Replacing the model introduced in 2006, which was produced alongside the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the latest Crafter will be built at a bespoke 540-acre plant in Wrzesnia, Poland, set to employ 3,000 people once it reaches full capacity.
Volkswagen said its newcomer was aimed at offering low total cost of ownership, and engineered to meet the requirements of specific user groups including couriers, construction workers and long-distance drivers, all of whom were observed during development. Needs which are met through dedicated systems and features, as well as durability and low maintenance and repair costs.
The line-up includes a specific 2.0-litre TDI engine offering four power outputs between 101bhp and 175bhp, with the choice of front, rear or all-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions. There are three roof heights on closed-body versions, and three wheelbase lengths, all designed to maximise interior load space within the smallest possible footprint.
It gets a class-first electromechanical steering system, which enables driver assistance features including ESP with trailer stabilisation, adaptive cruise control, post-collision braking system, side wind compensation system and a trailer manoeuvring assistant system and others to be offered, in line with models from the Volkswagen passenger car range.
