VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
81 kW
Torque
380 Nm
152 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1300 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.0 s
Engine
1997 cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the Renault Trafic and the Volkswagen Caddy is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Renault Trafic delivers 125 kW while the Volkswagen Caddy produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Trafic returns 7.2 l/100km while the Caddy uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R635 999 for the Trafic and R466 700 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.
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
81 kW
Torque
380 Nm
152 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.0 s
Top Speed
—
178 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5480 mm
4500 mm
Width
1956-2283 mm
1855-2100 mm
Height
1967 mm
1819 mm
Wheelbase
3498 mm
2755 mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
1646 Kg
1432 Kg
Doors
5
6 incl. 2 sliding side + 2 wing rear
Seats
3
2
Load Volume
8900 l
3100 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1300 Kg
Load Capacity
1279 l
668 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Renault Trafic
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Trafic
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Caddy
Practicality
Trafic
Pros & Cons
Renault Trafic
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Caddy
Lower starting price (R466 700)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 125 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Trafic or Caddy?
The Trafic uses 7.2 l/100km and the Caddy uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Caddy is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Trafic or Caddy?
The Trafic produces 125 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the Caddy delivers 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The Trafic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Trafic and Caddy?
The Trafic starts from R635 999 and the Caddy from R466 700. The Caddy is cheaper by R169 299 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 2500 Kg and the Caddy can tow 1300 Kg. 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.