Sharper design, improved fuel efficiency for Crafter

VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has just launched the new Crafter, with a sharpened design, optimised interior and the latest generation of the fuel efficient TDI engines which significantly reduces fuel and maintenance costs.

The Crafter was first launched in Southern Africa in April 2007 and to date it has sold over 4 000 units, which makes it the second best-selling Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) panel van in the area.
The technically and visually perfected Crafter raises the bar in the segment of medium commercial vehicles (3.5 to 5.0 metric tonnes allowable gross weight) to new, more eco-friendly and cost-effective levels. Improvements are primarily due to the vehicle’s exceptionally efficient 2.0-litre TDI engines with common rail direct injection. They replace the 2.5-litre TDI engine that was used in all previous Crafter versions with 6-speed manual gearboxes.

Exceptional fuel consumption
Besides being kind to the environment, the Crafter’s new four-cylinder engines also safeguard owners’ budgets for fuel and maintenance. Along with significantly reduced fuel expenses, expenditure for maintenance and vehicle operation has been reduced; this is primarily attributable to lower service costs. In addition, the lightweight four-cylinder engines and other measures have reduced the new Crafter’s kerb weight in practically all versions. This has a direct positive impact on maximum payload. In some versions, it is possible to load up to 44 kg more cargo – nearly three per cent more – and for many businesses this is a decisive factor.

Fresh styling
In purely visual terms, the new Crafter is characterised by new styling. With the horizontal geometry of the radiator grille and its now single-piece front fascia, the front end adopts the company’s current “design DNA” which also characterises the Caddy, Amarok and T5 model range. Inside and out, the new style of the VW emblems is also eye-catching. Also sporting a new look are the chrome vehicle badges.

Extensive offering
The Crafter, continues to impress with an exemplary versatility. Overall, the model line-up comprises two weight classes – 3.5 and 5.0 tonnes, two wheelbases – medium and long, and one basic body type – panel van. The panel van is available with three different roof heights and with a longer rear overhang.
Of significance to suppliers of custom engineered cabs: the Crafter has a user-programmable interface to the vehicle electronics. It enables many customised options for controlling electronic functions.

Safety
The new Crafter comes standard with active safety features such as Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), braking assist, ABS, ASR, EDS and emergency braking signal (automatic activation of the hazard lights).

To achieve neutral driving behaviour, the new Crafter relies on proven elements in its basic construction: independent wheel suspension in front guided by lower wishbones, transverse leaf springs and damper struts and a rigid rear drive axle with longitudinally mounted parabolic springs.
The central bearing of the front transverse leaf springs made of weight-reducing composite materials instead of heavy steel, simplify tuning of the running gear.

Payload
The lightweight new TDI engine allows the Crafter to carry up to 44 kg more weight than before.
With regard to the allowable gross towing payload and maximum trailer loads, the new Crafter attains the same high level of the previous model.