Crafter gets craftier
The familiar sight of a Volkswagen Crafter toiling away on its delivery routes will now be bolstered with the addition of two new models in the form of the Crafter 35 automatic and 4MOTION.
Some
11 500 units sold since its introduction in the South African market in 2007, and 90% of Crafters sold in South Africa are
converted into buses for passenger transport (taxi’s and scholar transport),
ambulances and patient carriers by government departments and the balance being
sold to logistics and courier companies.
The Crafter, which is manufactured in Poland, is the largest 3 ton to 5 ton van produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
In its latest iteration, the interior ergonomics have been enhanced to ensure higher levels of practicality and ease of use. Improvements include robust seat upholstery for durability, a revised instrument cluster and control panel as well as plenty of storage compartments for a professional workspace. The interior is also easily controlled with a fresh air ventilator including air recirculation and heating as standard. Other standard interior features include power steering, heat-insulating glass, power front windows and door pockets.
The Crafter has a loading capacity ranging between 9,3 cu/m and 17,5 cu/m and a loading length of up to 4,6 m.
It is available in 3,5 ton GVM and 5 ton GVM versions. Customers can also choose from two wheelbases (3 640 mm or 4 490 mm), three body lengths and two different roof configurations.
The Crafter 35 is fitted with i 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.
The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI Automatic is characterised by a 100 mm lower loading sill (when compared to the 4MOTION derivative), the largest loading height and payload in its class as well as bigger headroom within the loading area.
The transmission utilised in this derivative is the first 8-speed automatic gearbox with a torque convertor for transversely mounted front-engine vehicles in the commercial vehicle sector.
The
8-speed automatic transmission utilises a torque convertor, which transforms
the Crafter into a vehicle that is 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.
The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION is based on the front-wheel drive model but adds a four-wheel drive coupling that delivers power to the rear axle. The permanent four wheel driving system means that as much power as possible is sent to the front wheels alone in order to maximise fuel economy.
The six-speed manual gearbox utilised in this model has been further developed from the T6 gearbox to offer shifting comfort similar to that of passenger cars, while the transmission ratios have been adapted for optimum fuel consumption and performance.
The
Crafter 35 derivatives are both available in the 2.0 TDI engine, which offers
103 kW and 340 Nm and fuel consumption of 8,2 l/100 km (Crafter 35 Panel Van
2.0 TDI Automatic) and 9,1 l/100 km (Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION).
Retail Price
Crafter
35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW (MCV) R616
900
Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW Automatic R659 400
Crafter
35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW (LCV) R711
700
Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW Manual 4MOTION R713 300
Crafter
50 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW (LWB) R726
600
Crafter
50 Bus Conversion Ready 2.0 TDI 103kW (LWB) R726
600
Crafter
50 Bus Conversion Ready 2.0 TDI 103kW (XLWB) R736
700
Crafter
50 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW (XLWB) R736
700
The
Volkswagen Crafter comes standard with a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, 5-year/
120 000 km EasyDrive Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The
service interval is 20 000 km.
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