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Thursday, August 30, 2007

CaddyShag: VW Caddy 1.9TDI DSG

well, it was a matter of time i guess... but VW's much vaunted 6-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) has finally made it into a ... Van; a Light Commercial Vehicle, to be precise, in the form of the Caddy.

this may come as a cruel blow to the many GTI/R32/Jetta 2.0TFSI owners out there but it was only a matter of time considering VW is the 'people's car'... and how much more accessible can the brand get than by making this sexy shifting box available to everybody.

the irony: the caddy isn't likely to be bought by the load-lugging workman since it's more lifestyle vehicle than sweat-speckled work-horse.

Chiselled good looks, sports rims all-round and a full complement of disc-brakes are just the tip of the ice-berg.

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No HIDs but there's a factory-fit MP3 head-unit also found in the petrol-powered passenger cars, steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake and that 6-speed DSG box (no steering wheel mounted paddle shifters though).

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with low to mid range a real knockout, the Caddy easily surprises cars like the Suzuki Swift/Ignis Sport off the lights. the diesel clatter on start-up is quite noticeable though, but the ratios are stacked closely to really let you capitalise on the 1.9L turbodiesel's power-band. Handling is almost car-like and the Caddy is even equipped with ASR (traction control) as standard.

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just shy of the 2700mm wheelbase mark, there's ample cargo area in the back. bed, mini-sofa and all sorts of knick-knacks will be easily swallowed up in the cargo area.

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Up front, there are plenty of cubby-holes and other cavities to really allow driver and passenger to stow their stuff.

the caddy cruises easily at 110km/h and while the 100km/h sprint is completed in around 13 seconds, the 0-80km/h time for this feisty LCV is easily under 9 seconds.

Fast Facts: VW Caddy 1.9TDI DSG
Engine: 1896cc, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
Maximum power: 103bhp at 4000rpm
Maximum torque: 250Nm at 1900rpm
Transmission: 6-speed DSG
0-100km/h: 13.3 seconds (0-80km/h: 8.8 seconds)
Top speed: 163km/h
LxBxH: 4405x1802x1833 mm
Wheelbase: 2682mm
Kerbweight: 1510-1628kg
Price: $50,500 (with COE)
Agent: Volkswagen Centre Singapore

2 comments:

  1. Looks good, I have to check this "car" out. Isn't there a speed limit and a beeping sound so you can't technically cruise at 110 km/h?

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  2. this was on trade plates, so the SWD was not hooked up; registered cars will have the SWD fitted, so if u plan on registering for commercial use

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