Order books have opened for Volkswagen’s new Crafter panel van, which is priced from £23,920 (basic RRP excl VAT).
Unveiled last autumn and making its UK debut at the CV Show in April, the new range brings up to three different lengths – depending on the model chosen: 5.9m, 6.84m or 7.39m. Panel van variants also come with one of three different roof heights: 2.35m, 2.59m or 2.79m.
Engine line-up comprises a new 2.0-litre TDI engine, developed specifically for commercial vehicles, which is available with four power outputs: 102, 122, 140 and 177hp. The choice of engine depends on which drive system is selected. Customers can also choose between front, rear and all-wheel drive (4Motion), as well as between a manual and automatic gearbox.
Three trim levels are on offer – Startline, Trendline and Highline – bringing the Crafter into line with Volkswagen’s Caddy and Transporter ranges.
The Startline panel van is priced from £23,920 (basic ex VAT) and brings equipment including 180-degree opening rear wing doors, Bluetooth, drive alert system, Automatic Post Collision Braking, cross-wind assist and composition audio radio.
The Trendline panel van starts from £25,270 (basic ex VAT) and adds in features including: 270-degree opening rear wing doors, wooden floor in load area, comfort driver’s seat, front assist including emergency braking system, cruise control with speed limiter, Composition Media Radio with DAB+, multi-function steering wheel, electrically heated and adjustable wing mirrors and grab handles on the rear entry pillars.
Priced from £29,220 (basic ex vat) the Panel van Highline adds on the Trendline trim with: Adaptive Cruise Control, comfort-plus driver’s seat, passenger airbag, front and rear parking sensors, heated windscreen and font fog lights with cornering function.
A new range of aftersales and customer support products and services will also be rolled out throughout the Van Centre network in preparation for launch and will include extended opening hours, telematics systems, preventative maintenance and bespoke service and maintenance plans.
Front-wheel drive manual panel vans are available to order now with deliveries starting in May. Rear-wheel drive, 4Motion and automatic transmission variants will follow during 2017, along with open-body models and factory-produced conversions.
