Volkswagen Caddy III 1.9 TDI (105 Hp) DPF DSG


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion 4.1 / 5

Volkswagen Caddy:

The Volkswagen Caddy is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by the German automaker Volkswagen Group since 1979. It is sold in Europe and in other markets around the world. The Volkswagen Caddy was first introduced in North America in 1979 and in Europe in 1982. The first and second generations also had pick-up variants.
The following vehicles are related to the Volkswagen Caddy and are also manufactured by the Volkswagen Group.
Released in 1979, the first Volkswagen Caddy is a coupe utility and van based on the Volkswagen Group A1 platform, shared with the small family car Volkswagen Golf Mk1....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

Volkswagen Caddy (III). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.3 l/100km). With a weight of 1594 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.3 s). The top speed reaches 166 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2007
Adult Occupant 70%
Stars 4
Expert Note:
The Caddy III achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating in 2007, indicating good adult occupant protection for its era, though it naturally lacks some advanced safety features of newer vehicles.

1.9 TDI (105 Hp) DPF DSG Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Good performance, with the DSG automatic transmission providing smooth and quick shifts for enhanced driving comfort.

Fuel Economy

Slightly higher fuel consumption compared to the manual 1.9 TDI, but still reasonable for an automatic diesel.

Best Use Case: City driving, frequent stop-and-go traffic, or for drivers who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission.

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 71% Neutral: 14% Issues: 14%
rating
4.1 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 14 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👎 NEGATIVE
Mk6 1.6tdi golf, great going car even though it had a hard life with my wife who didnt look after it all bar me getting it serviced regulary-done 185,000 miles with no issues until gearbox calved -wasnt worth me getting fixed so sold on to a breaker/mechanic whos putting it back on the road with a salvaged gearbox
😐 NEUTRAL
I believe the architecture beneath this car is Volvo. Ford owned Volvo at the time.
👍 POSITIVE
This is a really excellent review. I'm familiar with Fords of this generation and you evaluated the car fairly and accurately.
👍 POSITIVE
Nice to see a review that isn’t about an unobtainable $70,000+ USD sports car
👍 POSITIVE
I had an 06 ford five hundred for a couple years and loved it. Got an FM Bluetooth transmitter and yeeted along the highway. Fit a kayak in the trunk with the seats down a bunch of times and got like 25+mpg the whole time!
👍 POSITIVE
My grandparents have one, and I’ve driven it a lot. Gold with tan interior, total grandpa car. I loved it. Fantastic in the snow, great cruiser, and extremely roomy and comfortable. Theirs had the CVT which was not good but bearable. I liked your review, it was a fun read.
👍 POSITIVE
honestly this car looks good despite it's bland look, as you mentioned. Much cooler than your average beige Corolla/Civic
👍 POSITIVE
Great review and thanks for the read. One counterpoint though, can dated technology really be considered a knock against the vehicle? It’s a 17 year old vehicle and CDs worked for the time, plus it’s module enough to bring in updated features.
👍 POSITIVE
Cool stuff, don’t see many in the US anymore. I’m pretty sure these are platform mates with the EU/UK Ford Mondeo. Top Gear raved about that car and I believe it sold quite well in Europe.
😐 NEUTRAL
I've owned 3 beetles (real ones) 3 jettas 2 audis. I try to only buy in the VWAG.


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Highly versatile interior with ample cargo space
  • • Wide range of efficient and robust TDI engine options
  • • Solid build quality typical of Volkswagen
  • • Practicality for both family and light commercial use
  • • Optional 4MOTION for enhanced traction

Cons:

  • • Basic interior materials on lower trims
  • • Ride comfort can be firm, especially when unladen
  • • Some petrol engines are significantly underpowered
  • • Older safety technology compared to modern vehicles

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2005 - 2010).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Caddy
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):1.9 TDI (105 Hp) DPF DSG
Start of production:2006
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:5-7
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Engine systems:Particulate filter
Power:105 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.4 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:250 Nm @ 1900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EA188 / BLS More details about the engine EA188 / BLS
Engine displacement:1896
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector)
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:19:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13.3 sec
Maximum speed:166 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14.4 kg/Hp, 69.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 165.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1511-1677
Max. weight:2280
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:603-769
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:3020 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:190 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%):1500 kg
Size:
Length:4405 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1794 mm mm [8mm less]
Height:1833 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2682 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2062 mm
Front track:1537 mm
Rear (Back) track:1531 mm
Front overhang:880 mm
Rear overhang:843 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):176 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.1 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeDSG
Front brakesVentilated discs, 280x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 260x12 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size195/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionRigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring

Real owners, real reviews. Tell us about your Volkswagen Caddy.