The Volkswagen Caddy panel van and MPV range have become the latest vehicles to benefit from the company's new corporate face that was first flashed around by the Scirocco coupe.
More than just a superficial nip and tuck though, the vans also receive a pair of frugal new TDI engines and there's a revised model range in which all models now have ESP stability control - a first in the small panel van market.
The big styling changes take place up front, where the Caddy gets a horizontally structured headlight and grille arrangement as we've seen on every other new VeeDub that's been launched in recent times.
In the side profile you'll see a character line that runs to the A-pillars' triangular windows and new alloy wheel designs while the rear end gets new taillights and model lettering. There are also 16 different body colours to choose from.
The diesel range now comprises of two 2-litre common rail turbocharged units, with the previous 77kW 1.9 TDI giving way to a new 81kW 2.0. The engine also produces 250Nm at 1750rpm and, according to VW, sips 5.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle and can reach 170km/h.
A more powerful 2.0 is also available and is standard with VW's DSG double-clutch transmission. This engine pushes 103kW and 320Nm from 1500rpm and, says VW, can sprint from 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds, reach 186km/h and sips 6.3 litres per 100km.
On the petrol front, the proven 1.6-litre model soldiers on, its outputs pegged at 75kW and 148Nm from 3800rpm. Its claimed numbers are: 13.3 seconds to 100, 164km/h top end and 8.2 l/100km combined consumption.
Inside the cabin, design changes include new upholstery, steering wheels and controls.
A new seat configuration makes it possible to remove from the back of the vehicle not only the third-row bench seat (optional on Crew Bus and Trendline and standard on Maxi Trendline) but the second row of seats as well.
In specification terms, the Panel Van is the most basic, with standard amenities including ESP, a driver-side airbag, electromechanical power steering, remote central locking, cloth seats and radio preparation. The long-wheel base Maxi Panel Van adds dual sliding doors and a high driver partition.
Above that stuff, the Maxi Crew Bus adds a passenger airbag, a CD player with multimedia socket and comfort front seats.
Trendline models add front side airbags, air conditioning, multi-information display, electric heated mirrors, power windows, carpets in the front, height adjustable front seats with storage drawers and exterior colour coding.
Furthermore, the Maxi Trendline gets 16-inch alloy wheels and a two-seater third-row bench seat. Of course, there is also a wide array of optional equipment across the range, but that's stating the obvious when we talk Volkswagen.
Commercial models come with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty while passenger versions have the usual 3-year/120 000km cover. All Caddys have a 15 000km service interval.
PRICES:
PASSENGER:
Trendline 1.6i 75kW - R240 110
Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW - R255 495
Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 81kW - R269 880
Maxi Trendline 2.0 TDI 103 kW DSG - R292 080
COMMERCIAL:
Panel Van 1.6i - R172 940
Panel Van 2.0 TDI 81kW - R199 900
Maxi Panel Van 2.0 TDI 81kW - R209 200
Maxi Crew Bus 2.0 TDI 81kW - R219 200