Volkswagen is upgrading its Caddy small van for the 2018 model year, adding extra equipment – including autonomous emergency braking for improved safety – and even reducing prices of the petrol models.
And although VW Commercial Vehicles calls it a 2018 update, the better value Caddy is available to order now. The Ford Transit Connect and Peugeot Partner have been put on notice.
Let’s take a look at the changes.
VW Caddy 2018 – AEB as standard
The most important news is the introduction of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) across the Caddy range, as standard. VW calls the system Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, and is now fitting it to all of its vans.
It is the only van in the small van class to get such technology, which can prevent or reduce accidents by actively applying the brakes if the driver fails to respond to warnings.
VW first van maker to fit AEB as standard
The Caddy already featured post-collision braking (which locks the brakes after an impact to prevent secondary crashes) and no less than four airbags.
VW confidently claims it is now the safest small van you can buy. It’s hard to disagree.
This should mean lower insurance costs as well as safer driving.
Get a VW Caddy insurance quote via mustard.co.uk
More equipment for the 2018 VW Caddy
Every Caddy trim level also receives an increase in standard equipment.
Entry-level Startline gains a multifunction, leather-covered steering wheel and fancier multifunction display in the instrument cluster. This is in addition to the new AEB system and Driver Alert, which monitors the driver for signs tiredness.
Mid-spec Trendline now gets climatic air-conditioning as standard, while top-spec Highline buyers will enjoy standard fit satellite-navigation – the Discovery Media system that’s shared with many VW cars.
Price drop for petrol-powered Caddys
As if all that wasn’t enough, VW has also lowered the prices of petrol powered models – by up £1,017.
Petrol vans are a decidedly niche choice – they were actually outsold by electric vans in 2016 – but as diesel emissions becoming increasingly problematic, especially in towns and cities, some operators may find themselves looking for an alternative that doesn’t require charging every 60 miles.
The Caddy has by far the widest range of petrols in this sector, too, with an 84hp 1.2-litre, a 102hp 1.0-litre and 125hp 1.4-litre – each a TSI turbo, with plenty of performance and character. The 1.4 is even available with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.
