Technical details of the new Crafter

New Crafter highlights

Available with front, rear or 4MOTION all-wheel drive
All-new EU6 engines from 102 to 177PS
Manual and automatic gearbox options
4 base models, 3 lengths, 3 heights
Completely new vehicle with a Cd value of 0.33
Equipped with commercial vehicle diesel engines
Extensive range of driver assistance systems available
State-of-the-art production at new plant in Poland

VOLKSWAGEN has released full technical details of the new Crafter which is due to arrive in the UK early in 2017. Pricing and specifications will follow.

It says the aim was to offer high economy and low total cost of ownership and to that end it was developed in line with the specific demands and requirements of various user groups and will achieve class-leading performances in a number of areas.

Engineers from Volkswagen accompanied vehicle users from key customer groups, including couriers, construction workers and long distance drivers on their rounds during the development stage.

For example, they investigated what systems help in inner-city traffic, how can accidents caused by tiredness could be reduced and what makes manoeuvring easy on a muddy building site. As a result the Crafter offers innovative, practical and electronic solutions for various challenges.

The Crafter’s all-new EU 6 engines and new exterior design give the model the lowest consumption and emission figures. The engines are designed for both short and long-distance driving to ensure downtime is never a problem. The new Crafter also scores with its robustness and low maintenance and repair costs, all of which have a positive effect on total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s lifecycle.

It combines extensive cargo capacity with minimal external dimensions, making it extremely manoeuvrable yet solid in its handling, regardless of payload.

Multiple engine and drivetrain variants

The new Crafter now offers an extremely wide range of derivatives. The new “EA 288Nutz” 2.0-litre TDI engine, developed especially for this model, is available with four power outputs: 102PS, 122PS and 140PS, plus a bi-turbo TDI with 177PS.

The choice of engines depends on which drive system is selected. Here customers have a choice between front, rear and all-wheel drive (4MOTION), as well as the option of a manual or automatic gearbox. Such variety has never been seen before in this segment.

There are also up to three different vehicle lengths available depending on the model chosen, while the closed body variants come with up to three different roof heights. This means customers can configure their new Crafter exactly in line with their specific requirements and find the right combination of engine, gearbox, drive system, vehicle length and roof height to meet their needs.

Wide variety of driver assistance systems

Cab of the new Crafter

The new Crafter sets new standards for assistance systems in the large van sector to optimise occupant protection through the use of active and passive safety concepts regardless of payload.

This is made possible in large part due to an electro-mechanical steering system used for the first time in this vehicle class which means active driver assistance systems, such as ESP with trailer stabilisation, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control, post-collision braking system, side-wind compensation system and a trailer manoeuvring assistant system among others are all available.

In terms of passive safety, front, side and head airbags for the driver and passengers and an extensive range of warning systems that includes a reversing camera, parking distance monitor and the Rear Traffic Alert system are also on offer. LED headlights, cornering lights and Light Assist ensure a clear view of the road ahead at night, while the Crafter also comes with online services that are tailored to the specific needs of customers.

New factory: bespoke Crafter plant

A new production facility was built in Wrzesnia, Poland, especially for the new Crafter. The facility is the brand’s second production location in Poland; the other is the Volkswagen plant in Poznan-Antoninek, which has been operating for more than 20 years now.

The Crafter plant occupies an area of approximately 540 acres – or around 300 football fields. More than 3,000 people will work at the Wrzesnia plant when the facility is operating at full capacity. Several supply companies will also open up factories in the area, creating additional jobs for the surrounding region.