All-New 2021 VW Caddy Compact Van Spotted For The First Time

Alongside the T6 lineup, the Caddy family is the bread and butter of Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicles division.

VW sold 25,000 Caddy compact vans worldwide in the first two months of 2019, compared to 27,800 units of the T6 (Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan, and California). Still, while the T6 family posted a massive 37.9 percent year-on-year increase, the Caddy lost 5.4 percent of sales.

In its current iteration, the Caddy has been around since 2015 but not as an all-new model as VW liked to advertise it at the time. Actually, the vehicle currently on sale traces its roots all the way back to the Typ 2K generation launched in 2003.

With that in mind, it goes without saying that VW needs to replace the Caddy with something more modern — and, most importantly, truly all-new. As it turns out, VW has already begun testing the all-new Caddy and these are the first spy shots to prove it.

Our photographers spotted the new Caddy undergoing cold weather testing in northern Sweden and the photos reveal a rather different look compared to the present model. The front end features the latest VW design language featuring a closed grille while the air intakes are located lower down on the front bumper. The headlights are all-new and adopt a design that is flush with the grille, while the fog lights are now round.

Seen from the side, the front section appears to be longer giving the Caddy a slightly more passenger car-like vibe. The rest of the body obviously looks boxy in order to maximize interior space for both passengers and cargo, depending on the version.

This particular prototype also featured sliding doors on each side and new taillights that ditch the current Caddy’s small squared off shape for a sleeker, vertical arrangement. We’re not totally sure, but these photos seem to suggest the taillights extend all the way up to the roof.

Under the skin, the new Caddy is expected to switch to the MQB platform which will allow VW to offer it with 48-volt mild-hybrid systems, the latest gasoline and diesel engines, as well as the newest infotainment systems, among other things. Interestingly, rumor has it that the future Caddy will be integrated into the upcoming T7 lineup and renamed T7 Life Caddy in the process.

Expect it to debut in 2021 both in standard- and long-wheelbase Maxi configurations, followed by the all-new T7 in 2022.