The Caddy from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is now available in two further versions: as a CNG-powered TGI and as an elegant ‘Dark Label’ special edition. VWCV is thus expanding its Caddy model range with attractive variants, which can also be combined with each other.
The extensive range of petrol and diesel engines for the Caddy has been further expanded in the 35- centimetre longer Maxi with the addition of an alternative drive system: it is now also available with a CNG engine (Compressed Natural Gas). The turbocharged 1.5-litre power train delivers 96 kW/131 PS and provides for good driving performance and low energy consumption in the big Caddy. The Caddy Maxi TGI achieves, for example, the energy label A+, making it the only vehicle in the product line to do so.
The Caddy TGI can be run in an especially financially attractive and environmentally friendly way using Bio-CNG. The cost of CNG is much lower than that of petrol or diesel. A kilogram of CNG also delivers around 1.5 times more energy than a litre of petrol – and 1.3 times more than a litre of diesel. In order to run a car as cheaply as with Bio-CNG the diesel price would have to be approximately 75 cents per litre; petrol would even have to be just 65 cents.
Much lower emission levels than conventional internal combustion engines all the way to carbon-neutral motoring are possible using Bio-CNG in the Caddy TGI. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) comes in Germany from domestic production. All that is used in its production is waste and residues. Bio-methane can be produced, for instance, from straw or sludge.
139 litres or 21.1 kg of compressed natural gas fit into the five steel tanks in the vehicle underbody. As a result of the tanks being mounted under the vehicle, the Caddy Maxi’s large cargo space can continue to be used as before. The quasi-monovalent CNG drive system in the Caddy also has an extra tank for petrol with a capacity of 8.25 litres. Should it ever on the odd occasion not be possible to get to a CNG fuel pump, there are thus adequate reserves on board. Quasi-monovalent means that the Caddy starts with the aid of petrol and then always runs on CNG, only switching to petrol if the gas tank is empty. This switching over happens with the occupants not noticing or having to do anything. The range and fuel level indicators switch automatically to the fuel currently being used.
At a consumption rate of 4.3 kg of CNG per hundred kilometres or, in corresponding terms, 118 grams of CO per one kilometre (combined cycle), more than 400 kilo- 2 metres running on CNG and around a further 120 kilometres given a full tank of petrol should be possible, dependent on the individual driving style. To achieve this, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Caddy Maxi TGI uses the latest 1.5-litre, 96-kW engine from the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which was developed specifically for using CNG.
The new Caddy TGI is available in the Cargo, Kombi, Caddy Life and Style variants only in the version with a long wheelbase. Prices for the CNG-powered Caddy start at 27,430.00 euros (net/excl. VAT*) and for the panel van from as low as 35,075.25 euros (gross/incl. VAT*) for the Caddy Kombi Maxi.
Elegantly dark – the new Caddy ‘Dark Label’
Like the TGI, also available immediately to order and drive away is the special edition ‘Dark Label’ model with numerous black design elements and premium interior fittings. Supplied in only four muted exterior paint finishes, the model thus elegantly sets itself apart from the other Caddy line models.
The new special edition model is based on the middle ‘Life’ specification. In addition, the ‘Dark Label’ has, for instance, black roof rails, burnished 17-inch ‘Columbo’ alloy wheels in black, and appropriately styled model name decals. The wing mirror covers are also painted black, the door handles in vehicle body colour and the sliding door track in black. A panoramic glass roof, LED main headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and the ‘Keyless Start’ system are included in the range of features.
The four exterior colours that can be combined with the Caddy Dark Label are: Deep Black Pearl, Indium Grey Metallic, Starlight Blue Metallic and Pure Grey as a second grey tone.
The Caddy Dark Label can be ordered with a short or long wheelbase. For the drive system, customers can choose any of the petrol or diesel engines with front or also all-wheel drive that are available for the Caddy. Naturally also the new TGI with natural gas engine. Prices for this elegant Caddy line special edition model start at 29,642.90 euros (incl. VAT*) for the 1.5-litre TSI.
* Valid for German market, July 2022