Long-term report: Hello to the Volkswagen Caddy

By Staff reporter
Published 31st Jan 2023, 13:01 GMT
Updated 31st Jan 2023, 13:25 GMT
placeholder image

Carmakers sometimes like to buddy up with each other. Building cars is an expensive business, and with the car world going electric and buyers wanting more tech in their vehicles than ever before, making motors has rarely been so costly.

One of the newest and most intriguing partnerships is between Ford and Volkswagen. These two automotive titans have long operated entirely separately, but like a few other automotive love-ins in recent years they’ve suddenly become very chummy.placeholder image
One of the newest and most intriguing partnerships is between Ford and Volkswagen. These two automotive titans have long operated entirely separately, but like a few other automotive love-ins in recent years they’ve suddenly become very chummy.

This partnership will see Ford spinning off the new Volkswagen Amarok from its newest Ranger pick-up, and the Blue Oval getting access to VW’s electric vehicle platform so it can finally launch a range of EVs. But the first child of the new relationship is the Volkswagen Caddy/Ford Tourneo Connect.

I spent some time with the Ford version over Christmas, and its sliding doors and massive boot made travelling to see family and friends a breeze. It was very clear, though, that the Ford elements were just superficial as the Tourneo Connect is very much a Volkswagen product through and through.placeholder image
I spent some time with the Ford version over Christmas, and its sliding doors and massive boot made travelling to see family and friends a breeze. It was very clear, though, that the Ford elements were just superficial as the Tourneo Connect is very much a Volkswagen product through and through.

Just a couple of days after a man from Ford picked up the Tourneo another man dropped off its near identical sister. And this one is staying for a bit longer as I’ll be running this Volkswagen Caddy for the next couple of months.

I’m really looking forward to spending some proper time with the Caddy as it’s a type of car I really like. I’m lucky enough to test some wonderful cars, but as much as I find a Bentley exciting I’m also right at home with something downright sensible like the Caddy.placeholder image
I’m really looking forward to spending some proper time with the Caddy as it’s a type of car I really like. I’m lucky enough to test some wonderful cars, but as much as I find a Bentley exciting I’m also right at home with something downright sensible like the Caddy.

In contrast to the ‘Grand’ Tourneo Connect I spent the holidays with, this Caddy is the shorter version. That means five seats (although you can option the short-wheelbase Caddy with two extra seats in the boot if you really want) rather than the standard seven in the Caddy Maxi and Grand Tourneo Connect, and two slightly shorter sliding doors. It should also be a bit easier to park and marginally more fun to drive due to the shorter length.

This being in ‘Life’ specification, it’s the range-topper too. It adds some extra style with smart-looking LED rear lights and alloy wheels, and some extra practicalities like an eight-inch touchscreen, power-folding mirrors and parking sensors front and rear.placeholder image
This being in ‘Life’ specification, it’s the range-topper too. It adds some extra style with smart-looking LED rear lights and alloy wheels, and some extra practicalities like an eight-inch touchscreen, power-folding mirrors and parking sensors front and rear.

There are a few extras on this Caddy which I’m especially pleased with. The LED daytime running lights at £1,158 seem rather pricey but I found the standard-fit halogen lamps in the Tourneo just a little too dim, and the two-zone climate control (£342) means no arguments when it comes to choosing the right temperature.

This Caddy also gets the larger infotainment screen – something I’ve found to be troublesome in other VWs, though – at £2,022, digital cockpit for £498 and a massive £990 panoramic glass roof. The upgraded 18-inch wheels (£1,212) and £636 Costa Azul Metallic (light blue to and I) paint give the Caddy, I think (and don’t laugh), a rather cool vibe.

Under the bonnet, there’s Volkswagen’s once ubiquitous 2.0-litre diesel engine, which seemed to power every VW in the land a few short years ago. With 120bhp and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, I can foresee some very comfortable driving ahead of me. I can’t wait to put some miles on it.

  • Model: Volkswagen Caddy Life SWB 2.0 TDI 122PS 7spd DSG
  • Price as tested: £42,441 (as tested)
  • Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
  • Power: 120bhp
  • Torque: 320Nm
  • 0-60mph: 11.2 seconds
  • Top speed: 116mph
  • MPG: 54.3mpg (combined)
  • Emissions: 136g/km CO2
  • Mileage: 5,892
Related topics:FordVolkswagen
Register
Follow us
© 2026 Formpress Publishing LTD. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice