Volkswagen Cross Caddy driven

vw-cross-caddy (1)I really like the look of the VW Cross Caddy. Especially when optioned with viper green paint one of two exclusive colours available, the other of which is called honey orange. It looks confident and like its Polo namesake the Caddy gets a similar cross treatment which comprises a host of rugged add-ons to bolster its appearance. These additions include silver roof rails, privacy glass, 17-inch canyon alloy wheels, colour-coded bumpers and side mouldings, black and silver underrun protection and tinted tail-lamps. As rugged as it may look the Caddy has no real 4×4 credentials apart from its ground clearance of 146mm.

Inside, it’s a similar story. The cabin is modern and playful with grey/green interior trim rounding off the door cards and seat bolsters. It all looks rather funky. The controls and switchgear mirror that of any other VW product while the general fit and finish is of a very high quality. The only visible let down is the lack of a soft-touch slush-moulded dashboard. As a practical offering the Cross Caddy can be optioned with seven seats and a cargo net while the boot can consume a whopping 2852l from the floor to the roof with the seats folded forwarded.

Powering the Cross Caddy is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel/5-speed manual transmission combo a great choice that perfectly complements the vehicle’s demeanour. Cranking out 81kW and 250Nm, the 2.0 TDI mill is good for a 12.4s 0-100kph blast, a top speed of 170kph and a commendable combined cycle figure of 5.7l/100km. The Caddy’s compliant suspension arrangement demonstrated its composure over the bumpy and corrugated roads of the Magaliesberg on our launch drive. The engine never struggled for power and the many bursts of enthusiastic driving did little to adversely affect the fuel economy which remained steady at 7.1l/100km during the drive. For peace of mind motoring standard safety kit includes daytime running lights, ESP (Electronic with Hill Hold Control, ABS, EDL, TCS, MSR and driver, passenger front and side airbags.

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed my 200km stint in the Cross Caddy. It’s an impressive all round vehicle that’s properly suited for those in need of a hard-working lifestyle vehicle. At R340 600, it may not be the definition of cheap but in return for your dosh you’re getting a vehicle adept at transporting everything from the kids and dogs to the bikes and groceries. I love it where do I sign?

NEED TO KNOW

Volkswagen Cross Caddy 2.0TDI

PRICE At R340 600

ENGINE 1968cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel, 81kW @ 4200rpm, 250Nm @ 1500rpm

TRANSMISSION Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive

SUSPENSION Macpherson strut front, leaf spring with stabiliser bar rear

LENGTH / WIDTH / HEIGHT  4428 / 1 794 / 1 856 mm

WEIGHT 1401kg

PERFORMANCE 12.4sec 0-100kph, 170kph top speed, 5.7l/100km, 149g/km

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