Volkswagen Caddy Cargo In-Depth Review - Best Small Van for UK Businesses?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A VOLKSWAGEN CADDY CARGO FROM OSV: bit.ly/3FzVssy
The fifth generation Volkswagen Caddy is a compact van that's new from the ground up, described as 'the Swiss Army Knife of urban delivery vans'. It's now more stylish, but bigger inside, more economical and efficient but also more car-like. Plus there's an advanced digital interior and a whole portfolio of safety systems. You won't have previously come across a compact LCV quite as advanced as this one.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:42 Background
03:32 Driving Experience
08:50 Design & Build
16:16 Market & Model Range
34:44 Practicality and Cost
46:00 Summary
Background
With three million sales on the board, the Caddy is well established as the core starting point for Volkswagen's commercial vehicle line-up. Its history dates back to 1978 and a Golf-based US market pick-up called the Rabbit which was brought to Europe and rebadged 'Caddy' in 1982. But the Caddy's history as a small van really began in earnest with the second generation model of 1995. That became more sophisticated in the third generation form of 2003 which was subsequently offered in lengthened 'Caddy Maxi' form. By now, MPV and Camper variants were also available - and offered with both body lengths.
The 'Caddy 4' fourth generation design of 2015 was visually very little different from its predecessor but much more sophisticated in terms of comfort, safety and efficiency. Five years on though, it was time for a more radical change, which brings us to the fifth generation model we're going to look at here.
Driving Experience
There are a trio of 2.0-litre diesel engine options to kick off, with a choice of 75PS, 102PS and 122PS outputs. All get 6-speed manual transmission and if you go for the 122PS version, you'll be offered the option of a 7-speed DSG auto gearbox. We wouldn't really recommend the relatively feeble entry-level 75PS version unless you'll only be using your Caddy for urban deliveries but the other two variants should offer a decent turn of speed.
The top 122PS diesel TDI model can also be ordered in manual form with 4MOTION 4WD. Yes, that's right: 4WD in a compact van - a useful thing to have if your deliveries take you to slippery building sites or along rutted tracks. As with all VW SUVs, this is a set-up designed always to provide power to the wheels with most traction. Normally, it'll pull you from the front, but should conditions change, in a split second, 4MOTION can spread power to the rear wheels if required and immediately stop power to any wheel losing traction.
What else? Well, for the few segment customers wanting petrol power, a 1.5-litre TSI engine with 114PS is available. Across the range, a braked trailer capacity of up to 1,500kg is within the Caddy's remit and it's worth pointing out that pulling potential of this magnitude is rare in this sector. Many vans of this size after all, don't even break the 1,000kg barrier.
Design and Build
Visually, the Caddy hasn't looked much different since the third generation version was launched back in 2003. So the complete styling re-think for this MK5 model is somewhat refreshing, no contour or component having been left untouched. The higher bonnet is a bit like that of a compact SUV and both the radiator grille and the headlights have been redesigned. As before, the standard body shape is joined by a lengthened Caddy Maxi model but the ordinary Caddy may now be sufficient for your needs, being 93mm longer and 62mm wider than its predecessor. The key difference is one you can't see, this MK5 model's switch to an all-new, stiffer MQB platform.
*CAR REVIEW PLAYLISTS*
► New Car Reviews: bit.ly/3myaZiV
► Behind the Wheel: bit.ly/35JuUo7
► Highlight Car Reviews: bit.ly/35N1Wnx
► Electric Car Reviews: bit.ly/2TAqjPK
► Short Car Reviews: bit.ly/2HHlJMS
► Hatchback Reviews: bit.ly/3mKNAen
► SUV & 4X4 Reviews: bit.ly/37Verjt
► Saloon Reviews: bit.ly/37QrbrD
► City Car Reviews: bit.ly/3jDzBVI
► Estate Car Reviews: bit.ly/3kDflog
► Sports Car and Coupe Reviews: bit.ly/2TwkzXb
► MPV Reviews: bit.ly/3e7114S
► Van Reviews: bit.ly/31QWcb4
► Business Car Reviews: bit.ly/3kGZncN
► Family Car Reviews: bit.ly/3myLaiy
*FOLLOW OSV ON*
► Facebook: / osvltd
► Twitter: / osvmotoringnews
► Instagram: / osvltd
#VolkswagenCaddyCargo #Van #OSV

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

this will make a nice camper van when converted

[@blitzchaserjzx100]

These are lovely vans to drive big difference from the old one. But it's not reliable gearbox had to be changed at only 70km new car battery after 5 months. Bluetooth is faulty and all these new model caddy vans. Developes clutch problems in some so far clutch paddle doesn't return back fully. Wears tyres on inside and outside on front constantly. Does about 8 or 9 mpg better than the old model.

[@inversions1588]

Does anyone know of the horrendous injector problem from the 1.6 MK3 Caddy era was solved by the time the MK4 Caddy was introduced? 
If yes I presume the injectors on the MK5 Caddy Commerce must be at last fit for purpose?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Is the VW Caddy Cargo your ideal next van? Call us to secure yours on 01903 538835 or book your free consultation with a vehicle expert: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@PedroJaimeObrien]

id turn this into a camper van

[@marydankers534]

No fair.!. NO VW CADDY CARGO VAN here in Texas...Looks like the perfect van for my small business...

[@Mountain-Mac]

Must be ways to get one though? Or is it crazy prices?

[@afctaylor12]

It something to do with a chicken ban something about eu raising tariffs so amercian did same about small pannel van . That why you never see caddy or other small van

[@FruiceProduces]

@@afctaylor12 it's called the chicken tax. Goes back to the war. American slapped large tax on German and other eu built small vans to give American manufacturers a chance. There are some expensive ways around it but it's not profitable, not even for the automakers. Ford transit connect got a few in by shipping from turkey

[@niceguy235uk1]

Keyless entry is not available on the UK specs, only Keyless Go AFAIK

[@Mountain-Mac]

I’d like to be the comment winner that receives the van shown in this video. Thank you 👍🏻

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Sadly we can't give it away, but we can help you get behind the wheel of one! 👍

[@bartonarcade]

Caddy van 2022 10,000 miles auto pro swb been back 3 times to main dealer problems with digital instrument cluster monitor . Hear a clicking sound may be 6/8 times over a week then says SOS EMERGENCY CONTACT DEALER . Taken in to dealer (reset) so they say not got a direct answer to the problem and why this happens . Happened again this week this time says loading setting's been on this for the past 4 days ROUND AND ROUND . Had no radio no aircon and also a new light central warning amber colour . For a new vehicle more problems them i have ever had going back again on 16/1/23 . Driven caddy's for over 20 years ANY ANSWERS OR JUST A BAD BUY

[@achrafachraf9506]

CITROËN MASTER H2 L2 CARGO

[@MultiElected]

nox sensors failing....500 +++- joke shop