Volkswagen launched the fifth generation Caddy in both commercial and passenger van versions back in February 2020, and now the range expands with the addition of a more adventurous version, the Caddy PanAmericana. Replacing the previous-gen Caddy Alltrack, the PanAmericana brings tougher styling both to passenger and cargo short wheelbase versions.
The name PanAmericana comes from the route from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, and it’s meant to showcase the more rugged nature of this passenger van. Design changes include the unpainted plastic cladding on the bumpers, wheel arches, and side sills but with a body-colored bar under the front grille to differentiate it from the base-spec Caddy. It also gets underbody protection, PanAmericana badging, LED lights, roof bars, and a set of bi-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside we find Pinestripe seat covers, a leather multifunction steering wheel, aluminum pedals, PanAmericana wording, and door treadplates in silver. It also features the digital cockpit from the Style trim level which includes a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central touchscreen for the infotainment. Vans have gone a long way to meet the high safety standards of passenger cars and the Caddy is no exception. It comes with up to 19 systems including Travel Assist allowing for semi-autonomous driving.
The MQB-based Caddy PanAmericana is available with either the 1.5 TSI gasoline engine producing 113 hp or the 2.0 TDI diesel in two versions producing 101 hp and 121 hp. All engines are combined with the 6-speed manual gearbox and with the exception of the less powerful diesel, they are also available with the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Power is sent to the front wheels but there is also an optional 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system available with the top-of-the-range 2.0 TDI for those who are indeed planning on using the Caddy off the beaten track. Depending on the specification, towing capacity is up to 1.5 tonnes and permissible load up to 679 kg for the cargo version and up to 525 kg for the passenger version.
The VW Caddy PanAmericana is already available to order, with prices in Germany starting from € 32,207.35 (US$ 38,213.99) and going all the way up to € 38,460.80 (US$ 45,633.70) for the all-wheel-drive manual diesel.
