VW previews Caddy ‘Beach’ camper van

"This marks our return to the campervan market in Australia," says Nicholas Reid, Marketing Manager of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia.

"With the iconic and ubiquitous Kombi van, Volkswagen forged a strong connection with travellers and explorers around the world. The Caddy Beach continues this tradition with the latest in engineering and technology."

Due for release in Q4, 2018, the Caddy ‘Beach’ is based on the long-wheelbase Caddy Maxi Trendline and retains that model’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 92kW and 220Nm, matched to a 7-speed DSG transmission.

However, within the Caddy Beach’s load area, there’s seating for five and a well-equipped camping set-up, according to VW.

With folding front and rear seats, there is technically room for five, but bed space only for two, meaning the kids would have to go to a tent on the family holiday. But the set-up does allow family camping without the need for a small caravan or camper trailer.

The walkthrough tent is fastened to the tailgate, with other standard features including a fold-out bed, two compact folding camp chairs and a table, as well as block-out window curtains.

Four storage bags hang over the side window area inside, offering a total of eight storage compartments. There’s also a rechargeable torch.

Identifying the camper against the working Caddy are bi-xenon headlamps, 17-inch 'Canyon' alloys and a special 'Beach' decal, along with black roof rails, tinted rear tail-lamps and tinted passenger windows. A choice of six different paint finishes will be available.

Inside, a colour multifunction display adds a premium look to the dash and six speakers are placed around the cabin, linked to a Composition Media infotainment system with App-Connect.

The Caddy’s standard safety and driver assistance tech includes autonomous braking (Front Assist with City Emergency Brake), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist and fog lights with cornering functionality.

To be priced from $44,990 RRP, further details and full specs for the Caddy Beach will be revealed closer to local release in Q4, 2018.