Volkswagen Caddy III 1.4 (80 Hp)


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 132 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). With a weight of 1498 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.6 s). The top speed reaches 151 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.

1.4 (80 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Still underpowered for a vehicle of this size, but marginally more capable than the 75 Hp version.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel consumption for a small petrol engine, but not outstanding given the vehicle's weight.

Best Use Case: Primarily city use with minimal loads, where higher speeds are rarely reached.

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):1.4 (80 Hp)
Start of production:2006
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:5-7
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:80 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:57.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:132 Nm @ 3800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:BUD More details about the engine BUD
Engine displacement:1390
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:3.2 l
Coolant:5.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:76.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75.6 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:16.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:16.6 sec
Maximum speed:151 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:18.2 kg/Hp, 54.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:11 kg/Nm, 90.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:15.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1456-1540
Max. weight:2160
Max load:620-704
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:3020 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:190 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1040 kg
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:690 kg
Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%):1400 kg
Size:
Length:4405 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1802 mm mm [Same width.]
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):154 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.2 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
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 size195/65 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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