TDI versus TSI VW Caddy

As iconic as the Volkswagen Caddy is, choosing which version to buy isn't as straightforward as it seems. One key consideration is whether to opt for the torque-rich TDI diesel engines or the peppier TSI petrol mills under the stubby bonnet – and there are compelling arguments for each.

Diesel advantages

For most Caddy owners who regularly rack up serious mileage, one of VW's trusty turbodiesels makes the most sense. 

The 2.0 TDI range offers an enticing blend of affordable running costs, excellent cruising range, and sustained mid-range muscle that's perfect for daily hauling duties. 

Even the "lowly" 75PS base model's 250Nm torque output endows it with stout lugging ability. Step up to the 102PS or 122PS variants, and you're treated to even healthier helpings of that famous TDI twist - 280Nm and 320Nm, respectively. 

Enough to heave even a fully loaded Caddy, along with surprising enthusiasm. Fuel efficiency is another clear TDI trump card. With real-world economy from the mid-40s to around 50mpg, filling up happens less frequently than with most equivalent petrol. 

Over thousands of kilometres annually, those savings can really stack up. Diesel's traditionally superior residual values also help offset its typically higher sticker prices versus comparably powered petrol Caddy models. 

The TSI Case 

The petrol-powered 1.5 TSI Caddy models certainly have plenty of appeal in their own right. 

Their 114PS/220Nm output may be modest on paper, but the lighter weight and eager power delivery make them feel surprisingly zesty and willing in daily driving. 

The big advantage for TSI buyers, however, lies in lower up-front pricing compared to TDI trims and cheaper forecourt costs for filling up with petrol versus diesel. For lower mileage users and those who don't routinely haul heavy loads, petrol's extra costs can potentially balance out versus a diesel over the course of ownership. 

Emissions are another key consideration. While all late-model VW powerplants are relatively clean, the TSI's lack of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) makes it slightly easier to deal with in low-mileage driving scenarios where DPF clogging can pose issues. 

If that's a priority, TSIs also tend to produce less overall CO2 output than their TDI counterparts. 

The custom factor

The turbodiesel models have a distinct edge in the tuning arena for buyers interested in pursuing more aggressive customisation with their Caddy purchase.

Beefier, more robust, and torquier by nature, the TDIs respond far better to the array of ECU remapping, intake/exhaust and fuelling upgrades we frequently apply to dial-up power and performance. 

Most high-end OEM+ styling and enhancement packages we offer at TMG are designed, engineered, and optimised around the 2.0 TDI Caddy models. 

So, if you're after something far more exceptional than the standard delivery van spec, the TDIs provide a more fitting canvas.