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Volkswagen Caddy Beach: The New Kombi

Alan Zurvas

2019 Volkswagen Caddy Beach campervan.Why VW Caddy Beach?

Caddy Beach – First came Type 1. The much loved people’s car became known as the Käfer, German for Beetle.

Shortly after, type 2, Came. Kombi was born. Both models became instant classics and were produced by the million

VW briefly considered calling the special edition, a Kombi. In the end, VW erred on the side of caution, and stuck to Caddy. But, What to call this special edition?

After many late nights, they decided Caddy” Beach” was the go.

We give VW’s tiny camper the once over. All of the camping gear can be removed, along with the back seats. Caddy can then be used as a regular van. In camping mode, there is a tent for the rear hatch, and a small table and chairs to use outside.

Caddy has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and AEB plus other safety features. Caddy Beach Camper does what it says on the box, but there are no facilities. You will need a camp stove and a hole in the ground for that.

What’s a Caddy Beach Look Like?

It looks like a van because that’s what it is. Although not on the latest MQB platform, it does the job well.

There is modern plastic, and automatic Xenon headlights.

The solid grille badge hides radar for smart cruise control, and a camera for autonomous emergency braking the sits high on the windscreen.

There are seven exterior colour: Candy White, Reflex Silver, Fortana Red, Indium Grey, Viper Green, and Sandstorm Yellow. The latter is the hero colour.  All but the Candy white are metallic, and all are no cost options.

Options include:

17”Canyon  alloys are standard, including a full-size spare. There is a BEACH decal adding a final special touch.

Black roof rails are a must-have even though there is plenty of room inside..

Without the BEACH upgrades, Caddy might look a little ordinary, but as it stands, looks great

How Cosy is the Cabin?

The seating is flexible. Rear seats can be removed, as can the camping accrotrements.

Front seats have tray tables on their rear faces. Rear seats tumble forward or can taken out for picnics. With rear seats flat, a fold out bed can be deployed, and has a table and chairs are stowed underneath.

A neat tent slides over the tailgate, and adds 2.3m X 2 m of extra space. It does a decent job of keeping weather out but like all tents, is not lockable.

A rechargeable LED torch comes standard, but you’ll need a couple of extra camping lights.

Pockets in the side store camping essentials, and the standard blockout window shades.

It is easy to set up, and fast, to set up

The driver isn’t forgotten either.

There is loads of modern technology to go with the modern look. All Caddys get standard safety gear but this top model has autonomous braking (Front Assist and City Emergency Brake), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist and fog lights with cornering functionality.

VW says “Caddy has more standard gear in it than some models from other brands used for towing”. Speaking of towing, Caddy takes 1,300kg of braked, and 630kg of unbraked load.

Plastic is decent quality for a van of such humble origins.

You get decent sound from the speakers, and the standard VW touch screen comes complete with Apple Carplay/Android Auto.

The engine:

Its diminutive 1.4-litre 4 cylinder turbo petrol engine has start-stop. Output is a modest, but more than acceptable, 92kW and 220Nm. The  7-speed DSG automatic has super-fast changes and allows the little camper to get a decent 6L/100km.

The Drive:

It is fun. That’s not something you can say about many cars.

Caddy Beach is still a commercial vehicle. It’s a camper for sure, but glamping means a bit more than just a few pillows and a blanket.

Ride is firm. Springs are set to carry heavy boxes. Instead of deliveries, a camper will take bags and food, and life’s other essentials.

Getting to your camping ground is both easy and economical. Light steering and a nippy engine combine with a thrifty 7 speed DSG automatic in a car that drives quite like a small hatch. A reversing camera makes parking simply, and safe.

Caddy Beach has a large hatch to which the tent can quickly be added. It adds 2.3X2 metres of extra space. At a pinch, the table and chairs can be used in the tent, but it better outside.

There are openings either side for a walk-through, but can be zipped up at night. Drafts are minimal but not quite the standard of a purpose built tent.

If you want to do any cooking, you’ll need a portable gas ring or two, and showers will be in the camping ground facilities. Don’t forget to wear your thongs.

You really can go anywhere.

You can carry 5 in relative comfort when not in sleeping mode. There is loads of room for gear under the bed. With 5 seats up, the cargo area would take large bags.

While you’re on the road, you can navigate using Carplay/Andriod Auto using phone maps. There is no need to take your hands off the wheel to navigate, handle calls, or to make or receive texts. The system does it all for you with voice control.

Conclusion:

Surfers and small familes would find Caddy Beach perfect. I say this from time to time, but if I wanted to steal myself away for a cheeky weekend by the water, I can’t think of a better, cheaper way to spread my wings.

Facts and Figures: VW Caddy Beach

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