VW raises Caddy spec and cuts petrol model prices

 THE award-winning Volkswagen Caddy is set to become even more attractive as VW raises Caddy spec and cuts petrol model prices.

The introduction of the 2018 model year Caddy sees even higher standard equipment levels and boosted safety features across all models.

And one bonus is that CAP has increased its residual value forecasts for Caddy Trendline and Highline panel vans. The company’s Black Book editors predict the vans will be worth £425 and £250 more than previous versions after three years and up to 60,000 miles.

The new MY18 Caddy 2.0 TDI 102PS Trendline forecast is up nearly 10% to £5,450, and for the Highline equivalent up £250 to £5,700 – which is good news for customers as their vehicles will be worth more when they come to sell, lowering whole-life costs and is also likely to have a positive impact on finance deals where the predicted RV is deducted from the calulation.

And there’s more good news on the financial front with increased safety. Driver, passenger and side airbags and post-collision braking system were all introduced as standard when the current model was launched in 2015.

Now with the 2018 model, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has increased safety levels once again by fitting autonomous emergency braking (AEB – Front Assist with City Emergency Braking) and driver alert as standard across the entire range.

All Volkswagen vans now come with standard AEB, cited by Thatcham Research, the motor insurers’ automotive research centre and respected experts in safety, security and crash repair, as ‘probably the most significant development in vehicle safety since the seat belt’ with the potential to save more than 1,000 lives and 120,000 casualties over the next ten years.

The financial bonus for van drivers and fleet operators is that safe vans mean lower costs as well as less downtime thanks to fewer crashes and therefore drivers and vans kept on the road – and working – for longer.

In addition, vehicles fitted with autonomous braking systems have an average insurance premium reduction of ten per cent compared to those which don’t.

And it’s not just additional safety equipment that Caddy drivers will benefit from with the introduction of the 2018 model. All three trim grades, Startline, Trendline and Highline, feature more standard equipment than ever before, further boosting value for money.

All models, including Startline, gain a leather multifunction steering wheel and multifunction display (in addition to AEB and Driver Alert), while 2018 Trendline models now feature climatic air conditioning as standard. Finally, range-topping Highline models gain Volkswagen’s sophisticated Discover Media satellite navigation system as standard.

As part of the 2018 Caddy package, Volkswagen is also realigning its price structure. As a result, models equipped with the brand’s highly advanced TSI petrol engines are now significantly more affordable. For example, the Startline 1.2 TSI 84 PS model now costs £17,527 (total RRP inc OTR and VAT) – some £1,017 less than the previous price.

The Caddy enjoys one of the broadest ranges of petrol engine options in its sector, and is offered with three highly efficient TSI petrol units. The line-up for the 2018 model consists of: a 1.2-litre 84 PS four-cylinder unit, a 1.0-litre 102 PS three-cylinder unit and a range-topping 1.4-litre 125 PS four-cylinder engine offered with the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission. All three optimise lightweight construction and a turbocharger to deliver the perfect combination of performance and efficiency.

Commenting on the update, Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: “The Caddy has always represented exceptional value for money and these changes further enhance its appeal. We’re delighted to offer people a petrol option at a lower price than before , and are proud of our comprehensive safety package, which we believe makes the Caddy the safest small van on the road.”

Caddy – standard safety cuts insurance costs