It’s a compact van, but will also present as a small MPV here – plus as camper edition.

SEVEN seats behind a Volkswagen badge, atop a Volkswagen car underpinning means … well, not the Tiguan, but the ‘other one’: Caddy.

 With two of the three latest versions of the make’s small commercial van configuring for people over parcels, might that muddy the waters when it comes to choosing this or the Tiguan, the marque’s best-selling vehicle in this country?

Conceivably … you’d have to think ‘maybe’, though it could be a stretch.

Though at $50,000 and $54,000, the Caddy Life and a more affluent, but limited edition Move seem attuned to be considered alternates to the Tiguan on price, in reality it’s a smaller car that asks for a different logic. 

The van DNA shows in various elements, notably with passenger doors being dual sliding rather than conventionally hinged and also in drivetrain selection.

However, the new line’s arrival timing is interesting, as it has trumped the 2021 seven-seater Tiguan with the same mid-life freshen enhancements that have already arrived here in the five-chair models in front and four-wheel-drive that span from $41,990 to $67k.

At present, VW NZ still lists the pre-facelift seven chair Tiguans, which provision in $61,990 Highline and $8000-dearer R-Line formats. But MotoringNZ.com is advised those models are effectively unavailable. The updated equivalents are expected before year-end.

Back to Caddy. The latest is built upon the MQB platform used by the Golf and, while the design directions differ, engineering treatments are largely akin to the hatchback’s and some safety kit carries through. Notably, all Caddy versions have radar cruise control, city emergency braking, and lane keep assist as standard.

Caddy is a smaller vehicle than Tiguan and doesn’t deliver the SUV ambience that associates with it, notwithstanding that most Tiguan variants here are in barely mud-enabled front-drive.

It also asks intendees to think about returning to an engine type no longer considered useful for Tiguan – which is now back to purely petrol with 1.4 and 2.0-litre turbo choices.

As much as VW is steadily elbowing out diesel from its portfolio, Caddy remains wedded to it. Conceivably, this might leave it as the last of breed in a passenger-oriented format.

The provision of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four, matched to a seven-speed dual clutch auto, seems reflective of the model’s workplace roots and that it comes from VW Commercial, which in NZ operates with quasi independence from the VW car distribution network.

Producing 75kW of power and 280Nm of torque in the $39,500 Cargo model, it has been pepped to deliver 15kW and 40Nm more in the seven chairs editions.

 output increasing to 90kW/320Nm in other models. Payload is rated at 700kg (fluctuating slightly depending on the model) and towing is rated at 1500kg braked.

VW reminds the Life and Move have a modular seating configuration – basically, this means they can be shifted about and some even removed from the cabin - making it perfect for school runs, day trips and everything in between. 

The digital cockpit includes multiple navigation functions and customisable display options. The infotainment system offers built-in Bluetooth and Wireless App-Connect.

 The Move is well-named in its NZ role; designated a ‘special edition’, it’s seemingly here for a short time to create interest – VW has not said how many it has secured, but says it will only be offered for a ‘short time’. The configuration adds a large panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, two-tone 17 inch alloys and 10 inch Discover Media infotainment system including satellite navigation.

The Caddy portfolio will next month extend to a version that might, for some, kindle memory of the old Kombi van. 

The $65,500 Caddy California presents the small van as a weekend getaway machine that can sleep two in comfort, with plenty of storage options.

 The rear seats fold down into a double bed and the windscreen, doors, tailgate and sunroof all have darkening curtains to aid sleep.

There are two ventilation grids for the front windows, which also have built-in fly screens to enhance airflow during the night.

There are two storage bags under the rear windows and drawers under the front seats.

The campsite is taken care of thanks to a fold out table and two chairs. A retractable mini-kitchen is included as standard, extending from the rear with single-burner cooker and integrated gas bottle. Several examples have already been shipped in and sale begins next month.

If you’re wondering how such a compact vehicle can accommodate this role? It appears the California is based on the longer ‘Maxi’ option of the two wheelbases available within the Caddy range.