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VW Caddy Maxi with 4MOTION released

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12th July, 2011

Volkswagen has announced the launch of its Caddy Maxi Life and the Caddy Maxi Van with 4MOTION all-wheel drive technology.

The 4MOTION combined with the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) was first introduced to the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle range with the facelift of the T5 Transporter and People Movers. Now this technology is available on the Caddy Maxi vehicle range further cementing its position as a market leader.

The driving force of the Caddy’s all-wheel drive system, 4MOTION, is distributed via the latest generation of electronically controlled Haldex clutch. The Caddy 4MOTION will be offered with the 2.0 litre TDI engine, delivering 103 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque at 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.

The Caddy 4MOTION is available in two versions. A long wheel base panel van in the form of a TDI320 Caddy Maxi Van 4MOTION or as a people mover, the seven-seater TDI320 Caddy Maxi Life Comfortline 4MOTION. Both models are fitted with dual sliding doors, as standard.

The versatile Caddy range is the only model in its market segment which has an efficient six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with Hill Start Assist as standard. Moreover, unique to this market is the extended wheelbase offering a significantly increased cargo capacity.

Design

The Caddy Maxi's has the familiar Volkswagen front section. The radiator grille and headlights form a visual single unit. The horizontal lines of the grille continue all the way into the headlight clusters, adding to the stylish appearance. The height of the Caddy Maxi Van 4MOTION is measured at 1.836 metres, with the Caddy Max Life 4MOTION marked at 1.886 metres. The length (4.876 metres) and width (1.794 metres) is uniform across both models.



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Interior and Exterior Features

The Caddy 4MOTION is equipped with the latest generation ESP, front airbags and daytime-running lights as standard. With the versatile seven-seat Caddy Maxi Life 4MOTION, the second and third rows of seating are removable offerings up to 3,880 litres of cargo capacity.

The seat covers, which are in a stylish anthracite pattern, in the Caddy 4MOTION models create a particularly refined look. The interior has precise and clear instruments and a sporty, threespoke steering wheel. Similarly, the central console now houses user friendly controls for the manual or automatic (Climatronic) air conditioning system. The interior of the Caddy 4MOTION models has been enhanced by the inclusion of a heightadjustable central armrest (in the front) and front seats, both of which have been fitted with drawers underneath offering two additional storage compartments.

In terms of functionality, the range of features in the TDI320 Caddy Maxi Life 4MOTION include: the RCD310 radio/CD system equipped with additional interfaces, ‘Climatronic’ dual zone air conditioning and a multi-function display (including onboard computer), cruise control, leather steering wheel with multifunction controls, and a Light & Sight package (including dusk sensing headlights with ‘coming home’ function, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming rear view mirror). Exterior features include roof rails (100 kg load capacity), painted bumpers, 16-inch alloy wheels a chrome trim set (including radiator grille, fog lamp rims and top section of the number plate recess), H7 headlights, tinted side windows (from the B-pillar), tinted rear window and up to 3,880 litres of load space.

Engine

The TDI320 Caddy 4MOTION’s 2.0 litre engine delivering 103 kW is extremely fuel-efficient. Powered by this engine, just 6.7 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres for the Caddy Maxi Van and 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres for the Caddy Maxi Life (177 g/km CO2/179 g/km CO2) are required. At practically any engine speed the TDI also excels with outstanding tractability, delivering a maximum torque of 320 Newton metres from as low as 1,500 rpm. Maximum power output of 103 kW is available at 4,200 rpm.

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4MOTION technology

The improved 4MOTION all-wheel drive in the Caddy 4MOTION models represents state-of-the-art technology. The latest generation of the multi-disc clutch with its optimised friction properties manufactured by the Swedish system partner Haldex, sets new standards in terms of traction, safety, comfort and efficiency. In addition to the fourth generation electronically controlled Haldex clutch, specific 4MOTION features also include a two-part drive shaft, an exhaust system adapted to the rear axle differential and the drive shaft, a special fuel tank (arranged as a so-called saddle tank over the drive shaft) and reinforcements in the rear longitudinal chassis beams.

The Haldex clutch runs in an oil bath. The multi-plate clutch system itself is flanged onto the rear axle differential. Oil is fed via an electric pump to a hydraulic reservoir, which has a working pressure of 30 bar. A control module computes the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls, via a valve, how much oil pressure is applied to the working pistons of the multi-plate clutch. The contact pressure at the clutch plates rises in proportion to the desired torque at the rear axle. The amount of torque that is transferred can, in the process, be infinitely varied in-line with the degree of pressure applied to the clutch plates. The latest generation 4MOTION system used in the Caddy works independently of any slip, as the working pressure is always available.

Transmission

Volkswagen is the only manufacturer that offers a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) in this segment. Taking into account the maximum torque that needs to be handled for each engine, a 6-speed DSG is used in the TDI320 Caddy Maxi 4MOTION. Features of DSG are economy and dynamic shifting of the gears. The 6-speed DSG has a dual clutch that runs in an oil bath and has the potential of reducing fuel consumption and therefore, emissions.

Pricing* (MLP*)

Caddy Maxi Van TDI320 4MOTION with 6-speed DSG $36,490*
Caddy Maxi Life TDI320 Comfortline 4MOTION with 6-speed DSG $45,490*


NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.


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