Updated VW Crafter now available to order

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now accepting orders for the facelifted Crafter, which features a fresh interior design, new infotainment systems and the brand's latest driver assistance technology.

Pricing for the new large van range starts at £38,115 (CV OTR).

The Crafter is available in 3.0-tonne, 3.5-tonne and 5.0-tonne versions, spread across three heights and three lengths.

Three diesel powetrain options are offered, all based around a 2.0-litre four cylinder unit. The entry-level model is front-wheel-drive, develops 140PS and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight speed-automatic. There's a more powerful 177PS version, which can be specified with all-wheel-drive. Rear-wheel drive Crafters use a 163PS engine, which is also the only powertrain option for 5.0-tonne variants.

Payloads start from 729Kg, for the 3.0-tonne van, rising to 2,400Kg for the 5.0-tonne.

Karsten Franz, head of technical development at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We have updated the Crafter’s electronics architecture to integrate the next-generation infotainment, assist and convenience systems into the successful model. This means the Crafter will remain the most advanced commercial vehicle model series in its class.”

A key feature of the new Crafter is a new 10.3-inch infotainment display, fitted as standard, or an optionally available 12.9-inch screen. Both are based on the latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB) from VW. The free-standing screen will incorporate the van's climate and heated seat controls. A digital voice assistant with ChatGPT integration will also feature on the new van.

The new Crafter will be equipped with digital instruments for the first time. Using controls on the new multifunction steering wheel, the driver can select different views and also individually adapt this display. In addition to central displays such as speed or range, many other menus and information displays are available in each view – from navigation and telephone through to the media library.

Where the Crafter previously had a traditional handbrake lever next to the driver’s seat, the new generation will be equipped with an electronically operated parking brake with a switch located between the instruments and the infotainment system. The automatic gearbox selector lever, meanwhile, moves to the steering column. Vehicles with a manual gearbox will retain the gearshift in the centre console.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has expanded the array of assist systems available on the new Crafter. There is a blind spot information system that alerts the driver to pedestrians and cyclists or scooter riders who are in the blind spot to the side of the vehicle when driving in urban traffic. There is also a moving-off information system that informs the driver when moving off whether there are any pedestrians in front of the van. When turning, the Crafter will detect oncoming vehicles and can automatically apply the brakes it it senses an imminent collision.

In addition, adaptive cruise control, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, are be available.

Two trim levels are offered: Commerce and Commerce Plus. The latter includes air conditioning, an alarm, cruise control and electrically adjustable door mirrors.