Volkswagen’s flagship commercial van has finally reached South Africa after being officially revealed almost two years ago. Locally, the new Crafter is offered in both front- and rear-wheel drive.
Powering the Crafter is Volkswagen’s 2,0 TDI four-cylinder engine, which in this configuration delivers 103 kW and 340 N.m of torque (and sips at between 7,3 and 7,6 L/100 km, depending on the model). The maximum cargo volume comes in at 17,5 m2, while the maximum permitted weight is 5,0 metric tonnes. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Built in Poland, the Crafter is available in three different lengths: 5 986 mm, 6 836 mm and 7 391 mm (the latter exclusively in panel van guise). Heights vary as well at 2 355 mm, 2 625 mm and 2 637 mm, with the tallest configuration again reserved for the panel van.
The Volkswagen Crafter rides on a MacPherson front suspension and five different variants of a rigid rear axle.
VW says the ergonomics of the Crafter have been improved (for instance, rake and reach adjustment for the steering column has been added), while new standard features such as electric windows, central locking (controlled by a key fob) and new storage compartments for mobile phones, laptops and tablets have been added.
The new Crafter can also be specified with driver aids such as park assist, trailer assist, adaptive cruise control and active emergency braking. Standard safety features include a post-collision braking system, side-wind assistant and a driver alert system.
The Crafter comes standard with a two-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a five-year/120 000 km service plan (with intervals of 20 000 km).
Pricing:
Volkswagen Crafter 35 (MCV) Panel Van: R509 700
Volkswagen Crafter 35 (LCV) Panel Van: R588 100
Volkswagen Crafter 50 LWB (Bus Conversion Ready): R625 800
Volkswagen Crafter 50 LWB (Panel Van): R625 800
Volkswagen Crafter 50 LWB with overhang (Bus Conversion ready): R635 800
Volkswagen Crafter 50 LWB with overhang (Panel Van): R635 800
