Volkswagen Caddy alltrack 2,0 tdi 103 kw dsg

PROVIDING support on numerous shoots, the Alltrack has played a crucial role as our designated tracking vehicle, ensuring the exceptional photography seen in recent road tests. The image above was taken during one such occasion, where photographer Peet Mocke arrived on location in a Beetle R-line. Having the two VW family members together reminded me the Caddy shares the same fundamental underpinnings as the now-defunct Beetle. Indeed, the Caddy, Jetta and Audi Q3 are the last remaining vehicles in the local Volkswagen/audi stable to ride on the PQ35 platform.

This, the predecessor to the accomplished MQB setup, was designed with compact-sized vehicles in mind and is responsible for providing the Caddy with its car-like driving characteristics.

The benefits of the Caddy riding on the PQ35 architecture include Macpherson-strut independent front suspension and notably light yet precise steering, making tight city-street manoeuvres a fuss-free exercise regardless of the Caddy’s body shape. The inclusion of a R9 350 park-distance-control system with a rear-view camera also adds an extra dose of confidence when navigating tight spaces.

The Caddy’s damped ride is commendable and passengers appreciate its sense of composure over sharp road imperfections. These on-road traits speak to the suppleness of PQ35 platform, making it a suitable fit for the Caddy Alltrack’s application.

Over and above tracking duties, the Caddy offered its handy towing services to our road-test engineer Peter Palm and aided associate editor Gareth Dean during a house move. In short, the VW continues to be in high demandand remains a multi-talented member of the CAR fleet.