Design Car Volkswagen Crafter

Design Car Volkswagen Crafter

The Volkswagen Crafter van is built alongside the Mercedes Sprinter, but the two vans are very different, with all VW’s powered by the firm’s own 2.0-litre TDI engines. BlueMotion Technology models offer excellent economy and emission levels.

The panel van is offered in three wheelbases with four body lengths and three roof heights, providing a wide range of load volumes and payloads. Also available in window van, single and double-chassis cab, dropside and tipper, the Crafter is rated at 3,000kg, 3,500kg and 5,000kg GVW, making it ideal for conversions as well as for heavy-load carrying. In many cases, it's a better van than the Mercedes Sprinter, with which it shares a chassis and body structure.

The Crafter’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine offers 109bhp, 136bhp, 143bhp and 163bhp, all of which have strong torque outputs for strong low-rev performance. In standard trim, the more powerful engines are actually the most frugal, with the 163bhp engine returning up to 35.8mpg in fuel economy and emitting 208g/km of CO2. VW’s BlueMotion Technology (BMT) is available with the 109bhp, 143bhp and 163bhp engines, adding cruise control, low-rolling resistance tyres, stop-start, and energy recuperation, where the alternator charges harder when the vehicle is decelerating or braking to reduce the energy taken from the engine under power.

EngineCar Volkswagen Crafter

In addition, there are dedicated BlueMotion models based around the 109bhp and 136bhp engines. As well as the regular BMT features, these models have less weight, improved aerodynamics and can only be ordered with the short panel van at 3,000kg GVW, or the long-wheelbase van with high roof at 3,500kg. Volkswagen  claims the BlueMotion van can return up to 39.8mpg with CO2 emissions of just 187g/km. All Crafter vans drive through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels.