreen with smartphone mirroring available as an option.

 

Related: Best vehicles for people with mobility problems.

 

3. Updated technology

It’s not only the infotainment system which came in for an overhaul, because the new Caddy also comes with some new safety- and convenience systems. Most notable is the automatic Post-Collision Braking, which applies the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop after a collision, and driver fatigue monitoring. Newly added options include rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, and bi-Xenon headlamps.

This means that, should buyers indulge in some option box-ticking, they can order a Caddy with many of the latest creature comforts and safety add-ons, without compromising on the superb versatility that’s always been a hallmark of this model range. All of this, combined with fresh styling and updated drivetrains, quite successfully hides this model’s mid-2000s ancestry, and brings the Caddy in line with other, more-upmarket Volkswagen model ranges.

It is important to note that older (pre-2016) Caddies may look different, but their practical aspects are roughly the same as in the newer ones. So, if you want all of the Caddy’s famous versatility, and don’t mind driving a vehicle that looks a bit older than the current one, you can get an equally-capable older Caddy for a lot less money in the pre-owned market. Their engines, appearance, and engine choices might not be up to the latest efforts, but the significant saving in outlay will keep your bank manager happy.

 

Related: We detail the entire updated Volkswagen Caddy range in this launch report.

 

Current Volkswagen Caddy engine/drivetrain range:

1.6-litre petrol – 81 kW/155 Nm – 5-speed manual

1.0TSI petrol – 75 kW/175 Nm – 5-speed manual

2.0TDI M/T – 81 kW/250 Nm – 5-speed manual

2.0TDI A/T – 103 kW/320 Nm – 6-speed DSG Automatic

 

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Shop new & used current-generation Volkswagen Caddy cars for sale here.

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