All large vans will have to comply with Euro 6 engine emissions regulations by the end of September 2016. However, for some time now, companies like Mercedes and Iveco have offered engines in both Euro 5b and Euro 6 trim.
Volkswagen has also been at the forefront of the delivery of Euro 6, now offering two choices for buyers of its Crafter van line-up. While the range-topping BiTDI engine at 163hp can be ordered in either Euro 5 or Euro 6 format, the new mid-range 114hp TDI is offered solely as a Euro 6 engine.
It puts out the same 300Nm of torque as the lower powered 109hp 2.0-litre Euro 5 engine, but features Exhaust Gas recirculation (EGR), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).
SCR uses ammonia-based Urea, commonly known as AdBlue, injected into the exhaust system to convert nitrogen oxides (NOx) into less harmful nitrogen. The AdBlue is stored in an 18-litre tank in the engine compartment and will mainly be topped up by service technicians. However, with almost all heavy trucks now using AdBlue, making it easily available at service stations, regular refilling will become an increasingly common part of running an LCV in the future.
The 114hp engine is for now only available on medium and long wheelbase Crafter models, adding £1,330 to the list price. However if you decide to go down that route, you can take the green agenda even further by opting for the BlueMotion Technology package (£360) as well, adding Start/Stop, low rolling resistance tyres and regenerative braking to the van’s specification.
According to Volkswagen’s figures, a CR35 long wheelbase van with the Euro 5 109hp engine delivers a combined fuel figure of 31.7mpg, rising to 34mpg when fitted with BMT. This Euro 6 114hp engine in the same body delivers a claimed 32.1mpg, rising to 35.3mpg with the BMT pack.
However, you will also have to purchase AdBlue occasionally, so the fuel savings will in part be offset by this additional outlay. CO2 emissions drop from 231g/km for the 114hp engine without BMT to 210g/km with. Again that compares favourably with the Euro 5 engine’s 234g/km and 218g/km respectively.
On the road of course you aren’t going to notice a 5hp difference in engine output with a van of this size, particularly as torque is unchanged. It is a very large van to haul along, though the 2.0-litre engine copes well with the size once you get it rolling.
The long wheelbase high roof van offers a massive 14m3 of load volume. However, all of that emissions technology, including the AdBlue tank, does take a toll when it comes to weight. The same van with the base 109hp engine tips the scales at 2,344kg, offering a 1,156kg payload. In Euro 6 114hp form with the BMT pack, it sits closer to 2,492kg, resulting in a maximum payload of just 1,008kg. That’s fine if you require load volume over carrying capacity, but it’s worth reinforcing that limit with drivers to keep things legal.
Given the additional purchase and running costs involved, and the fairly minor fuel savings on offer, there won’t be many fleets taking the Euro 6 van until they have to. The good news is though, that when they do, there is no downside for the driver.
What we think
When Euro 6 arrives in vans next year, fleet managers will need to look at vehicle weight, as much as at emission levels and fuel consumption.
Specification
MODEL: Volkswagen Crafter CR35 BlueMotion Technology LWB
BASIC PRICE: £29,600
ENGINE: 4-cyl/1,968cc
FUEL INJECTION: Common-rail
POWER: 114hp @ 3,500rpm
TORQUE: 300Nm @ 1,500–2,250rpm
Weights (kg)
GVW: 3,500
KERB WEIGHT: 2,492
PAYLOAD: 1,008
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT: 2,000
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH: 4,300
LOAD SPACE WIDTH: 1,780
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT: 1,940
LOAD VOLUME: 14m3
Cost considerations
COMBINED CO2/MPG: 210g/km/35.3mpg
OIL CHANGE: 2 yr/25,000 miles
WARRANTY: 3 yr/100,000 miles