VS
At a Glance
Power
74kW@3500
60kW@5200
Torque
240Nm@2000
130Nm@4000
Fuel
9.44L/100km
9.11L/100km
Towing
2000kg
448kg
0-100 km/h
14.9s
11.2s
Engine
1870cc
1595cc
Choosing between the Renault Trafic and the Volkswagen Caddy is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Renault Trafic delivers 74kW@3500 while the Volkswagen Caddy produces 60kW@5200. On fuel, the Trafic returns 9.44L/100km while the Caddy uses 9.11L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R260 000 for the Trafic and R88 330 for the Caddy. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Renault Trafic1.9dci Passenger 2006 - From R260 000
Volkswagen CaddyPickup 1.6 CLUB 2002 - From R88 330
Performance
Power Output
74kW@3500
60kW@5200
Torque
240Nm@2000
130Nm@4000
0-100 kph
14.9s
11.2s
Top Speed
155km/h
156km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1870cc
1595cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
LEADED/UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.44L/100km
9.11L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.1L/100km
11.28L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
6.5L/100km
6.56L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90L
60L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4782mm
4370mm
Width
1904mm
1640mm
Height
1940mm
1490mm
Wheelbase
3098mm
2625mm
Ground Clearance
152mm
155mm
Kerb Weight
1845kg
895kg
Doors
5
2
Seats
9
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
448kg
Load Capacity
1240kg
630kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✗
Stability Control
✗
✗
Traction Control
✗
✗
Airbag Count
2
-
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✗
Climate Control
✗
✗
Cruise Control
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✗
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
Optional
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
120000km
Service Plan
S
O
Service Intervals
10000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Trafic
Fuel Economy
Caddy
Value
Caddy
Practicality
Trafic
Pros & Cons
Renault Trafic
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.44L/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Caddy
Better fuel economy (9.11L/100km)
Lower starting price (R88 330)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11.2ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Trafic or Caddy?
The Trafic uses 9.44L/100km and the Caddy uses 9.11L/100km on the combined cycle. The Caddy is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Trafic or Caddy?
The Trafic produces 74kW@3500 and 240Nm@2000 of torque while the Caddy delivers 60kW@5200 and 130Nm@4000 of torque. The Trafic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Trafic and Caddy?
The Trafic starts from R260 000 and the Caddy from R88 330. The Caddy is cheaper by R171 670 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Trafic or Caddy?
The Trafic has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg and the Caddy can tow 448kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Trafic or the Caddy?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.