Volkswagen Crafter commercial vehicles are the workhorses of small and medium-sized businesses
Content
A minibus, a van and a light truck are versions of the same popular model of the Volkswagen Crafter commercial vehicle manufactured by the German concern Volkswagen. At the initial stage, Mercedes boxes were installed on the Crafter. The result of the interaction was the similarity of the Volkswagen Crafter with its main competitor, the Mercedes Sprinter. The combination of its own engine and a high-quality gearbox from another manufacturer made the VW Crafter a popular, unique, reliable car.
The main technical characteristics of the car Volkswagen Crafter
In fact, the Crafter belongs to the third generation of VW LT commercial vehicles. But, since it was the result of improving the merits of the old chassis, the introduction of new design finds, a serious improvement in ergonomic indicators, the creators decided to expand the line of cars for business. The creative work of designers, engineers, designers has changed the basic model so much that the modern van has received a new name. And only a connoisseur of the VW brand will notice the similarity of the Volkswagen Crafter 30, 35, 50 with the typical developments of the concern.
In general, this model represents a family of small and medium-sized vehicles with many modifications, designed both for transporting people and for transporting goods. The concern has developed a line of models from a mini-van to a tall body with a long wheelbase. Due to the high build quality, reliability, and versatility, VW Crafter is popular among small and medium-sized businesses, individual entrepreneurs, emergency services, ambulances, police and other specialized units. In fact, this model continues the line of similar Volkswagen cars in a smaller weight category: Transporter T5 and Caddy.
The modern Crafter model has found a new life in 2016. Now it is presented on the market in three versions of weight categories with a maximum permitted weight: 3,0, 3,5 and 5,0 tons, respectively, having a wheelbase of 3250, 3665 and 4325 mm. The first two models have a standard roof height, and the third, with an extended base, is high. Of course, the 2016 models are radically different from the 2006 cars, both in appearance and in the number of modifications.
Volkswagen Crafter outside
The appearance of the second generation VW Crafter is very different from the appearance of its predecessors. The stylish design of the cabin and the interior of the car is characterized by spectacular horizontal lines of the body, a complex side relief, huge headlights, a large radiator lining, and side protective moldings. These impressive details make the Crafter models very noticeable, indicating power and impressive dimensions.
From the front, Crafter looks solid, fashionable, modern. Strict "face", in the style of Volkswagen with three horizontal chrome stripes, equipped with modern LED optics, which is controlled by an on-board computer. However, the designers did not set themselves the goal of giving the truck cab, all-metal van or minibus interior some stunning beauty. The main thing in a commercial vehicle is practicality, utility, ease of use. In all models, a system for loading and unloading goods, boarding and disembarking passengers is thought out. The wide sliding doors in the minibus and van reach a width of 1300 mm and a height of 1800 mm. Through them, a standard forklift can easily place European pallets with luggage in the front of the cargo compartment.
But it's even more convenient to load and unload the van through the rear doors, which open 270 degrees.
Volkswagen Crafter inside
The cargo compartment of the van has a huge capacity - up to 18,3 m3 space and high load capacity - up to 2270 kg of payload.
Various finishes have been developed with many rigging loops located along the walls for easy securing of the load. The lighting compartment uses six LED shades, so it is always as bright as on a bright sunny day.
The interior of the minibus is spacious, ergonomic, with comfortable seats for the driver and passengers. The driver's seat is adjustable in height and depth. The steering column is fixed at different angles, it can change the reach. A driver of any size will feel comfortable driving a standard Volkswagen.
The front panel is distinguished by German austerity, clear straight lines, and the usual set of instruments typical for VAG cars. One can only be surprised and admired by practical and useful things: compartments under the ceiling, a touch-screen color monitor, mandatory navigation, rear and front parking sensors. Everywhere the eye stumbles upon convenient little things: sockets, cup holders, an ashtray, a large number of drawers, all kinds of niches. Neat Germans did not forget about the garbage container, which was placed in the front passenger door and recesses for storing documents.
Caring designers took care of the heating of the steering wheel, windshield and even equipped their models with a parking attendant. However, many of the amenities are put in the form of options at the request of the client.
Truck models VW Crafter
Volkswagen Crafter commercial vehicles are considered mobile, practical, versatile vehicles. They are well adapted to Russian conditions thanks to a powerful suspension system. The ability to carry up to 2,5 tons of cargo was provided by a special layout of the wheelbase. There are 4 wheels on the rear drive axle, two on the front.
The VAG concern has been developing a new generation of Crafter for 5 years. During this time, a whole family of commercial trucks was designed, including 69 modifications. The entire line consists of single and double cab pickups, cargo chassis and all-metal vans, which are divided into three weight categories. They are equipped with diesel engines of four versions, with a capacity of 102, 122, 140 and 177 hp. The wheelbase includes three different lengths, the body height is available in three sizes. And also developed three types of drive: front, rear and all-wheel drive. There are many options that can be included in various configurations of cargo versions.
Among them:
- electric power steering;
- ESP system with trailer stabilization;
- adaptive cruise control;
- parking sensors and rear view camera;
- emergency braking system;
- airbags for the driver and passengers, the number of which depends on the configuration;
- control function of "dead" zones;
- auto-correction of high beam headlights;
- markup recognition system.
Dimensions
Volkswagen Crafter cargo models are produced in three weight categories: with a permitted gross weight of 3,0, 3,5 and 5,0 tons. The useful weight that they can carry depends on the type of execution and wheelbase.
The distance between the front and rear wheelset is as follows: short - 3250 mm, medium - 3665 mm and long - 4325 mm.
The long van variant with an all-metal body has an elongated rear overhang. The van can be ordered with different roof heights: standard (1,65 m), high (1,94 m) or extra high (2,14 m). up to 7,5 m3. The developers took into account the option that the van could carry euro pallets and made the width of the floor between the arches of single wheels in the cargo compartment equal to 1350 mm. The largest van can accommodate 5 Euro pallets with cargo.
The version of the Crafter truck with two cabs and four doors is in particular demand. It is produced in all three variations of the wheelbase. Two cabins can accommodate 6 or 7 people. The rear cabin has a seat for 4 people. Each passenger has a three-point seat belt and a height-adjustable head restraint. There is heating of the rear cabin, hooks for storing outerwear, storage compartments under the sofa.
Technical specifications
In addition to impressive performance in terms of the volume of the cargo compartment, the comfort of the driver and passengers, the VW Crafter has high traction, power and environmental performance. The dynamic characteristics of the Crafter cargo models are achieved by a family of engines on the MDB modular platform.
These TDI engines are specially designed for the 2nd generation VW Crafter range of cargo and passenger series. They are characterized by a combination of high torque with economical fuel consumption. There is a "start / start" function that automatically stops the engine when the foot is removed from the gas pedal. For front-wheel drive models, the engine is located across, for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive it is turned 90о and placed lengthwise. In Europe, engines are equipped with a mechanical 6-speed or automatic 8-speed gearbox. There are models with front, rear and all-wheel drive.
Table: technical characteristics of diesel modifications
| Diesel engines | 2,0 TDI (80 kW) | 2,0 TDI (100 kW) | 2,0 TDI (105 kW) | 2,0 BiTDI (120 kW) |
| Engine volume, l | 2,0 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 2,0 |
| Location number of cylinders | Row, 4 | Row, 4 | Row, 4 | Row, 4 |
| Power hp | 102 | 122 | 140 | 177 |
| Injection system | common rail direct | common rail direct | common rail direct | common rail direct |
| Environmentally friendly | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| Maximum speed km/h | 149 | 156 | 158 | 154 |
| Fuel consumption (city / highway/mixed) l/100 km | 9,1/7,9/8,3 | 9,1/7,9/8,3 | 9,9/7,6/8,4 | 8,9/7,3/7,9 |
Since 2017, Euro 5 engines have been sold in Russia in two modifications - 102 and 140 hp. with front-wheel drive and a mechanical 6-speed gearbox. In the coming 2018, the German concern VAG promises to arrange the supply of rear-wheel drive models. But the automatic transmission equipment is not even planned.
Suspension, brakes
The suspension is no different from the previous generation of VW truck versions. The usual classic front scheme: independent suspension with MacPherson struts. Springs made of durable plastic have been added to the rear dependent suspension, resting either on the drive axle or on the driven beam. For the Crafter 30 and 35 versions, the spring consists of a single leaf, for trucks with a permitted weight, twin wheels are at the rear, and three sheets are used in the spring.
Brakes on all wheels are disc type, ventilated. There is an indicator of the recommended gear, an electronic adaptive system for maintaining direction along the marked lanes. There is a signal warning about the beginning of emergency braking. The brakes are equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL), anti-lock (ABS) and anti-slip control (ASR).
Price
Prices for commercial vehicles, of course, rather big. The simplest 102 hp diesel van. costs from 1 million 995 thousand 800 rubles. The price for a 140-strong analogue starts from 2 million 146 thousand rubles. For the all-wheel drive version of the VW Crafter cargo model, you will have to pay 2 million 440 thousand 700 rubles.
Video: 2017 VW Crafter First Drive
Passenger models
Crafter passenger models are designed for different numbers of passengers. Chassis, engines, transmission are no different from cargo van models. The difference in the cabin: the presence of seats, side windows, seat belts.
Minibuses of 2016 for intercity transportation and as fixed-route taxis can carry from 9 to 22 passengers. It all depends on the size of the cabin, engine power, wheelbase. And there is also a tourist bus VW Crafter, designed for 26 seats.
Passenger models Crafter are comfortable, safe, and provide for a large number of transformations. In terms of configuration, minibuses are not inferior to cars. They have ABS, ESP, ASR systems, airbags, electronic power steering, air conditioning.
Table: price for passenger models
| Modification | Price, rub |
| VW Crafter taxi | 2 671 550 |
| VW Crafter minibus with air conditioning | 2 921 770 |
| VW Crafter coach | 3 141 130 |
Video: Volkswagen Crafter minibus 20 seats
Reviews about VW Crafter 2017
Review of VW Crafter Van (2017–2018)
It's been a month since I took my Crafter from the salon - 2nd generation, 2 l, 177 hp, 6-speed. manual transmission. I ordered back in the spring. The equipment is not bad: LED headlights, cruise, camera, rain sensor, webasto, multimedia system with App-Connect, etc. In a word, there is everything that I need. Gave 53 euros.
Engine, oddly enough, enough for the eyes. Traction is even better than the 2.5. And the dynamics are excellent - at least when you consider that this is a van. With a load, I can easily accelerate to 100 km / h, despite the fact that it is allowed to drive a maximum of 80 km / h. Consumption is more than satisfactory. For example, yesterday I was carrying 800 kg in the back and a trailer of about 1500 kg, so I kept within 12 liters. When I drive without a trailer, it turns out even less - about 10 liters.
Management is good too. For a month I got used to it so much that now I feel like driving a car. I chose the front-wheel drive - I hope that with it the cross-country ability will be better in winter than with the rear one, and I won’t have to run around looking for a tractor, as I used to.
Native optics, of course, awesome - in the dark, the road can be seen perfectly. But I still stuck an additional headlight - so to speak, for safety (so that at night you could scare away moose and other living creatures). I really like multimedia. I have never regretted that I paid extra for App-Connect. With this function, no navigator is needed - you connect your phone and use Google navigation as much as you like. Plus, you can control it with Siri. And it’s a sin to complain about regular music. The sound for a workhorse is very decent quality. Speakerphone, by the way, is no worse than on expensive cars.
Review of Volkswagen Crafter
I finally made my choice in favor of the Volkswagen Crafter because, according to many reviews of its owners, this is one of the best commercial vehicles with a turbodiesel. It is very hardy, the security system is at the highest level, and it is also not so demanding in maintenance. Of course, the price is considerable, but you have to pay for German quality, especially since these investments will pay off!
The Volkswagen concern is serious about the release of its cars for commercial purposes. Specialists are constantly working to increase the carrying capacity, the volume of the cargo compartment, and options. Constant demand is promoted by traditional German quality, concern for comfort and safety, the desire to develop and put into practice the latest technologies.
