Volkswagen Group Africa has confirmed the facelifted Caddy for South Africa next year.

Its first update since debuting six years ago and following its local launch in 2022, The Citizen reports the internally named SB Caddy will premiere in South Africa in ‘early 2027’ once the current homologation process is complete.

As such, an exact launch date will only be confirmed either before year-end or in the early stages of 2027.

Exterior updates

Officially revealed in April from the outside only, the updates mirror those of the Golf 8.5 and new Caravelle in the form of a new front bumper, redesigned headlights and new alloy wheels measuring between 16 and 18 inches.

While no details of the rear fascia changes were disclosed, passenger versions have had their colour palette revised with four new options: Grey Brown, Grenadilla Black, Sunset Red and Reed Green.

Cabin upgrades

Inside, the Caddy follows the example of the Golf 8.5 by receiving a new 12.9-inch infotainment system, the Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, a redesigned dashboard and air vents, illuminated touch sliders for the climate control system, and a new steering wheel with physical buttons.

In addition, material quality has been improved, while a wireless smartphone charging pad and USB-C ports have been added to the Cargo variant for the first time.

Body styles and practicality

As before, short- and long-wheelbase body styles will again be offered, although the former is now called Trend while the latter retains the Maxi designation.

Seating ranges from two occupants in the panel van to seven in the Maxi passenger version, while the claimed towing capacity remains 1 500kg.

Engines under consideration

In Europe, three engine options are offered: The 1.5 TSI Evo producing 85kW and 220Nm, the 2.0 TDI delivering either 75kW and 280Nm or 90kW and 320Nm, and the plug-in hybrid eHybrid, which combines the TSI engine with a 19.7kWh battery pack and a single electric motor for a total output of 110kW and 350Nm.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual gearbox, a seven-speed DSG, and a six-speed DSG in the case of the eHybrid, which has a claimed electric-only driving range of 122km.

While the eHybrid is reportedly under evaluation for South Africa, the local model is expected to continue with the current engine options: the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 81kW and 152Nm, and the 2.0 TDI rated at 75kW and 270Nm.

Pricing

Current pricing ranges from R466 700 to R722 650.

As mentioned, clearer details regarding local specifications and pricing are expected to be announced either towards the end of the year or early in 2027.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.