Volkswagen Caddy VS Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen Caddy
Likes
- Nice to drive – for a van
- Comfortable
- Handy camping additions
Dislikes
- AWD would be nice
- Issues with bed set-up
- Not enough handy camping additions
Volkswagen Amarok
Likes
- Off-road ability
- Value
- Safety
Dislikes
- No adjustable rear ventilation
- No back seat USBs
- Firm suspension
Summary
Volkswagen Caddy
The universal appeal of road-tripping with a vehicle that offers an all-in-one solution to car camping has been growing enormously in recent years.
“What’s car camping?”, I hear you ask. Well, I’m talking about staying overnight or longer in a vehicle that affords you the ability to sleep in, eat in, and perhaps even cook in it.
As such, self-styled camper vans have gained an even bigger foothold in the market in recent years than they had in the years prior to the global pandemic, even though some of these vehicles, like this new VW Caddy California Maxi, don’t offer cooking facilities. That doesn’t seem to faze many (any?) current or potential owners of camper vans, or mini camper vans, or even those who like the idea of car camping, much more than actually ever doing it.
This five-seater van certainly looks the part and fits in with the #vanlife philosophy, but is it worth your consideration in such a variety-packed camper van market? Read on.
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| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 4.9L/100km |
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Volkswagen Amarok
I couldn’t say I’m familiar with Australia’s inland deserts. I thought there were two or three - the Simpson, Gibson, maybe the Great Sandy.
But did you know there are 10? And Volkswagen knows each intimately thanks to a recent Guinness world record verified crossing of them all… in one go.
It took a tweaked-up Amarok six days and 17 hours if you must know, and to celebrate VW has created a limited build (300 unit) version of the dual cab ute called, you guessed it… the 10 Deserts Edition.
Read more about
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And we were invited to steer it on-road and over a variety of challenging (public) off-road trails around Mt Macedon and Cobaw, about an hour’s drive north-west of Melbourne.
Not quite the Strzelecki Track, but tough enough to see if this special VeeDub has what it takes to drive your off-highway ambitions. So, stay with us!
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| Engine Type | — |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | —L/100km |
| Seating | — |
Verdict
Volkswagen Caddy7/10
The appeal of a ready-made camper van is undeniable and the VW Caddy California comfortably occupies a niche within a niche.
This van is nice to drive but it also manages to be a functional and comfortable camper, albeit a very basic one.
There’s no getting around the fact that, while it does have a bed and a camp table and two chairs, it’s lacking cooking facilities and a fridge … and the list goes on.
This is perfectly fine if you intend to take the rest of your gear (portable stove, fridge etc) as carry-ons for infrequent nights away, but if your vehicle is going to be your camp for regular multi-day trips away then a lot of other approaches make more sense. You could, for instance, buy a 4WD or AWD wagon and a camper trailer. You might spend a little – or a lot – more than what you’d spend on this van alone, but your opportunities for adventure would be a whole lot more expansive.
In the end, it depends on what you want to do with it. This van is more than fit for purpose and it may well provide a more-than-great introduction to the adventure lifestyle for some.
Volkswagen Amarok8/10
It’s been developed with adventurous four-wheel-drive enthusiasts in mind, but we don’t know exactly what it will cost. However, given the current ballpark estimate, the value equation will likely stack up well and things like safety and the ownership package are solid. And we know it’s tough and capable in rough going, which is the main point, after all. This package works brilliantly well.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Design
Volkswagen Caddy
VW’s Caddy California looks good on the outside.
Its interior layout and the materials used – durable plastics on the dash etc. fabric seat covers, and sturdy carpet on the floor – are well suited to an outdoorsy lifestyle that will inevitably bring dirt, sand and mud into the interior at regular stages of the vehicle’s life.
The sliding doors either side – and the large opening when the rear tailgate is lifted – make the Caddy California a more versatile camper proposition than vehicles without those ingress points because the interior can be more readily accessed.
The folding bed, which sits behind the second-row bench seat, ready to be unfolded and used, is a handy addition and, as it’s supported on the vehicle body, that supposedly helps to make it easier to set up and pack down than it otherwise might be.
However, I had some difficulty in unfolding it all the way out flat, even with the front seats moved all the way forward. Perhaps with some more time and, dare I say it, patience, I could have managed better.
Also the fold-out struts, on the base of the bed and that are meant to slot into B-pillar recesses, seem a bit too flimsy for my liking, especially if the bed can be reasonably expected to cope with the weight of two adults. The mattress is not a particularly spongy one either – but, hey, camping should involve at least some degree of discomfort. Otherwise, why would some people describe it as “roughing it”? I jest – anyway, you could easily replace the standard mattress with something more substantial if you get the urge.
There are folding chairs and a table provided, although I’d be looking to the Aussie camping gear market for more sturdier examples of this kind of outdoors furniture, especially if you plan to put your equipment through regular and prolonged use.
Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok is already a sleek-looking dual cab and the ‘Clear White’-only 10 Deserts Edition picks up unique black badging, a standard black tonneau cover and 17-inch satin ‘Asphalt Black’ alloy wheels shod with all-terrain rubber. More hardcore off-road tyres are a no-cost option, which is a nice touch, and there are black side steps and a ‘Asphalt Black’ mesh grille with ‘Bolder Grey’ inserts.
An ARB lift kit raises ground clearance by 40mm, from an already decent 235mm to 275mm, and ‘Genuine VW’ underbody protection is added.
The interior is cool, calm and collected in typical VW fashion with a predominantly dark grey colour palette highlighted by silver and brushed metal accents.
The 8.0-inch digital instrument display and 10.1-inch multimedia screen look contemporary without being garish, and there’s a workable mix of digital and physical controls, with climate being the former and audio the latter.
Practicality
Volkswagen Caddy
The Caddy California is a five-seater: two seats in the front and a three-seater bench seat as the second row.
Upfront, the driver and passenger seats are manually-adjustable for height, with four-way adjustable lumbar support, and tilt-and-depth adjustment on the seat cushion. They are cloth trim but feel adequately supportive and comfortable and have a height-adjustable centre armrest, stowage compartments and two drink holders.
There are storage spaces aplenty – including a dash with multiple stowage compartments, and an illuminated glove box – as well as two USB-C ports.
The digital cockpit is easy enough to use, as is the touchscreen multi-media unit and we had no strife setting up our smartphone for Apple CarPlay, and although the screen is on the wrong side of small, it’s clear and crisp enough to get a decent idea of what’s going on.
The second-row bench seat is a 2/3-1/3 split, and the second row can be folded, double-folded and removed separately. The two outboard passengers also get access to a folding table in each of the front seat-backs.
This second row of seats has ISOFIX child seat anchors in the two outboard seats and there are top tether points on all of these second-row seats.
The rear luggage compartment has a cover and there are storage bags fitted to the interior walls in the cargo area and also a 12-V outlet back there, as well as LED lights in tailgate.
Volkswagen Amarok
At just over 5.3m long, a little more than 1.9m wide and close to 1.9m tall (with a 3270mm wheelbase) the Amarok lives within the same dimensional footprint as key competitors like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.
Up front, it's easy to get in and out thanks to big door apertures and this limited edition’s slightly higher ride height. There’s plenty of breathing space and good separation from your co-pilot.
In terms of storage there are door bins with room for decent size bottles, a couple of cup/bottle holders in the centre console, a lidded storage box between the seats (which doubles as a centre armrest), a wireless charging pad ahead of that, two glove boxes, a shallow well in the centre of the dashtop and a drop down sunglasses holder.
In the back, sitting behind the driver’s seat set to my 183cm position, there’s plenty of head, leg and toe room.
Three full-size adults across the second row will be okay for short to medium trips and a trio of up to late teenage kids will be fine. There are bins in the doors with room for medium-size bottles, a fold-down centre armrest with a pair of cupholders and map pockets in the front seat backs.
On the not so good side, there’s no individual ventilation control for back-seaters and the only power option is a 12-volt socket with USB-A and -C ports confined to the front only. Shout out for the USB input in the mirror housing for a dash cam, though.
The roughly 1.5m long by 1.2m wide illuminated tray will accommodate a Euro pallet between the wheel arches. There are multiple tie-down rings and tailgate closing is assisted.
Maximum towing capacity for a braked trailer is 3500kg (750kg unbraked), a full-size spare is on-board and there are two towing hooks at the front.
Price and features
Volkswagen Caddy
Before we get cracking, it’s important to note that we tested the 2.0-litre TDI320 variant (diesel); there is a 1.5-litre TSI220 petrol variant available.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Caddy California Max is built off Caddy Maxi people-mover variant on an extended long-wheelbase platform.
Our test vehicle has a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $54,990, not including on-road costs. As tested our Caddy California was $56,105 because it has Copper Bronze metallic paint, which costs $1115.
As standard, it has five seats (two in the front and a three-seat bench as the second row), a newly designed dash and instrument cluster featuring a full-colour digital cockpit, an 8.25-inch colour touchscreen (with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), two-zone climate control, keyless start, a lifting tailgate, and a stack of other features too numerous to list here. Find out for yourself, do your own research for there’s joy in that.
Driver-assist tech includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, lane assist, and park assist and park distance control in the front and rear.
The California package includes a foldable bed, storage bags, a foldable table and two chairs, as well as additional interior lighting and ventilation vents.
There are numerous VW genuine options available, including a panoramic glass sunroof as well as a tent that can be attached to the rear of the vehicle, but it was unavailable at time of writing.
Volkswagen Amarok
Although it’s being cagey on exact pricing at this stage, Volkswagen says the Amarok 10 Deserts Edition will be positioned between $65 and $70K (likely closer to former than the latter).
The Amarok Life TDI500 this car is based on boasts a healthy standard equipment list including LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights, adaptive cruise control (with stop/go), alloy rims, a towbar, wireless charging and tailgate lift assist plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There’s also six-speaker audio (with digital radio), single-zone air-con, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors (with courtesy lamps), auto headlight and high-beam control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift, and auto rain-sensing wipers.
Not a bad fit-out, even before adding the extra 10 Deserts kit (see Design) and that prospective price puts it between the existing Amarok TDI500 Life ($59,490) and Style $69,740), both before on-road costs, and a step up from Ford’s close to $57K limited-run (1500 unit) Ranger Black Edition.
Under the bonnet
Volkswagen Caddy
Our test vehicle – the TDI320 variant of the new Caddy California – has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, producing 90kW at 2750-4250rpm and 320Nm at 1500-2500rpm, and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox DSG.
This is a front-wheel drive van and it’s riding on 18-inch wheels and Bridgestone Turanza T005 (215/55 R17) tyres.
Volkswagen Amarok
The record-breaking Amarok was a V6 Style, but this limited edition is based on the Amarok TDI500 Life, so a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine sits under the bonnet, sending 154kW/500Nm to the rear, or all four wheels, via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
This twin-turbo, dual-overhead cam unit is shared with the Amarok’s twin under the skin, the Ford Ranger (where it’s referred to as the ‘Bi-Turbo’), and the selectable all-wheel-drive system features three driving modes - 2H, 4H & 4L - and there’s a mechanical rear diff lock.
Efficiency
Volkswagen Caddy
Volkswagen lists the official combination fuel consumption as 4.9L/100km, but during our four day test we only averaged 6.2L/100km.
This van has a 50-litre fuel tank and an AdBlue tank.
Volkswagen Amarok
The TDI500’s official fuel consumption figure on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle is 7.2L/100km. With an 80-litre fuel tank on board, theoretical range is around 1100km.
Stop-start is standard, but we’ll have to wait for an as-tested figure, as this launch drive leant heavily into arduous off-road work.
For reference, in previous testing we’ve recorded real-world consumption closer to 10.0L/100km for this Amarok powertrain, which would deliver a driving range of around 800km.
Driving
Volkswagen Caddy
The Caddy California is 4835mm long with a 2970mm-long wheel-base. It stands 1836mm high (including roof rails) and is 2100mm wide (including the wing mirrors). The TDI320 variant has an unladen mass of 1723kg.
This is not the biggest van around and it manages to feel quite manoeuvrable for something that’s fairly box-like.
Visibility is pretty good from the driver’s seat, with mostly clear vision in all directions.
Steering is suitably sharp and well weighted, which is handy for a camper, especially for one that tends to feel its size a bit through sections of the blacktop that involve lots of twists and turns.
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine offers reasonable punch – getting the front-wheel drive van off the mark with some pep – and it works well with the dual-clutch auto transmission, resulting in a mostly smooth and unfussed drive.
Ride is well sorted, albeit on the firm side of things and some of that characteristic can be attributed to the van’s dimensions, the fact it was unladen, and it’s shod with 18-inch wheels.
Something people who aren’t used to driving vans should keep in mind: a van’s sides and back-end tend to catch wind gusts in high-wind areas, and that sensation and impact on the van’s behaviour can be somewhat disconcerting if you’re not anticipating them.
This van’s Bridgestone Turanza T005 (215/55 R17) tyres cope adequately with rain-slick bitumen during the recent poor weather.
All-round, this van is well behaved on-road and yields a relaxed driving experience.
Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok TDI500 is easy and effortless to drive on the open road. Peak power of 154kW (at 3750rpm) is adequate, but it’s the 500Nm of pulling power, delivered exactly where you want it at just 1750rpm, that sets the tone.
With 10 ratios to cycle through, the auto transmission also helps keep things in the sweet spot and while you’re aware of a certain amount of diesel thrum under acceleration, in this type of ute that’s more reassuring than annoying.
Suspension is by double wishbones and coil springs at the front with leaf springs supporting a live axle at the rear. And as is typical for a ute with this set-up (particularly unladen) bumps on a typical B-road make their presence felt, but not to an alarming degree.
We drove it on loose dirt roads and some challenging trails (which we’ll get to shortly), but overall it feels capable and pretty well planted on the road.
The steering is electrically assisted and there’s a good connection between your hands on the wheel and the tyres on the road.
Standard 17-inch alloys are shod with 225x70 Continental CrossContact ATR (all-terrain) tyres and they’re civilised on the highway. Also worth noting more aggressive off-road-focused rubber is a no-cost option, which is a nice touch.
The brakes are discs front and rear, which is notable because the entry-level Amarok Core is fitted with drums at the back.
On the open-road and in slow-going off-highway, where you’re constantly feathering the brakes during steep declines, braking remains strong with a progressive pedal feel.
The off-road section of the launch drive was more about the nature of the terrain than ultra-steep inclines or declines.
Big boulders, cavernous ruts, bulging tree roots as well as loose gravel and sand surfaces were the flavours of the day and the Amarok did a great job.
Standard approach, departure and ramp-over angles for the Life TDI500 are pretty solid, but an extra 40mm of ground clearance makes a big difference.
Worth noting the 10 Deserts Edition held its own with the more heavily modified V6 Style that set the Guinness record, which we also had a chance to steer.
With around 80kg less weight on the front axle, the four-cylinder feels agile and eager in the rough stuff and we saw some impressive axle articulation as the suspension and drive systems helped the Amarok pick its way through the most difficult sections.
We stepped our way through two-wheel high, four-wheel high and 4WD low modes, pulling in the diff lock only when things got hairy.
In terms of miscellaneous observations, it’s worth noting the turning circle is 12.8m. The Amarok is a sizeable vehicle and you’d expect the turning circle to be up there, but just be prepared for a reasonably wide arc when you’re parking or making three-point turns.
And the front seats are a stand-out. They’re pretty much sports editions - grippy and comfortable even after a full day behind the wheel on- and off-road. And their lateral support keeps you nicely located in the corners.
Safety
Volkswagen Caddy
The VW Caddy California has the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2021.
It has front, side, curtain and centre airbags for driver and front passenger, ISOFIX child seat anchors on the outboard second-row seats and top tether points on all second-row seats.
Driver-assist tech includes adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, multi collision braking system, lane change system (including blindspot monitoring), side assist with rear traffic alert and more.
Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok was given a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment in 2022 and active (crash-avoidance) tech includes AEB (with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring), lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control (with stop and go function), rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, hill-descent control, tyre-pressure monitoring, driver fatigue alert, roll-over mitigation and trailer sway control.
There’s also ‘Swerve Steer Assist’, road and speed sign recognition, front and rear parking distance controls, and a reversing camera. That’s an impressive suite for the category.
If a crash is unavoidable, there are nine airbags onboard - dual front and front side, dual front knee, full-length side curtain and a front-centre bag to help reduce the chance of head clash injuries in a side-on crash. Again, above average.
The Amarok scores well with ANCAP for vulnerable road user protection, multi-collision braking minimises the chances of secondary collisions following an initial impact and there’s an auto emergency call-out function able to sense if the driver is incapacitated following an airbag deployment.
Important to note there are top tethers and ISOFIX anchors for baby capsules and/or child seats on the outer rear seat positions only.
Ownership
Volkswagen Caddy
The VW Caddy California Maxi is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, a choice of three- or five-year Care Plans (capped price servicing), and a free year of 24-hour roadside assist.
A Caddy’s five-year capped price servicing plan costs $1500 and includes two free services.
Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen covers the Amarok with a five-year/unlimited-km warranty, which is expected in the mainstream market.
Service is recommended every 12 months/15,000km, which is pretty handy, and the price averages $360 for the first five years, which is competitive for the class and price point.
Fixed price three- or five-year plans are also offered, which brings a modest discount and locks in the pricing. Twelve months of roadside assistance is complementary, renewed for another year each time you service the car at an authorised VW dealer.