Introducing the Volkswagen Crafter
First revealed to the world in Berlin in April 1975, the Crafter was initially called the LT, short for Lasten-Transporter, which loosely translates to “Heavy Load Transporter” or “Cargo Transporter”. Since it launched, more than 1.5 million models have been produced and sold across the world.
Initially, it was based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. All that changed in 2017, when Volkswagen rather wisely took the decision to design and build the vehicle itself. The company also launched the MAN TGE, which is based on the Crafter. (Unfortunately, the TGE has yet to be launched in South Africa.)
Today the Crafter – which is manufactured in Poland, alongside the MAN TGE – is the largest 3 to 5 tonne van produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. It was launched in this country in 2007, and over 11 500 units have been sold since its introduction in the South African market.
The vehicle in a nutshell
Described by Volkswagen as “the ultimate transport solution”, the Crafter is available in panel van or bus conversion-ready guise. While it’s an exceptionally popular van in Europe, South Africans prefer using it as a bus. In fact, 90% of Crafters sold in South Africa are converted into buses for passenger transport (taxis and scholar transport), ambulances and patient carriers by government departments and the balance is sold to logistics and courier companies.
Exterior
While the exterior is decidedly pleasing, this vehicle is also a practical workhorse. For instance, it has a sturdy frame and a generous loading capacity. It has a loading capacity ranging between 9.3m³ and 17.5 m³, and the longest loading space in its class (up to 4.6m). It is super easy to load because there are two rear wing doors at the rear and there is also a 1.3m-wide left-hand side sliding door. A sliding door is optional for the right-hand side as well. It has a payload capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes.
The Crafter is available in 3.5 tonne GVM and 5 tonne GVM versions. Customers can also choose from two wheelbases (3 640mm or 4 490mm), three body lengths and two different roof configurations.
Interior
Hop into the Crafter and think you’re in a car? That’s quite possible; it incorporates a lot of features and technology borrowed from Volkswagen’s passenger cars. Accordingly, the interior looks and feels very much like your average Volkswagen car – just ever so slightly more utilitarian and a whole lot more spacious, of course.
In its latest guise, the Crafter gains robust seat upholstery for durability, a revised instrument cluster and control panel as well as plenty of storage compartments for a professional workspace. Standard interior features include power steering, heat-insulating glass, electric front windows and door pockets.
I drove the vehicle all the way from Johannesburg to Durban (and then back again) and it’s extremely comfortable. It doesn’t feel like a workhorse in the least; it drives more like an SUV or MPV.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Crafter is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0 TDI engine, which generates 103kW of power and 340Nm of torque. It is a smooth and very willing motor, which does an exceptional job around the city. I enjoyed it on the N3 too – although the 100 km/h limiter (not Volkswagen’s fault) drove me batty! On the other hand, I loved the ride quality. The Crafter is supple, balanced and composed – even when cornering at high speeds. The brakes are excellent too.
Transmission
Don’t even think of buying a Crafter with a manual transmission; like all Volkswagen automatic transmissions, the Crafter’s is a dream. It is smooth, dependable and does an utterly superb job – both when navigating city traffic and out on the highway. I loved it.
The transmission utilised is the first eight-speed automatic gearbox in the commercial vehicle sector with a torque converter for transversely mounted front-engine vehicles. The eight-speed automatic transmission utilises a torque converter, which transforms the Crafter into a vehicle that is super easy to drive over long distances. It features a robust design to meet the requirements of commercial vehicles while transmission ratios are adapted for optimum fuel consumption and performance. A short first gear ensures hassle-free starts even with heavy loads, on inclines or (apparently) when towing a trailer; I didn’t try this. A long eighth gear ensures low rpms at higher speeds for fuel-efficient driving.
Safety
Safety systems such as ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) combined with Brake Assist and Crosswind Assist, MCB (Multi-Collision Braking), TCS (Traction Control System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) are all standard in the Crafter.
There are trillions of optional safety features – anything and everything from LED headlights with LED separate daytime running lights, Park Pilot (Front and Rear), Park Distance Control (Front and Rear), Trailer Assist (Trailer manoeuvring system), Park Assist with Park Distance Control, Rearview camera system, Blind Spot Monitor including Rear Traffic Alert to Lane Assist including Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Park Distance Control in front and rear.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Crafter comes standard with a two-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, a five-year/120 000km EasyDrive Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 20 000km. It is priced from R658 200,00.
When the International Van of the Year jury announced that the Crafter had won its 2017 title, they praised the vehicle’s overall styling, comfort, smoothness, safety and superb handling. I concur. The same can be said of the current model. It’s an outstanding commercial vehicle in all respects.
