The new Volkswagen Crafter: Ground-breaking technology in a worker's overall

By Martin Pretorius

When Volkswagen released their latest Crafter on the South African market a few weeks ago, the commercial vehicle world stood in awe of its handsome new looks. Sure, it's very obviously still a van, but by incorporating the same styling language as Volkswagen employs on their road cars, it really is an attractive-looking beast. And not only does it look good, but its appearance was crafted with an eye on functionality as well as cosmetic appeal, leading to improved aerodynamics and optimised loading capacity.

But customers in search of such a vehicle won't necessarily be convinced by nice styling – these vans are made to work, after all. Up till now, Crafters (and their predecessors, the VW LT Van) were renowned for their versatility, space-efficiency and durability, and the new model had to improve on this front as well. This is why it's an all-new vehicle, designed for the modern era, and this time around, it's all Volkswagen's own work: the previous two generation LT/Crafters were based upon the contemporary Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, but this no longer the case – the new one shares nothing with the new Sprinter at all.

There's one for every need

For the first time, the Crafter is available in a whole range of sizes. The range opens with front-wheel drive models, giving a maximum permissible gross weight of 3.5 tons. For heavier-duty applications, rear-wheel drive is employed, which increases the permissible gross weight to 5 tons. The FWD versions boast best-in-class loading height of only 510 mm through the rear doors, and the sliding door offers an aperture of 1311 mm. In addition, buyers can choose between two wheelbases (3640 mm or 4490 mm), three roof heights (2355 mm, 2625 mm or, for the panel van, 2637 mm as well), and three lengths, spanning the range between 5986 mm and 7391 mm – the latter only available in panel van format.

There's only one engine available, however: Volkswagen's new-generation EA288 Commercial turbo-diesel in 103 kW/340 Nm trim, pre-equipped with an auxiliary alternator and air-con compressor, depending on the application. Once other engine drivetrain packages get cleared for our 50-ppm diesel (Euro-4 specification), we may see 4Motion all-wheel drive and DSG transmissions as well, but for the moment, our market will only receive 6-speed manual-equipped variants. Durability is assured through an exhaustive test program, with 700 development mules proving the drivetrain to be good for a minimum of 300 000 km.

It's all about the technology

The standard equipment is also pretty impressive, with automatic post-collision braking and a driver alert system featuring across the range. Electric windows, remote central locking, and a plethora of neat in-cabin stowage solutions are standard equipment, and the cabin design is very similar to that you'd find in a Golf. However, the most notable standard fitment is the side wind assistant, which automatically counters course deviations caused by side winds by braking the appropriate wheels to maintain directional stability. Any van driver who's ever had to contend with the cross-winds around Harrismith or the Western  Cape, will definitely approve of this nifty feature.

But it's in the option sheet where you'll find the real innovations. LED headlamps, for example, has only recently started finding their way into passenger cars, yet they can be had with the new Crafter. The same applies to adaptive cruise control, which also incorporates “Follow to Stop” functionality to take the stress out of driving in traffic jams.

Most impressively, the Crafter can also be had with a parking assistant and a trailer manoeuvring assistant: it can actually reverse-park a trailer by itself, thanks to a multitude of cameras and distance sensors and the new electro-mechanical power steering. Those sensors all around the new Crafter also enable it to warn the driver if the turn they're about to take, will bring the van's side into contact with obstacles next to the vehicle. A reversing camera and Rear Traffic Alert rounds off a very modern, and very complete, optional extra list.

Better in every way, and still just as versatile

Volkswagen SA has teamed up with a number of body builders to develop a range of applications for the new Crafter – with anything from ambulances to tradesman's vans to luxury tour busses on offer from catalogues, the possibilities are almost endless. Add this selection of ready-made solutions to a really striking appearance and the most innovative technology in its class, and the new Crafter certainly seems set to become a huge success.