Johannesburg - Once referred to by a tongue-in-cheek copywriter as 'a hatchback in hiking boots', Volkswagen's Cross Polo 'lifestyle' model has been joined by the Cross Caddy.
It's largely a styling exercise - the Cross Caddy doesn't even have raised suspension - but it's also true that the characteristic black plastic trims on the wheel arches, side sills and the lower sections of the bumpers make it more resistant to the dings and scratches of outrageous carparks.
They stand out from the add-on parts in body colour, as does the siver underbody protection at both ands and the special 17” Canyon alloy rims with 205/50 rubber - slightly taller than the 195/65 R15 boots on the Vanilla-flavour Trendline version.
Silver-coloured roof rails, tinted glass on the rear windows and rear window, and smoked rear lights complete the styling package.
The same goes for the interior: air vents in gloss black with silver surrounds, a centre armrest adjustable for height and reach, leather accents with grey contrast stitching on the gear-shift grip and handbrake lever, two-tone front seat upholstery and colour-offset door trim panels provide the required 'life-style' ambience without giving the production-line planners any headaches.
WHAT YOU GET
The Cross Caddy comes either as a five or seven-seater (that'll cost you an extra R5200, Cyril) with an 81kW two-litre turbodiesel four driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual 'box. As befits a vehicle derived from a workhorse panel van, the TDI is rated for 250Nm at only 1750rpm, which doubtless helps it achieve an NEDC rating of just 5.7 litres per 100km.
Standard kit includes a multifunction steering wheel with switchgear for the cruise control and RCD310 radio/CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, central locking, heatable front seats light and rain sensors, hill hold and, quite literally, two dozen places to lose things.
It's also available in two special colours - honey orange and viper green; don't say we didn't warn you.
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
All of which will set you back R340 600, a R24 300 premium over the equivalent Trendline 'street' version, which sells for R316 300.
A three-year or 120 000km warranty is included; service and maintenance plans are extra-cost options. As with all diesel Caddies, the Cross has to go home to Mama every 15 000km.