A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Upcoming in South AfricaConfirmed launch information and specifications remain visible while final availability is pending.
⚡ 200 kW🔧 335 Nm⛽ 0 km/l
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Decision summary
Volkswagen Caddy vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: the short answer
CLA Electric has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Caddy remains close.
Recorded price context
Caddy:
current from
ZAR 573,200
·
CLA Electric:
announced from
ZAR 1,212,650
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Caddy
CLA Electric
Maximum Power
Caddy81 kW
CLA Electric200 kW
Maximum Torque
Caddy300 Nm
CLA Electric335 Nm
Engine Size
Caddy1968 cc
CLA ElectricNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
Caddy18.2 km/l
CLA Electric0 km/l
Ground Clearance
Caddy144 mm
CLA Electric150 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Volkswagen Caddy
Caddy Maxi 2.0 TDI Manual
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Caddy
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader
CLA Electric
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Caddy
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
CLA Electric
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Model Introduced Year
2021
2026
Generation
SA5 fifth generation on MQB platform – major improvement over previous generation
Current South African CLA Electric generation represented by derivative CLA 250+
Facelift History
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2021 – completely new platform and design
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2021
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Van
Sedan
Color Note
White, Silver, Black
-
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
Current South African retail range
Segment
Van
Premium coupé
Tare Mass Kg
1707 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Van
Coupé
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Length
4853 mm
4800 mm
Width
1855 mm
1900 mm
Height
1823 mm
1600 mm
Wheelbase
2970 mm
2790 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
144 mm
150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
500 l
Boot/Cargo Space
446 l
500 l
Kerb Weight
1707 kg
2000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2250 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
543 kg
500 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
4 seats
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.1 m
12.0 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
120 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
960 mm
Rear Headroom
-
960 mm
Front Legroom
-
900 mm
Rear Legroom
-
900 mm
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Front Track Width
1571 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1563 mm
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Independent multi-link suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Not Available
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
1720 l
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1720 l
-
AC Type
Not Available
Automatic climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
caddy
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
top
-
Variant Role
Entry or fleet-access derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Diesel
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1968 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
81 kW
200 kW
Maximum Torque
300 Nm
335 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Rear
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
RWD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
6.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
47.5 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
175.7 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
85 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
85.0 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
85.0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
85.0 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
320 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Gearbox
Manual
Single-speed reduction gear
Drivetrain Layout
4x2
RWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
No
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
6
1
Transmission Type
Manual
Single-speed reduction gear
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Electronic shift-by-wire
Drivetrain
4x2
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
750
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
No
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Manual
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
750
Low Range
Not Applicable
750
Axle Layout
4x2
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
6
1
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Claimed Mileage
18.2 km/l
0 km/l
City Mileage
14.8 km/l
0 km/l
Highway Mileage
21.3 km/l
0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
0 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Zero tailpipe emissions
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.2 km/l
0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Charging Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Fuel Tank Litres
50 l
0
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
750
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
14.6-12.3 kWh/100 km
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
750 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
750 km
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Airbags
Front airbags
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Not Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Cruise Control
Not Available
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Seat Material
Not Applicable
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
64-colour ambient lighting
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Car-like cabin with 8-inch infotainment display, air conditioning, modern switchgear
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Infotainment System
Not Available
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not Available
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
Not Available
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
LED Headlamps
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Not Available
No
Exterior Colour Options
3
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Body Type
Van
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlights
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
144 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
144 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Tyre Size
Not Available
245/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
19-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Service Plan
Not Available
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Caddy
CLA Electric
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
722650 ZAR
1212650 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
722650
1300000
Starting Price Zar
722650
1300000
In depth: how these cars differ
This Caddy and CLA Electric comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Caddy 44 vs CLA Electric 77.
Efficiency index: Caddy 72 vs CLA Electric 90.
Safety-equipment index: Caddy 88 vs CLA Electric 95.
Practicality index: Caddy 66 vs CLA Electric 54.
Ownership-cover index: Caddy not separately scored vs CLA Electric not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Caddy and CLA Electric image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
CLA Electric leads by 11 points
CLA Electric has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Caddy remains close.
Performance
CLA Electric +33
Efficiency
CLA Electric +18
Safety
CLA Electric +7
Practicality
Caddy +12
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
CLA Electric
Performance
77/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
54/100
Caddy
Performance
44/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
66/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Electric
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 67 pts for Caddy
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Electric leads. However, Caddy may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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