Pricing for the new Volkswagen Caddy will start from £17,800 for the fifth-generation van, with order books opening in December.

The new Caddy, which has been redesigned from the ground up, is bigger, has more efficient engine options, additional driver assistance systems to improve safety and a new connected digital cockpit and infotainment system.

First revealed in February, the Caddy will initially launch in the UK with two wheelbase options – standard and Maxi – with three trim levels.

The panel van variant will now be known as the Caddy Cargo, and the passenger carrying versions, simply the Caddy.

The standard Caddy measures 4,500mm in length, an increase of 93mm over the previous model. The wheelbase has also grown by 73mm to 2,755mm.

The load space width is up 57mm to 1,613mm with the distance between the wheelarches increasing by 60mm to 1,230mm and the rear opening by 51mm to 1,234mm.

The additional size means a Euro pallet can now be carried sideways in the back of the cargo space. The storage capacity of the standard wheelbase Caddy is 3.1m3 (as per the SAE V6 standard).

The new Caddy Maxi offers even more space (3.7m3) and has a 215 mm longer wheelbase, offering enough room for up to two Euro pallets.

New options include power-latching side doors and tailgate, LED headlights and LED rear lights plus new metallic paint finishes.

Furthermore, five driver assistance systems are new to the fifth-generation Caddy, taking the total to 19.

New systems include Travel Assist, which delivers assisted driving across the full speed range, while Trailer Assist is available on Caddy for the first time. In addition to the new technology, the Caddy’s existing assistance systems have been significantly expanded and updated with new functions.

New Caddy also features eSIM technology as standard, which means the vehicle can automatically make eCalls to emergency services in the event of an accident.

Three diesel and one petrol engine option are available from UK launch. The 2.0 TDI offers outputs of 75, 102 and 122 PS, with a new twin dosing system providing a double dose of AdBlue to help significantly reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels compared to the previous model.

The 1.5 TSI petrol option produces 114 PS and is equipped with Active Cylinder Technology as standard. This temporarily deactivates two of the four cylinders at light engine loads to save fuel.

All engines fulfil the 2021 Euro 6 emissions standards and are fitted with particulate filters. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10% on previous generation.

The 75PS and 102 PS models will be equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard, while the 2.0 TDI 122 PS and 1.5 TSI 114 PS are offered with the option of a seven-speed DSG. 4MOTION four-wheel drive is available on 2.0 TDI 122 PS variants.

Caddy Cargo prices range from £17,800 for the entry-level 1.5 TSI 114 PS model to £26,850 for the 2.0 TDI 122 PS 4MOTION Maxi version.

Mid-level models, which start at £19,275 RRP, introduce electronically controlled air conditioning system, body coloured bumpers and rear parking sensors, along with power adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat and leather multi-function steering wheel.

Range-topping Caddy Cargo models, from £22,075, add Discover Media satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors, anti-theft alarm system, power folding exterior mirrors, LED rear tail lights and alloy wheels.