New Volkswagen Crafter Launches in the UK

The British division of Volkswagen today announced the first new Crafter vehicles and test drive demonstrators have started arriving at nationwide dealers. In fact, the automaker tells us that over 700 staff from Volkswagen Van Centres have already attended an intensive training course for the new van including driving it against its key rivals.

The model range offers three wheelbases, three roof heights, four body lengths and three gross vehicle weights of 3.0, 3.5 and 5.0 tonnes.

The new Crafter has a new engine range using Volkswagen's latest 2.0-litre TDI common rail engine, already proven in the new Transporter and Amarok. It is available with power outputs of 109, 136, 143 and 163 PS, with BlueMotion Technology models offering further savings in fuel costs and emissions, yet delivers the same or higher levels of torque at lower engine speeds than the previous five-cylinder, 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine.

For example, the new Crafter CR35 2.0-litre TDI 163 PS BlueMotion Technology, medium wheelbase panel van achieves 29 per cent better fuel economy on the combined cycle than the previous 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine with the same power output. This is the equivalent of up to eight miles further per gallon, which could add over 130 miles to the range of the 75 litre fuel tank.

The new engine is also lighter, and this weight saving not only helps the improvements in fuel economy, but also increases payloads by up to 100 kg.