Volkswagen adds more Crafters

Volkswagen has added more models to its second-generation Crafter van and cab-chassis commercial vehicle line-up.

Joining the Crafter Runner Edition TDI340 manual-only base model that’s been on sale since late 2017 is the more powerful Crafter TDI410 front-wheel drives with the choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

The order book is also now open for a slew of further variants that arrive from the first quarter of 2019, including an auto version of the TDI340 front-wheel drive, rear-drivers, Haldex all-wheel drives and an additional long-wheelbase model with overhang.

With VW offering three van lengths, three roof heights and single- and dual-cabs with trays, there are dozens of Crafter variants to choose from.

Pricing starts at $48,490 for the Runner medium van and climbs all the way to $71,490 for Crafter 50 TDI410 auto long wheelbase with overhang van.

While the old Crafter was a joint-venture with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offered in just a couple of variants, the new generation is completely stand-alone and built in a new factory in Poland.

Apart from the Sprinter, it will compete against the Renault Master, Ford Transit Heavy and Fiat Ducato for market share.

All Crafters are powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines, producing either 103kW/340Nm or 140kW/410Nm. Transmission choices are six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic. Front-drivers will have their engine positioned transverse, while in the rear and all-wheel drives they will be longitudinal.

Underpinning the Crafter is a new platform featuring MacPherson strut front suspension and a combination of rigid rear axle and leaf springs. Steering is electro-mechanical rack and pinion and braking via discs front and rear. Suspension upgrades are also available.

Volkswagen claims the new Crafter is a significant improvement over its predecessor when it comes to payload and capacity.

Front-drive Crafters have a cargo capacity maximum of 18.4 cubic metres, a loading area 2.2m high and up to a four-tonne payload. There’s 1380mm between the wheel arches and a loading length up to 4.85m. The rear-drivers can carry as much as 5.5t (up 500kg) with dual rear wheels.

Autonomous emergency braking leads a significant safety upgrade that also includes a reversing camera, standard front and side curtain airbags for first-row occupants, crosswind assist, traction control, front and rear parking sensors and a driver fatigue warning.

Van buyers can option other driver assist tech such as rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring, while lane keep assist is also offered with cab chassis models.

Standard comfort equipment includes 8.0-inch touchscreen with reversing camera display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, cruise control (adaptive cruise is optional), rubber floors, air-conditioning with pollen filter, LED reading lights, halogen headlights (LEDs optional) and a full-size spare.

The standard seats get fore/aft and height adjust plus electric lumbar supports and moving armrests, but you can also option ‘ergoActive’ seats with more cushioning for shocks as well as a massage function.

MEDIUM WHEELBASE VAN
Crafter 35 TDI340 MWB Van 6 Spd Man ‘RUNNER’ FWD $48,490
Crafter 35 TDI340 MWB Van 8 Speed AT FWD $52,490
Crafter 35 TDI410 MWB Van 6 Spd Man FWD $52,490
Crafter 35 TDI410 MWB Van 8 Speed AT FWD $55,490
Crafter 35 TDI410 MWB Van 6 Spd Man 4Motion $56,990
Crafter 35 TDI410 MWB Van 8 Speed AT 4Motion $59,990
Crafter 50 TDI410 MWB Van 8 Speed AT 4.49t RWD Dual Tyre $62,490
Crafter 50 TDI410 MWB Van 8 Speed AT 5.5t RWD Dual Tyre $65,490

MEDIUM WHEELBASE VAN
Crafter 35 TDI340 LWB Van 6 Spd Man ‘RUNNER’ FWD $51,990
Crafter 35 TDI340 LWB Van 8 Speed AT FWD $55,990
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB Van 6 Spd Man FWD $55,990
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB Van 8 Speed AT FWD $58,990
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB Van 6 Spd Man 4Motion $60,490
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB Van 8 Speed AT 4Motion $63,490
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB Van 8 Speed AT 4.49t RWD Dual Tyre $65,990
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB Van 8 Speed AT 5.5t RWD Dual Tyre $68,990

LONG WHEELBASE WITH OVERHANG VAN
Crafter 35 TDI340 LWB w O/H Van 8 Speed AT FWD $58,490
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB w O/H Van 8 Speed AT FWD $61,490
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB w O/H Van 8 Speed AT 4.49 RWD Dual Tyre $68,490
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB w O/H Van 8 Speed AT 5.5t RWD Dual Tyre $71,490
Crafter Chassis

SINGLE CAB CHASSIS
Crafter 35 TDI340 LWB SCC 8 Speed AT FWD $48,290
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB SCC 8 Speed AT FWD $51,290
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB SCC 8 Speed AT 4Motion $55,790
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB SCC 6 Speed MT RWD Single Tyre $52,790
Crafter 50 TDI410 MWB SCC 8 Speed AT 4.49t RWD Dual Tyre $56,790
Crafter 50 TDI410 MWB SCC 8 Speed AT 5.5t RWD Dual Tyre $59,790
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB SCC 8 Speed AT 4.49t RWD Dual Tyre $58,290
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB SCC 8 Speed AT 5.5t RWD Dual Tyre $61,290

DUAL CAB CHASSIS
Crafter 35 TDI340 LWB DCC 8 Speed AT FWD $51,790
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB DCC 8 Speed AT FWD $54,790
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB DCC 8 Speed AT 4Motion $59,290
Crafter 35 TDI410 LWB DCC 6 Speed MT RWD Single Tyre $56,290
Crafter 50 TDI410 MWB DCC 8 Speed AT 4.49t RWD Dual Tyre $60,290
Crafter 50 TDI410 MWB DCC 8 Speed AT 5.5t RWD Dual Tyre $63,290
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB DCC 8 Speed AT 4.49t RWD Dual Tyre $61,790
Crafter 50 TDI410 LWB DCC 8 Speed AT 5.5t RWD Dual Tyre $64,790