Four base models, three lengths, three heights and a total of 69 derivatives make this one of the most flexible VW vans to date, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles chairman Dr Eckhard Scholz.
“The new Crafter represents a fusion of product focus and customer focus,” he says. “In other words, we developed his vehicle from the customer’s perspective.”
VW’s new Crafter has a new chassis with multiple suspension options and new electromechanical steering, as well as more fuel-efficient engines optimised for extra urban and urban traffic, and practical loading solutions.
Looking at the Euro 6 engines, they include a 2.0l TDI (EA 288 Commercial) at 102, 140 and BiTurbo TDI 177bhp outputs for front-wheel drive – interestingly, inclined eight degrees towards the front to allow more space for driver and payload.
Scholz also points to the ergonomic driver’s workplace and driver assistance systems ranging from Lane Assist, Park Assist and Trailer Assist, to adaptive cruise control system, Front Assist emergency braking, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and side wind assistant.
New Crafter also sports all the usual preparations for bodybuilders, as well as options including shelving mounts, second compressor for refrigeration, four variants of a second battery, a second air conditioner and a second heat exchanger for a fuel-operated auxiliary heating systems.
As a panel van and Kombi, the new Crafter is available in various lengths (5986mm, 6836mm and 7391mm for the panel van) with heights including 2355 mm, 2590 mm and 2798 mm.
It also comes with single and dual cab versions with or without bodies including the popular pick-up and tipper options.
In front-wheel drive guise, new Crafter offers a maximum cargo capacity of 18.4 m3 with a permissible gross weight of 3.0 – 4.0 tonnes.
Cargo width between wheel arches is 1,380 mm while the van has a cargo compartment length of 4,855 mm and a sliding door opening of 1,311 mm.
Pre-sales of the new Crafter begin in November 2016. UK launch is expected in Spring 2017.