Volkswagen Caddy vs GAC M8
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Caddy starts from $57,600 before on-road costs, while the GAC M8 opens at $76,590. That makes the Volkswagen Caddy the more affordable entry point by $18,990.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $63,360 and $84,249 respectively.
The GAC M8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Caddy, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GAC M8 by roughly $7,370 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Caddy and GAC M8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC M8 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Volkswagen Caddy.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Volkswagen Caddy and 7 in the GAC M8. The GAC M8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Volkswagen Caddy misses.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GAC M8 counters with heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that the Volkswagen Caddy does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Caddy gets cloth (double grid) upholstery while the GAC M8 offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Caddy uses a Petrol I4 Turbo TSI producing 84kW and 220Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual clutch (dsg) to a FWD layout.
The GAC M8 responds with a Petrol Turbo making 274kW and 330Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 84kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Caddy measures 4,853mm long on a 2,970mm wheelbase, 359mm shorter than the GAC M8 at 5,212mm (3,070mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 446L in the Volkswagen Caddy and 800L in the GAC M8, giving the GAC M8 a 354L advantage.
For towing, the GAC M8 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.8m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Volkswagen Caddy and $293/year for the GAC M8. That is a $1,474 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Volkswagen Caddy) vs $293 (GAC M8). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $1,474 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Volkswagen Caddy) vs 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GAC M8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC M8 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The GAC M8 will save you roughly $1,474 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the GAC M8 has a clear edge. The GAC M8 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Caddy and GAC M8?
The Volkswagen Caddy is the cheapest at $57,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GAC M8 by $18,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GAC M8 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Caddy and GAC M8 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC M8 has the largest boot at 800L.
Which can tow the most?
The GAC M8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GAC M8 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GAC M8 makes the most power at 274kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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