Volkswagen Caddy
The Volkswagen Caddy is almost identical panel van and leisure activity vehicle (M-segment) produced by the German automaker Volkswagen Group since 1980. It is sold in Europe and in other markets around the world. The Volkswagen Caddy was first introduced in North America in 1980 and in Europe in 1982. The first and second generations also had pick-up (coupe utility) variants. The following vehicles are related to the Volkswagen Caddy and are also manufactured by the Volkswagen Group. First generation ("Typ" 14; 1979). Released in 1979, the first Volkswagen Caddy, also known as Volkswagen Golf Mk1  Caddy is a coupe utility and van based on the Volkswagen Group A1 platform, shared with the small family car Volkswagen Golf Mk1. Volkswagen "Typ" is: Caddy debuts internationally as the Rabbit Pickup. The Caddy came to fruition when Volkswagen was experimenting with Golf derivatives, an estate and a pickup. Volkswagen of America was interested in the pickup, and Volkswagen released the Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup in North America, produced at the Volkswagen Westmoreland Assembly Plant in Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1984. Trim levels such as LX and Sportruck were available. In North America, the Caddy came with two engine choices . The 1.6L diesel and the 1.7L petrol. One unique feature of the diesel was that it came with a five-speed gearbox, with the fifth gear labeled as “E” or “Economy”. The Caddy actually was not called Caddy until 1982 when it was released in Europe. The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup competed with compact pickups, such as the Ford Courier, Datsun Truck, the Toyota Hilux, the Dodge Rampage and the Subaru BRAT. The first cars under the name Rabbit Pickup were sold in the United States in 1979. Three years later, the model was introduced to Europe, where it was sold  under the Caddy name. Caddy debuts in Europe. The Caddy nameplate was never used in North America. Its first use was in Europe in 1982, when the Caddy came to Europe. European Caddys were built in Volkswagen's plant TAS in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, back then within SFR Yugoslavia, from 1982 till 1992. After that, it was replaced by the Volkswagen Taro in Volkswagen's pickup lineup, since later Caddy models developed with Skoda, were slightly smaller. The original Caddy was produced in South Africa until 2007, alongside the first generation Golf itself (which was sold until 2009). The  stamping equipment was shipped from the closed plant in Westmoreland for both models. Engine specs. The 1979–1984 Caddy pickup used the following engines: However, during its long production in South Africa it has been available with the following engines: Second generation ("Typ" 9K/9U; 1996). Released in 1995, the Volkswagen Caddy "Typ" 9K, or Volkswagen Polo Caddy, was a light van, designed by Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary SEAT, and derived from the SEAT Ibiza 6K, on the Volkswagen Group A03 platform. It was built in Spain, at the Martorell factory of SEAT, from 1996 to 2004. Its twin, the  SEAT Inca, was quickly phased out when the SEAT marque was re aligned as the "sporty" branch of the Volkswagen Group. It was in production in Argentina until 2008 for the Latin American market. It received a cosmetic facelift in 2005, similar to the post 1999 Volkswagen Polo Mk3. Note: The electronic differential lock (EDL) employed by Volkswagen is not — as the name suggests — a differential lock at all. Sensors monitor wheel speeds, and if one is rotating substantially faster than the other (i.e., slipping), the EDL system momentarily brakes it. This effectively transfers all the power to the other  wheel. Caddy "Typ" 9U. Released in 1996 to complement the "Typ" 9K Caddy range, the rebadged Škoda Felicia Utility was the entry level light commercial vehicle for the VWCV range. The "Typ" 9U Caddy was built in Škoda Auto's Kvasiny, Czech Republic plant. Third generation ("Typ" 2K; 2003). The third generation of Volkswagen Caddy debuted at the end of 2003, at the RAI Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles debuted the "Typ" 2K Caddy panel van. The "Typ" 2K shares 50% of its modules with the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 and Volkswagen Touran. The  new model Caddy has a more aerodynamic design, the angle of the windscreen and A pillar is more horizontal, making the dashboard bigger and the bonnet (hood) smaller. There are two body sizes: "normal" and Maxi. These can both be configured as a Panel Van, a Window Panel Van, Kombi (spartan passenger version), Caddy Life (family version), and a Camping version called the Caddy Tramper or Caddy Life Camper. A Caddy Life or Kombi seats up to five in two rows while a Caddy Life Maxi or Kombi Maxi seats up to seven in three rows. The Life version has  interior trimmings like that of a conventional five seater wagon while the Kombi is a naked panel van with windows and seats. The difference in road noise between the two is described by some as substantial. Caddy Panel (2010–present). The Caddy Panel grew in size over the Caddy "Typ" 9K, it measures in length , width , height , wheelbase , has a payload, and a loading volume of 3.2 m. The current shape "Typ" 2K Caddy, on sale in Europe since 2003, is a leisure activity vehicle with Volkswagen Golf Mk5 front suspension. It resembles the compact MPV Touran, and  is assembled at the Poznań factory in Poland. In May 2007, British Gas signed a landmark deal which saw 1,000 vans being supplied to the firm, which were fitted with a bespoke racking system and a speed limiter, designed by Siemens. The deal was renewed in September 2015. Caddy Life. The Caddy Life, a seven-seat passenger oriented People Mover, debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It comes with twin sliding doors and a payload. Caddy Life has a flexible seating system. The two rear bench seat rows can be taken out of the vehicle altogether to give the  vehicle 2850 litres of cargo room; in addition, the Caddy Life has a towing capacity. In 2005, a Special Edition Caddy Life Colour Concept with two distinctive colours, Red Spice and Ravenna Blue, was released with upholstery fabrics, floor mats and a variety of other elements on the dash panel in the same colour as the exterior body, and a leather trimmed steering wheel, gear and handbrake lever. Caddy Maxi and Caddy Maxi Life. Debuting at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented the Caddy Maxi Life the people mover version of the Maxi range. The Caddy Maxi  range carried over all of the Caddy engine and debuted the 2.0L TDI engine producing . The Caddy Maxi family is longer version of the Caddy with 4.2 m loading space, this is due to extensions of the wheelbase which measures an extended, rear overhang now , plus the growth between the sliding doors and the rear axle now at and payload is up to to on commercial versions. The Caddy Maxi Tramper, the camping version of the Caddy Maxi, debuted at the 2008 AMI Leipzig Motor Show along with the Caddy Maxi EcoFuel Study. Caddy Life Tramper (Camper). Based on the  Caddy Life the Tramper or Camper (Australia) package comes with two seats and a table, a fold out awning that is packaged within the rear tailgate, a bed that is made by folding down the seats measures 1.10 m x 2.0 m, also curtains are standard for privacy, options include a seven-litre cool box. Carrera Cup Edition. The Caddy Carrera Cup Edition is a limited (250 units) version for the Swedish market. It is based on the 2.0L TDi model with black 17 inch wheels with 225/45R17 tires, a new body kit, white body with red trim, black and  red leather sport seats, a fire extinguisher under the passenger's seat, a sport leather steering wheel and gear knob. The vehicle has MSRP of 250,000 Swedish krona (US$34,200 or €22,000). Caddy 4Motion. At the 2008 IAA (Hannover Motor Show), Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles revealed the all wheel drive Caddy 4Motion range teamed with the 1.9 TDI engine and manual transmission. Early in 2010, the Caddy Maxi range will receive the 4Motion drivetrain. Caddy in Australia. Since its introduction in the Australian market in 2003, the Caddy range has taken the market lead for small vans, with a 42 % share in 2007. Even with the more premium pricing over its competition, buyers are still willing to pay more for the TDI and DSG transmission options. Facelift. 2010. Towards the end of 2010, the Caddy underwent a facelift to match the new design language of Volkswagen vehicles. Changes included a front with new headlights and grill from the Touran Mk2, which is similar to the Volkswagen Golf Mk6. 2015. In 2015, it underwent a second facelift consisting of a new front fascia, roof spoiler and a new interior to keep it competitive alongside its more modern rivals. Referred to as  Caddy 2K SA (or Mk4/MkIV). It is not based on the new Volkswagen Group MQB platform, but it may be differentiated when compared to the new Touran front end. Fourth generation ("Typ" SB; 2020). The fourth-generation Caddy was unveiled in February 2020. For the first time, it is based on the Volkswagen MQB platform. The switch to MQB has enabled VW to offer new tech to the Caddy lineup, including Travel Assist, the new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, connected infotainment systems and digitalized controls. VW is offering the estate and MPV in Kombi, Caddy, Life , Style and Move trim levels, while the delivery van will be offered in Cargo and Cargo Maxi trim levels, with the latter is the designation the long-wheelbase variant. It went on sale in November 2020.