New VW Crafter for 2011 – Facelift Facts and Figures

The first examples of the new VW Crafter van will be turning up at their Van Centres across the country in a couple of weeks.  The biggest change is the adoption of the same engine seen in the New Transporter and Amarok. 

This will certainly keep the parts bin to a minimum when it comes to servicing all Volkswagen commercial vehicles!  The smaller, lighter 2-litre engine means a massive reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the outgoining 2.5TDi model.  Add the Blueefficiency package and the performance improves further still.

The Crafter is the largest model in the Volkswagen panel van range, but also available as a chassis cab or double cab, passenger carrying window van, or as the base for a range of official conversions, including tipper, dropside and Luton bodies.  It is also used for other applications, such as minibus or refrigerated units, which are available via Volkswagen approved converters.

The improved efficiency of the new Crafter range is in large part thanks to its completely revised engine range.  A Volkswagen four-cylinder, 2.0-litre common rail TDI engine has replaced the previous five-cylinder, 2.5-litre BlueTDI unit to deliver better fuel economy with lower emissions and running costs.  The new 2.0-litre TDI is already proven in other models across the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range, but has been specifically tuned for the new Crafter to deliver more torque at lower engine speeds to give it more pulling power and reduce engine wear and tear.

The 2.0-litre TDI exceeds the current Euro V emissions standards to reach EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicles) status as standard.  BlueMotion Technology modifications are available across nearly all the engine range to offer further reductions in fuel consumption and emissions from 199 g/km.

The Crafter panel van range offers:

◦short, medium and long wheelbases – plus Maxi with extra 400 mm length

◦four load compartment lengths from 2,600 mm to 4,700 mm

◦three roof heights – normal, high and super-high

◦three GVWs (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 3,000, 3,500 or 5,000 kg

◦load volumes from 7.5 m³ to 17 m³

◦load lengths from 2600 to 4700 mm

◦payloads from 1,044 to 2,693 kg

The Crafter’s spacious cabin is ergonomically designed for comfortable and safe driving.  Comfort features include a dash-mounted gear lever, excellent storage space, dual passenger seat, and a driver’s seat with height, reach and rake adjustment.  Safety features include a driver’s airbag fitted as standard, full height steel bulkhead, plus load adjusting ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), ABS, TCS (Traction Control System) and automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking.

The original Crafter made its world public debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Tuesday 25 April 2006.  Following two generations of its predecessor, the LT – the first of which came into over 35 years ago – the Crafter went on sale in the UK in August 2006.  It is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ third best-selling model range in the UK with sales of 3,300 units in 2010 equating to a six per cent market share.  Volkswagen aims to nearly double UK Crafter sales over the next five to 10 years.

VW CRAFTER SUMMARY

◦new, more efficient Crafter launched in UK from August 2011 offering lower emissions and running costs, higher payloads, plus class-leading fuel economy

◦new, four-cylinder 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine range is more economical and efficient with lower emissions than previous 2.5-litre engine

◦2.0-litreTDI engine, already proven in Caddy, Transporter and Amarok, has been retuned for Crafter to deliver higher torque and power at lower engine speeds

◦power outputs of 109, 136, 143 and 163 PS

◦TDI engines go beyond Euro5 emissions standards to qualify as EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) as standard

◦BlueMotion Technology models available with lower fuel consumption and emissions from only 199 g/km for the CR35 163 PS BlueMotion Technology model MWB high roof panel van – nearly 23 per cent or 59 g/km less than the previous 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine with same power output

◦front-engined, rear-wheel drive with six-speed manual gearbox

◦choice of three wheelbases (3,250 mm, 3,665 mm and 4,325 mm)

◦extended rear overhang (+400 mm) available on long wheelbase panel van taking load area length to a maximum of 4,700 mm

◦gross vehicle weights of 3.0, 3.5 and 5.0 tonnes, denoted as Crafter CR30, CR35 and CR50 models

◦choice of normal, high and super-high roofs (max internal height of 2.14 m)

◦sliding side door 1,300 mm wide (medium and long wheelbase models) – wide enough to fit a Euro pallet; 1,040 mm wide on short wheelbase models

◦maximum width between wheelarches (single rear wheel) 1,350 mm

◦loadspace volumes between 7.5 and 17 m³ depending on body length

◦standard equipment includes full height steel bulkhead, remote central locking, Thatcham Category 1 alarm, electric windows, radio/CD player, five drinks holders and between six and 12 floor mounted load lashing rings

◦optional features include reversing camera with seven inch monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, Stop/Start function, air conditioning, speed limiter, towbars, etc

◦safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), load adjusting ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock – a system that brakes a spinning wheel to improve traction), driver’s airbag and automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking

◦the best-selling model in the Crafter van range is the CR35 MWB 109 PS

◦Crafter is largest model in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles van range, and its third best-selling model in the UK with sales of 3,300 units in 2010

◦fourth best-selling large van in the UK with a six per cent market share in 2010

◦Crafter range includes panel van, window van, chassis cab or double cab, plus Luton, dropside and tipper conversions range

◦other conversions (eg minibus) are available from approved converters

◦class-leading three-year unlimited mileage warranty: three years Volkswagen Roadside Assistance covering the UK and Europe, 12 year anti-corrosion and three year paint warranty as standard

◦LongLife service regime with service intervals up to 25,000 miles or 24 months

Model range

The Crafter is the largest model in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range.

It also has one of the biggest model ranges designed to offer great versatility, with a model to suit all commercial uses.

There are four standard Crafter model ranges:

◦panel van

◦window van

◦chassis cab and double cab

◦‘off the shelf’ conversions with dropside, tipper and Luton bodies based on the single or double chassis cab

In addition, approved converters can provide other bodies based on the Crafter chassis cab, such as minibus or refrigerated units.  The Crafter chassis can also be supplied without a rear wall for full body conversions, such as motorhomes.

The Crafter range is available with three gross vehicle weights:

◦3.0, 3.5 and 5.0 tonnes – named as the CR30, CR35 and CR50

The choices don’t end there, as depending on model, the Crafter panel van range includes:

◦short, medium and long wheelbases – plus ‘Maxi’ with extra 400 mm length

◦four load compartment lengths from 2,600 mm to 4,700 mm

◦three roof heights – normal, high and super-high

◦load volumes from 7.5 m³ to 17 m³

◦load lengths from 2600 to 4700 mm

◦payloads from 1,044 to 2,693 kg

Low roof models provide an interior height of 1.65 m which increases to 1.94 m with the high roof option and to 2.14 m for the extra-high roof.  This gives an overall height of the Crafter CR35 and CR50 panel and window van models at 2.7 and 2.94 m, respectively.

Design

Exterior

The Crafter is the largest model available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The new Crafter has a revised exterior design for the front of the vehicle which brings it in line with the latest Volkswagen design DNA already introduced on the smaller Caddy and Transporter van ranges, plus the new Amarok pick-up.  The central section of the bumper beneath the grille acts as a non-slip step when, for example, cleaning the windscreen.  Optional foglights are positioned below the lights and the bumper, to improve visibility.

High quality manufacturing techniques mean the Crafter has extremely small panel gaps for a commercial vehicle, demonstrating the high quality of the vehicle, plus the resulting advantages of refinement, durability and residual value.

All Crafter panel vans have a sliding side door as standard which is 1040 mm wide on short wheelbase models, or a class-leading 1,300 mm on medium and long wheelbase versions.  A second sliding door is optional.

At the rear, the Crafter is practical with a loading height of 670 mm (725 mm for CR50 with twin rear wheels) and unglazed wing doors which are split 50:50.  Unusually, the Volkswagen roundel appears between the two rear doors.

The exterior design can be enhanced with a range of optional alloy wheels, a choice of metallic and pearl effect paint colours, mud flaps, glazed rear doors with wash/wipe, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera (with colour monitor), plus a full range of Volkswagen accessories.

As a panel van, the Crafter can accommodate load volumes from 7.5 to 17 m³, load lengths from 2,600 to 4,700 mm, and payloads from 1,044 to 2,693 kg.

The side view of the Crafter is also distinctive, with a deep-set line flowing up from just behind the front wheelarches to the C-pillar.  Below this is a broad protection strip which effectively shields the lower bodywork from damage.  Should this become damaged, repairs should be inexpensive as there is no need to replace large panels.  The Crafter’s large wing mirrors incorporate the side indicators.

The Crafter is also designed to be a window van with seating for eight passengers, a chassis cab or double cab, plus compatible with a range of off-the-shelf conversions, including dropside, tipper and Luton bodies.  Volkswagen approved converters can also offer a variety of other conversions, for example, minibus and refrigerated units.

Interior

The interior of the new Crafter has been improved with darker, more practical upholstery which will show less dirt and marks, plus new instruments, including a gear change recommendation feature to make it easier to adopt a more fuel efficient driving style.

The key aim when designing the Crafter’s cab was to achieve the best combination of comfort, storage and practicality.  Access to the cab for all Crafter models is easy thanks to a relatively low step and a large door opening.

Once inside, the Crafter’s exterior dimensions translate directly into greater cabin space.  Three people can comfortably travel side by side in the front, but when not in use the folding arm rest in the dual passenger seat serves as a useful tray.

The Crafter’s cabin is practical, and has also been designed to offer car-like levels of comfort.  The dash-mounted gear lever leaves the floor clear, allowing better legroom for passengers and easy through-cab access and movement.  Soft-touch yet durable materials and trim set high standards in the class and give a feeling of quality and durability that set the Crafter apart from other rivals; standard items including remote central locking, electric windows, heat reflective glass and clothes hooks on the B-pillars.

There is also a wide range of innovative storage solutions, with five drinks holders and areas to house, for example, paperwork, food and drink, tools or maps.  The spacious cab door compartments can house a full size atlas as well as a 1.5-litre drinks bottle.  Adding practicality is a document holder and storage tray on the centre console, overhead storage and a compartment in the right step, plus door pockets to ensure there is a place for everything.  One compartment that will be appreciated is the large glovebox which is opened on the right-hand side and so can be easily accessed by the driver.

The Crafter’s controls are easy to use and understand, with substantial knobs and switches for the audio, heating and ventilation and lights; the centrally-mounted multifunction computer display has also been designed to be clear and simple to see at a glance.

The driver’s seat is adjustable for height, reach and rake.  For further comfort, there is the option of heated driver and passenger seats which can also be specified with suspension, leatherette upholstery and individual seats with armrests.

Vehicles equipped with the optional Climatic air conditioning have a residual engine heat function.  Depending on the coolant water temperature and the heat setting, this system uses a small electric auxiliary pump to circulate engine coolant when the engine is switched off enabling the heater to operate for up to 30 minutes, using the residual heat.  This means that it is possible to take a break in the vehicle, even during the cold times of the year, or to keep the cab pleasantly warm when stuck in traffic without running the engine.

In the Crafter panel van, a full height steel bulkhead separates the cabin from the rear load area.  As you would expect, the interior of the loadspace is equally practical and durable.  There are two load lashing rings on the B-pillar and between six and 12 floor mounted ones, depending on wheelbase length.

A significant advantage of the Crafter panel van is that not only can it take its fair share of ubiquitous Euro pallets (up to five), but its best-in-class side sliding door apertures for medium and long wheelbase models mean pallets can be loaded through the side door, and two can actually be stored next to each other across the van floor.  For added convenience, a second side sliding door is optional.

Lengthwise, the Crafter can accommodate items ranging from 2.6 to 4.7 metres and with a maximum width between wheelarches of 1350 mm for CR35 models, and 978 mm for CR50 models (with twin rear wheels).

The Crafter also benefits from remote central locking on all models.  This adds convenience and enables the load area to remain locked while the cab is open for added security.  Conversely, the cab can stay locked and secure while someone is loading or unloading, or working at the rear.

As its name suggests, window van models have fixed windows on all sides and to the rear – without any metal panels.  A driver’s seat with height, reach and rake adjustment is standard, with a variety of seat pack options.  With medium or long wheelbases available, the Crafter window van can offer up to three rear rows of seats making the possibility of accommodating up to nine people (including the driver) with space left for a generous load.

In addition to the driver and twin passenger seat in the cab of all Crafters, double chassis cab models have a four-seat rear bench and two side doors for easy access with hinged side windows.

Engines

A key change from old to new generation Crafter is the addition of new, more economical, efficient and refined engines. These use Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre common rail TDI with power outputs of 109 PS, 136 PS and 163 PS.  Full technical details of the 143 PS version will follow nearer its start of production in November 2011.

This four-cylinder unit is already successfully fitted across all models in the Volkswagen range of commercial vehicles, but has been specifically tuned for the Crafter to provide higher power and torque at lower engine speeds than the previous five-cylinder, 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine.  It also delivers lower emissions and better fuel economy, and no longer requires AdBlue.

For example, the 163 PS BiTDI (twin turbo) engine delivers 400 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm compared to 360 Nm at 2,200 rpm for the previous BlueTDI unit with the same power output.  This makes it more flexible to drive, without any loss of performance.

Fleet operators will enjoy lower running costs thanks to significant improvements in fuel consumption with gains of between five and 41 per cent.  For example, the figures for the 163 PS engine have improved from 23.0/33.6/28.8 to 32.5/37.7/35.8 mpg respectively on the urban/extra-urban/combined test cycles.

Comparison of technical data of new/previous engine – CR35 MWB panel van:

The 2.0-litre TDI engine has the following new design features:

◦optimised turbocharger and power curve.  Configured for high torque at low engine speeds

◦larger throttle valve for improved air flow and increased air throughput

◦EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) induction optimised with improved flow behaviour of the exhaust gas system

◦EGR cooler has increased cooling performance to maintain emission values

◦piston rings reinforced with special coating for lower wear

◦larger oil pan for oil volumes related to extended service intervals

◦induction pipe flow optimised

◦vacuum pump enlarged for increasing braking power for Crafter-sized vehicle

◦viscous-drive fan as part of modified cooling concept

The new engine is also lighter which has directly resulted in a useful increase in payloads by up to 100 kg.

Emissions have also fallen dramatically from between 10 and almost 20 per cent thanks to the new 2.0-litre TDI engine, with even more impressive figures for the new BlueMotion Technology models and emissions starting from as low as 199 g/km.

Emissions on every model exceed current Euro5 standards to enable the Crafter to qualify as an EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle), a term used in the European standards that defines a ‘clean vehicle’ with emissions between Euro5 and Euro VI standards.

BlueMotion Technology

Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology modifications are available with the 109, 143 and 163 PS engines offering lower emissions with better fuel economy and longer distances between refuelling stops.

BlueMotion Technology uses today’s sustainable technology.  This includes:

◦Stop/Start: This system reduces fuel consumption, emissions and noise while the vehicle is stationary

◦recovery of braking energy (battery regeneration)

◦cruise control to help maintain a steady, constant speed

◦longer final drive ratio for rear axle

Technical data for the 109 and 163 PS BlueMotion Technology models shows improvements in fuel economy on every official test cycle from between 2.5 to 5.8 per cent, meaning between one to two miles extra per gallon, which equates to a substantial saving over the typical life of a hard working van.

Emissions are reduced for BlueMotion Technology models by between 3.5 and 4.3 per cent.  The 163 PS model has the lowest emissions of only 199 g/km which is nearly 23 per cent or 59 g/km less than the equivalent outgoing 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine.

VW Stop/Start system

The Stop/Start system operates when the vehicle brakes to a halt and the driver shifts the gearbox into neutral and takes his foot off the clutch; at this point the engine will automatically stop and the multifunction display will show a large ‘A’ symbol.  All other functions continue.

As soon as the driver depresses the clutch again, the engine restarts and the vehicle can be driven away as normal.  The system also includes a heavy-duty engine starter, an extra battery data module (for acquiring momentary battery charge status), an energy control module and a DC/DC converter (to guarantee voltage stability in the vehicle’s electrical system).

For safety reasons, the BlueMotion Technology Stop/Start system does not shut off the engine in the following situations:

◦Engine too cold and not at full operating temperature

◦Tight manoeuvring situations (when reverse gear of steering wheel is turned)

◦When braking or steering support is needed (eg. when stopped on a slope)

◦When heating, cooling or other power is needed

◦When towing a trailer

◦If battery charge is low

Battery regeneration

Regeneration helps to utilise the energy expended in driving as ideally as possible.  Whenever the driver releases the accelerator or brakes, the system elevates the voltage of the alternator and this electricity is used to charge the vehicle’s battery.  With the battery fully charged, the voltage of the alternator can be reduced or shut off completely whenever possible, thus reducing engine load which saves fuel and improves efficiency.

Common rail technology

The Crafter uses the latest generation common rail injection engineering.  Seven-bore injection nozzles, using ultra-accurate piezo control, inject the fuel with a maximum 1,600 bar pressure into the combustion chamber, in up to five stages per combustion cycle.  In normal operation, three stages are used, with post-injection serving to assist in regeneration of the particulate filter.

This system produces an efficient vortex in the fuel-air mix within the combustion chamber, and a controlled pressure build-up in the cylinder to reduce noise and deliver refinement with power.  All engines come with VTG (variable turbine geometry) turbochargers.

Cooling flow within the cast iron engine block and aluminium-alloy cylinder head has been completely revised.  For example, the flow runs longitudinally rather than laterally through the cylinder head.  This achieves better cooling for a lower volume flow, and thus lower power consumption by the water pump, which in turn means improved engine efficiency.

The toothed belt drive for the overhead camshaft, fuel pump and waterpump is of reinforced design, and an additional shaft and strengthened bearing for the water pump results in smooth running, and low wear.  The common rail system imposes lower loads on the toothed belt when compared with the unit injector system.  The result is that the maintenance interval for the toothed belt is 120,000 miles.

Gearbox

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard.

There is currently no automatic gearbox available for the Crafter, but this option is likely to be introduced in the next 12 to 24 months.

Servicing

Service intervals have traditionally been set at fixed time or mileage parameters, but the development of new engines and LongLife synthetic oil has changed this.  New generation Volkswagen engines, including those on the Crafter, have built-in sensors that continually monitor oil quality, so a smart chip decides when it needs changing and flags up a service reminder on the dashboard monitor.  Service intervals are therefore determined by driving style and patterns.

These long oil intervals are possible thanks to the use of Castrol SLX LongLife engine oil.  This is fully synthetic SAE 0W-30 oil that has been specially formulated to be compatible with the longer service intervals of both petrol and diesel engines.

By removing this oil and using traditional lubricants, it is still possible to have servicing at fixed intervals.  The choice is made at PDI (the vehicle’s pre-delivery inspection), and can be changed at a major service.

There are no strict rules on which to base the decision of which servicing regime will be most beneficial to a customer.  LongLife oil protects for up to three times the distance of standard oil, but it costs roughly three times as much.  However, cost savings are available from reduced servicing costs, and possible improved fuel economy: operators can expect an average reduction of 2.7 per cent on their fuel bills by using LongLife oil.  What’s more, as less oil has to be disposed of with less servicing, there are clear advantages for the environment.

Operators interested in the LongLife service regime can learn more from their local Van Centre.  Each centre has a computer programme that can take account of individual situations and illustrate the potential savings over fixed servicing, in terms of both maintenance and fuel costs.

Running gear

The Crafter is rear-wheel drive, which enhances traction, especially when the vehicle is laden.  CR50 models have twin rear wheels.

To achieve neutral driving behaviour, the Crafter has independent front wheel suspension with lower wishbone control arms, transverse leaf springs and damper struts with a rigid rear axle and parabolic springs installed longitudinally.

The central bearing of the front transverse leaf springs are made of a composite material which not only saves weight compared to conventional steel springs but also gives greater stability to the vehicle.

Depending on the weight class and body on the Crafter, the front axle is equipped with an anti-roll bar or heavy-duty anti-roll bar depending on model.  Higher rate dampers and other modifications have been designed to improve handling and contribute to a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The Crafter’s rear suspension utilises single-leaf parabolic springs, two-leaf springs or two-leaf springs with an additional support spring.

Steering, tyres and wheels

The Crafter’s steering adapts to driving speed and so is light when manoeuvring, and firmer at speed.  Active safety features include a comprehensive array of advanced assistance systems.

Due to improved wheel lock angles and high servo-assist at low speeds, the Crafter can also perform relatively sharp turns for a vehicle of this size.  The number of turns from lock to lock is 3.3 turns which equates to a turning circle of 12.3 m for the short wheelbase, 13.6 m for the medium wheelbase and 15.6 m for the long wheelbase.  The track on the Crafter is 58 mm at the front and 70 mm at the rear.

The following tyres come as standard:

◦Crafter with single tyre equipment: 205/75 R16 C and 235/65 R16 C

◦Crafter with dual-tyre equipment: 195/75 R16 C or 205/75 R16 C

◦Crafter with supersingle tyre equipment: front axle 235/65 R16 C, rear axle 285/65 R16 C

To enhance safety further, the Crafter can be specified with a tyre pressure check device, which gives the driver a dashboard warning if tyre pressures fall below a certain threshold.  Tyre sealant is supplied rather than a spare tyre, again reducing weight (by around 25 kg) and saving space.  In addition, there is an on-board compressor to inflate the tyre, which is operated via a socket beneath the driver’s seat.  Since the compressor generates a maximum pressure of six bar, the vehicle no longer needs to come equipped with a jack.  However, as an option the Crafter can also be specified with a spare tyre and appropriate tools, including a jack.

Braking system

A high-performance brake unit has been designed for the Crafter meaning that despite the vehicle’s size, stopping distances are on a par with those for passenger cars.  At the front, the Crafter has internally-ventilated 300 mm brake discs.  At the rear, the van uses solid 298 mm brake discs (up to 3.88 tonnes GVW) and 303 mm discs (4.6 tonnes and above).  Two brake callipers are provided per wheel, and the brake discs are thicker and hence last longer.  

EBD and Brake Assist

Every Crafter comes equipped with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.  Working in conjunction with the other elements of the braking system, Brake Assist recognises from the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed whether it is a ‘normal’ braking situation or an emergency stop.  In the event of an emergency stop, it automatically increases braking pressure, activating ABS and ensuring adequate braking.  The application of Brake Assist makes it possible even for unskilled drivers to reduce braking distances by around 25 per cent.

Emergency brake light activation

Emergency braking lights were introduced from the 2010 models which during heavy braking above 50 km/h (31.25 miles) flashes the rear lights and automatically activates the hazard warning lights if the vehicle stops, and switches them off again once the vehicle accelerates above 10 km/h (6 mph).

Electronic Stabilisation Programme – ESP

A further standard feature is ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), a sophisticated system that automatically senses any tendency for the van to slide.  Should this situation occur, ESP reacts by applying the brakes to one, two, three or all four wheels and adjusts the engine’s power.  In this way, it is possible that a skid is corrected even before the driver is aware that one has started.

This can be useful if a tendency to understeer or oversteer develops in a bend.  In such circumstances ESP can help prevent the van skidding or spinning off the road and is particularly helpful in wet or icy conditions.  ESP uses the sensors and systems associated with the traction control system, the electronic differential lock (EDL) and EBD.

The Crafter comes with a latest-generation ESP with additional functions.  Thus, for example the ESP system can recognise the weight of the vehicle, using the position of the accelerator pedal, the acceleration, speed, brake pressure and the response delay.  If the weight is increased, the electronics determine that the vehicle is laden and therefore the centre of gravity is higher.  The ESP then modifies the thresholds at which it intervenes.  This means that the ESP can now react even more sensitively to critical driving conditions.

In addition, the ESP on the Crafter also reacts even more quickly to critical speeds on bends, where it reduces the engine performance accordingly and uses targeted braking on the vehicle.  Additional new functions support rapid avoidance manoeuvres to get round obstacles or to stabilise the vehicle in the event of heavy understeer.  Given the comprehensive abilities of the ESP system, in future it may be possible even to dispense with the option of a mechanical differential lock.

Speed limiter

An optional speed limiter can be specified on the Crafter, to enhance driver comfort, safety and fuel consumption.  It maintains a constant selected speed and will warn the driver if a specified top speed is exceeded.  This is particularly useful on the motorway and not only saves fuel but also reduces wear.

Payload and towing weights

The amount of available payload is usually critical for van buyers, so with the new lighter engine giving increased payloads of up to 100 kg, the new Crafter will literally deliver more.

Despite the reductions in unladen weights, towing weights have stayed the same with a braked trailer limit of 2,000 kg for all models.

Safety

Volkswagen has raised the standard for safety in this class with the launch of the Crafter.  Not only does the new vehicle feature maximum driving safety, first-class brakes and a number of passive safety items, it also gains a modular system for made-to-measure load securing.

Good vision is an important element of a van’s safety credentials.  Large windows allow for good visibility, while if the Crafter is ordered with rear glass, a rear screen heater and wiper are included.  Large double headlights provide excellent vision in the dark, and the large mirrors have a wide-angle mirror at the bottom further and also house the side indicators so other drivers can easily see them.

Front and rear parking sensors are available as an option.  These use ultrasound to detect obstacles located up to a metre in front of the van and up to 1.8 metres behind.  Warning signals, both acoustic and visual, can then be used to help the driver manoeuvre or to warn him or her about objects – or people – behind the vehicle which may not have been seen.

The driver is also informed via a warning light on the dashboard if, for example, a bulb has blown, if the windscreen wash level is low or if a door has not been shut properly.

The Crafter has also been built to provide the greatest possible level of passive safety.  This starts with protective strips on the side to prevent body panel damage; they are also clipped in place so in the event they are damaged they can be easily removed and repaired, or replaced at minimal cost.

Height-adjustable and fully extendable headrests are standard on all Crafter models, while three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and belt force limiters feature on all seats.  A full size driver airbag is standard equipment, with a passenger airbag offered as a relatively low-cost option.  Customers can also specify side and head airbags.

The Crafter’s bodywork also offers effective protection in the event of a crash.  The robust structure of the bodyshell protects the driver and passengers like a safety cage.  The cage comprises reinforced longitudinal frame members in high-strength steel, as well as window pillars, side walls, the roof frame and roof, and the Crafter uses high-strength steels for many of the construction elements.

To the front of the cab, for instance, space in the footwell remains guaranteed in the event of a frontal collision.  This is achieved through small displacement of the pedals in a frontal impact and triple-section (rather than the previous twin-section) safety steering column.  The steering rack is located further to the rear, into the impact-protected area.

The deformation zones are particularly effective in the event of a frontal collision.  In sequence, on the Crafter, impact energy is dissipated via the bumpers, cross-members and the longitudinal body frame members.  In the event of a particularly violent impact, the drive train from the engine to the rear axle also serves to absorb and transmit impact load.

In a severe impact, the front subframe provides additional routes to dissipate energy.  In the event of a side impact, too, both driver and passengers enjoy excellent protection in the Crafter.  The fuel tank is located in a safe underfloor position in the front area of the vehicle.  The rocker panels, A-pillars and B-pillars and the connected cross-members are strengthened, specifically with a view to dissipating energy in the event of an impact and therefore protecting the fuel tank.

Securing loads

The Crafter has a standard solid, full-height steel bulkhead between the cab and the loadspace, which can be optionally fitted with a fixed or opening window.  Courier and postal operators may choose an optional partition with sliding door.

All load-carrying Crafters come equipped with fold-down load lashing eyes in the floor.  Vans are also equipped with these on the B-pillars.  Depending on the length of the loadspace, the vehicle is equipped with up to 12 such points, all of which comply with the relevant safety standards.  Additional anchoring points can be provided as optional tracks at window sill height on the side walls, and with further tracks immediately beneath the roof frame.

Safety during loading and unloading has also been taken into consideration, so a retainer with a mechanical release prevents unintentional closing of the sliding door.

Security

All Crafter models have an electronic immobiliser and remote central locking as standard.  This can be used to lock the cab when working in the loadspace or loading/unloading; or it can be used to lock the loadspace while giving access to and from the cabin.  As a further security measure, all doors on the Crafter lock automatically once the vehicle reaches a speed of around ten mph.

An alarm system is also standard which features integrated interior monitoring and a towing sensor.

Factory and Van Centre options

Although all Crafter models sold in the UK feature a high level of standard equipment, for those wishing to customise their vehicles further, a wide range of factory and Van Centre fit options is available.

Customers can choose a second sliding side door, and there are also different seat configurations to choose from.  Of course, load floor covers and load side linings are also available.

Unusually in a commercial vehicle, passenger, head and side airbags are also offered, as is a CD autochanger and a sunroof.  Also available is a heated front windscreen and light sensor/rain sensors which automatically control the driving lights and windscreen wipers, a park assist facility and hill-hold function.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’s nationwide network of Van Centres has also developed a range of options and accessories, to make sure each Crafter is tailored to the needs of the user.  As expected from Volkswagen, all items are continually monitored for quality and are covered by warranty.  These include: plylining kits; rear light guards; roof ventilators; waterproof seat covers; roof racks; towbars; reversing aids; security features including steering wheel locks and alarms; and alloy wheels.

Warranties

Since the summer of 2009, all new Crafters sold through a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Van Centre now have an unlimited mileage, three year bumper-to-bumper warranty.  The first two years with no mileage restrictions are manufacturer operated, while the third year (and up to 100,000 miles) is a Van Centre warranty.

In addition, all have a 12 year anti-corrosion guarantee, a three year paintwork warranty and a three year comprehensive recovery and assistance package for the UK and Europe.  The result of this final warranty is fully trained technicians on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to diagnose and repair most problems at the roadside using Volkswagen equipment and genuine parts.

 

Original Article http://www.vanlocator.co.uk/van-sales/2011/07/29/new-vw-crafter-for-2011-facelift-facts-and-figures/