Frankfurt preview: 2016 Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack

Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicles division will introduce a more rugged-looking version of the small Caddy van at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Dubbed Caddy Alltrack, it is billed as a successor to the Cross Caddy that was phased out recently.

The newest Caddy off-shoot falls in line with other Alltrack-badged members of the Volkswagen lineup like the Passat and the Golf SportWagen. It gains black plastic trim on the wheel arches and the rocker panels, brushed aluminum-look inserts in both bumpers, silver mirror caps and a model-specific three-slat grille. The Alltrack is available as both a passenger van aimed at families with an active lifestyle and a panel van designed primarily for business users.

Passenger vans offer special seat covers, folding tables built into the front seat backs, a leather-upholstered steering wheel and a chrome package. The list of standard features includes an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a five-inch touch screen.

Buyers in the market for a gasoline-burning Caddy can choose either a 1.0-liter, a 1.2-liter or a 1.4-liter. Those seeking a diesel engine can order a 2.0-liter TDI that’s offered in three tunes ranging from 74 to 149 horsepower. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system can be ordered at an extra cost.

In Germany, the Caddy Alltrack panel van carries a base price of €16,485, a sum that converts to approximately $19,000. The family-focused passenger van starts at €24,359 (about $28,000).