Volkswagen seems to have forgotten how to camouflage their prototypes (or they simply don’t bother), as the upcoming plug-in hybrid variant of the Caddy minivan was caught testing in Spain without any sign of disguise. This is not actually news, as we are already familiar with similarly uncovered examples of the Caddy eHybrid since last year, but this one comes with a small surprise.
Our spy photographers got a peak inside the cabin of the electrified Caddy, which looks like it’s ready to hit the market. The highlight is the oversized free-standing infotainment display that appears to be the same 15-inch unit found in the upcoming Tiguan and the soon-to-be facelifted Golf. This change will upgrade the connectivity features and user-interface experience of the minivan, although it will likely be limited to the high-spec trims. The rest of the interior is carried over from the ICE-only model without any notable changes, although VW could freshen up the atmosphere with new options for the upholstery.
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The exterior of the Caddy eHybrid prototype is virtually identical to the non-electrified variants, with the exception of the charging port on the front fender. The fourth-generation Caddy was introduced in 2020, so there is a chance that VW designers will tweak the bumpers and the lighting units as part of a mid-lifecycle update for next year. However, the model still looks fresh for the standards of the segment so VW could also keep it as is for the time being, focusing on the interior updates and the addition of the PHEV powertrain option. In any case, the Caddy eHybrid will be available in both standard (five-seater) and long-wheelbase (seven-seater) bodystyle variants as hinted at by our earlier scoop stories.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain will probably be shared with other MQB-based models from the VW Group. The recently upgraded setup comprises the 1.5 TSI Evo2 engine, an electric motor, and a DSG automatic gearbox. In the 2024 Skoda Kodiaq the combined output is 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), while the 2024 VW Tiguan will also come with a more powerful AWD version producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). Judging from the character of the Caddy eHybrid, chances are it will inherit the former. As for the electric range, if the minivan gets the new 18.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack it will be able to cover approximately 100 km (62 miles) between charges.
VW keeps its cards closed on the debut of the upcoming Caddy eHybrid but the model could arrive just in time for 2024, in order to compete with the numerous Stellantis rivals which have gone EV-only in Europe. The same electrified powertrain will also be adopted by the Ford Tourneo Connect, which is the Caddy’s twin model.
