Volkswagen Caddy Maxi III 1.9 TDI (105 Hp) 4MOTION


Overall Rating

7.6 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion 3.3 / 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)

Maxi III Overview:

Volkswagen Caddy (Maxi III). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 164 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.

1.9 TDI (105 Hp) 4MOTION Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Similar power delivery to the FWD TDI, but the 4MOTION system adds weight, potentially slightly dulling acceleration in exchange for enhanced traction.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is slightly higher than the FWD version due to the added weight and drivetrain losses of the 4MOTION system.

Best Use Case: All-weather / Light off-road, suitable for regions with challenging weather, unpaved roads, or light towing where extra grip is beneficial.

reddit Community Verdict

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

Allowed: 56% Neutral: 6% Issues: 39%
rating
3.3 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 18 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
I’ve owned a Golf Mk7 for about five years now, and it’s been pretty solid overall. Regular maintenance is key, once you stay on top of oil changes and timing belt intervals, it runs great. The 1.4 TSI engine has been reliable for me and still feels punchy for daily driving. Interior quality and comfort are excellent for the price too. I’d just avoid the older DSG transmissions or early TSI engine
👎 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
👍 POSITIVE
Best car I ever owned. They just built too good of a car. Remember when ALL the car manufacturers were being exposed for fudging EPA numbers right after??? Yeah… I do.
👍 POSITIVE
My Audis and VWs have been amongst the most reliable, least problematic, best built, and easiest to maintain vehicles I’ve owned.
👎 NEGATIVE
At least in North America, parts are almost luxury car priced. And idk about jettas but the NA Passat is a pain in the ass reliability wise I've had an AC actuator motor die so the driver side only gets hot air. I've replaced 3 parts related a p0442 code and it still won't go away. Wheel speed sensors! A rear One died on me and boy it's a bit of a doozy to replace yourself. The hex bolt is just
👎 NEGATIVE
They are designed with drivability as priority one , then serviceability and reliability. The EurOpeAnS tAKe care of thEIr carS AmeriCanS ARe StupID trope is parroted frequently but the reality is VW has many more plastic components (leaky water pumps)and over engineers the simplest things like cup holders (mk8 gti/golf for example ). Replacing water pumps , pcv/oil separators , coil packs and C
👍 POSITIVE
I’ve convinced myself the answer would be a resounding “yes”.
👍 POSITIVE
The JD power reviews and bullshit and bought out VW's are reliable. Their 2.0T engines are nearly bullet proof. Granted they have been having issues with their tiguans but overall great cars!
👍 POSITIVE
Yes. I had a 2013 Jetta S, put 160k on it with zero issues and nothing but basic maintenance and traded it in for a new Jetta.
👎 NEGATIVE
A lot of people conflate cost of maintenance with reliability. The people bashing brands like VW, Audi, and BMW will turn around and praise Porsches for being reliable. Yes, Porsches are reliable, but maintenance costs are high. Being reliable means that the car won't break down on you unexpectedly. Unless you're buying a VW that is well known to fail (for example, 1st and 2nd gen EA888 engines),


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional cargo and passenger space for its class
  • • Wide range of efficient and robust engine options (TDI, CNG)
  • • Practical and versatile interior layout
  • • Available 4MOTION all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
  • • Strong reputation for reliability and durability

Cons:

  • • Interior can feel basic and utilitarian compared to passenger cars
  • • Ride comfort is functional rather than luxurious
  • • Petrol engine (1.6i) is less fuel-efficient and can feel underpowered
  • • Some engines, particularly the CNG, have modest acceleration
  • • Older generation safety features compared to modern vehicles

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2008 - 2010).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Caddy
Generation:Maxi III
Modification (Engine):1.9 TDI (105 Hp) 4MOTION
Start of production:2009
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:7
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:105 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.4 Hp/l [470mm more]
Torque:250 Nm @ 1900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EA188 / BJB More details about the engine EA188 / BJB
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
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) - combined:6.8 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Maximum speed:164 km/h
Space:
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:3950 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:530 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%):1500 kg
Size:
Length:4875 mm mm [470mm more]
Width:1794 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1834 mm mm [1mm more]
Wheelbase:3002 mm mm [320mm more]
Width including mirrors:2062 mm
Front track:1537 mm
Rear (Back) track:1542 mm
Front overhang:880 mm
Rear overhang:993 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):173 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.2 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size205/55 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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