Volkswagen has launched the new Crafter. The third generation Crafter will be the first to be made by VW on its own. The previous two generations were made in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.

In South Africa, a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre TDI engine is available with 103 kW of power and 340Nm of torque. VW estimates a fuel consumption of between 7.3 to 7.6litres/100km, depending on the model. Only the manual version will be available at launch. Possibilities exist for the introduction of an automatic at a later stage.

Up to three different vehicle lengths are available depending on the model chosen, and the closed body variants come with up to three different roof heights as an optional feature. As a panel van and Kombi, the new Crafter is available in various lengths (5986 mm, 6836 mm or 7391 mm (panel van)) and heights (2355 mm, 2625 mm or 2637 mm (panel van)).

The new Crafter is available in front and rear wheel drive. In the front-wheel drive version, it offers a maximum cargo capacity of 10.7 m³ with a permissible gross weight of 3.5 – 3.55 t. Volkswagen claims that the cargo width between wheel arches of 1,380 mm and a maximum cargo compartment length of 3,201 mm give the Crafter the best package dimensions of its vehicle class.

The new Crafter’s interior has been improved drastically and looks mostly like its smaller passenger siblings. Not only that but typical passenger car features like electric windows, central locking with wireless remote control are now standard on the Crafter.

The new Crafter employs an electro-mechanical steering system and comes with a whole host of optional driver assistance systems, such as: park assist, trailer assist (for manoeuvring a trailer), adaptive cruise control system and front assist emergency braking system.

Standard features include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, the side wind assistant and driver alert system. Other safety systems include a reverse camera (optional), Rear Traffic Alert (optional), and sensor-based side protection (optional). Finally, you can also get optional LED headlights and cornering lights in the new Crafter.

New Crafter Prices (VAT and emissions tax included):
• Crafter 35 (MCV) Panel Van – R509,700;
• Crafter 35 (LCV) Panel Van – R588,100;
• Crafter 50 LWB (Bus Conversion Ready) – R625,800;
• Crafter 50 LWB (Panel Van) – R625,800;
• Crafter 50 LWB with overhang (Bus Conversion ready) – R635,800; and
• Crafter 50 LWB with overhang (Panel Van) – R635,800.

The new Crafter comes standard with a 2year/unlimited km manufacturer warranty, a 5 year/120,000km service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 20,000km.