Volkswagen has revealed the fourth generation of its small commercial van, the Caddy, ahead of its European release in June and its Australian launch around October.
Apart from a more contemporary passenger car-like exterior design, the new Caddy brings new engines and a range of new safety technologies.
First-in-class driver aids include a low-speed crash avoidance system that automatically brakes the car at speeds below 30km/h, adaptive cruise control operation up to 160km/h, a drowsy driver alert system and automatic headlights.
Within the fresh exterior is a new cabin with an upgraded infotainment system, new switchgear, a fresh steering wheel and higher quality materials. Other available features include a reversing camera, semi-automatic parking system and satellite-navigation.
The range of new Euro 6-compliant turbocharged petrol and diesel engines includes four 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel units ranging in power from 55kW to 110kW, and three TSI petrol engines: 62kW 1.2-litre four-cylinder, 75kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 92kW 1.4-litre four-cylinder.
They will again be matched to manual and twin-clutch automatic transmissions, with the most efficient Blue Motion version consuming less than 4.0L/100km.
Volkswagen's latest competitor for the Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Holden Combo and Fiat Doblo replaces the third-generation Caddy 'Typ 2K', which has attracted almost 1.5 million sales globally since 2004.