New VW Caddy starts production: More digital technology and potential for the taxi trade.
The Volkswagen Caddy is among those vehicles that are hard to pigeonhole. For tradespeople it's a transporter, for families a van, for campers a motorhome, and for many taxi operators, for years, it has been a practical alternative to the traditional large MPV. Now Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is sending the revised version of its perennial favorite into serial production. The first vehicles are already rolling off the production line at the Poznań plant. There, the Caddy has been built since 2003. Almost 2.9 million units have been produced in that time. In the 2025 fiscal year alone, more than 110,000 vehicles were delivered worldwide.
More digitization in the interior
The most visible innovations are in the cockpit. Going forward, a freestanding central display with a 12.9-inch screen diagonal will be part of the standard equipment. Volkswagen promises a simpler operation and faster access to frequently used functions.
Also a criticism point of many current vehicle models has been addressed: The touch sliders for climate control are now illuminated and thus more usable. Also standard are the “Digital Cockpit Pro” as well as an inductive charging pad for smartphones with up to 25 watts of charging power. For taxi operators, such details are by no means a trivial matter. Drivers spend many hours daily in the vehicle. An intuitive operation and well-placed, easily accessible controls can noticeably ease the workday.
New look, proven concept
Externally, the model year stands out with new front aprons, additional paint finishes, and new alloy wheels. The basic concept of the vehicle changes little, however. The Caddy remains a versatile high-roof MPV, available as a passenger-car version, Cargo model, California Camper, or in numerous special body variants. It is precisely this versatility that makes it interesting for the taxi and car rental industries. With up to seven seats, large sliding doors, and a flexible interior, the vehicle is suitable for both traditional passenger transport and transports requiring extra space.
Also of interest as an inclusion taxi
A special role has the Caddy played for years in accessible mobility solutions. Due to its bodystyle, the vehicle can be relatively easily converted for wheelchair transport. Against the backdrop of current political discussions about inclusion taxis, this could become even more important in the future. Numerous conversion companies already offer solutions today that enable wheelchair users to be transported safely. For municipalities and transport companies, the Caddy remains a frequently used base vehicle.
Plug-in hybrid with long electric range
The drivetrain lineup should also be interesting for taxi operators. In addition to gasoline and diesel engines, Volkswagen continues to offer the Caddy as an eHybrid.
The plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and achieves a system output of 110 kW. According to the manufacturer, up to 122 kilometers of electric range are possible according to WLTP. In urban driving, as much as 144 kilometers can be reached purely electrically. For many taxi operators that predominantly operate in city centers, this could mean handling a large portion of daily trips locally emissions-free, without having to relinquish the range reserves of an internal combustion engine.
Special model at production start
Alongside the production start, Volkswagen is launching the limited special model “Generation.” It is based on the Life equipment line and includes additional assistance systems, winter packages, a rear-view camera, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The entry price for the Caddy passenger car is €28,740 net (€34,200.60 gross) for the standard wheelbase, the Maxi from €31,565 net (€37,562.35 gross).
Interesting for fleet operators
In addition to the vehicle itself, Volkswagen is increasingly focusing on digital services. Through the platform "ONE Business ID," commercial customers gain access to fleet management solutions such as "Connect Pro" or "Fleet Interface." This allows vehicle data, maintenance information, and service needs to be centrally managed. Particularly larger taxi and rental-car companies that need to coordinate multiple vehicles are likely to increasingly integrate such systems into their operations.
With the facelift, Volkswagen does not fundamentally change the character of the Caddy. The vehicle remains what it has been for many years: a versatile high-roof van with great practicality. The additional digital technology, the expanded comfort features, and the still broad model range ensure, however, that the Caddy will continue to be an interesting option for taxi operators, accessible-transport services, and fleet operators.
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