VW Crafrer - a universal assistant from Volkswagen
Content
The leaders of the German concern Volkswagen, in an effort to conquer the automotive market, did not stop at the successful sales of passenger models. The technical engineers were tasked with developing an ideally designed versatile vehicle concept from a family of light and medium duty commercial vehicles. They became VW Crafrer.
Universal truck model
With the development of the automotive industry and heavy industry, Volkswagen began to purposefully expand the range of cargo vans, developing several model lines in different weight categories. The existing developments based on the cargo platform of a light pickup truck served as the basis for the production of models with a large payload.
The first van-based truck was demonstrated in 1950 with the VW Transporter T1 series. Since then, all projects for new truck models have been based on the already used ideas of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division. Twenty years later, a new flatbed truck VW LT appeared with a payload increased to 5 tons. In 2006, a VW Crafter was put on the conveyor, which has proven itself in the trading industry.
First generation Crafter (2006–2016)
The VW Crafter began its historical development at the Daimler plant in Ludwigsfeld. The very idea of creating a cargo vehicle was aimed at reducing operating costs, mainly by upgrading engines with low fuel consumption from the well-known model of the popular Amarok pickup truck.
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles department, responsible for the production of commercial vehicles, developed a platform on the basis of which quite a lot of trim levels were produced. They differed only in significant factors that determine the scope of the car:
- load capacity from 3,5 to 5,5 tons;
- three options for the length of the base;
- different roof heights;
- four body types.
Such versatility of the Crafter truck was determined by a diverse target audience: from small businesses to individuals. Various body layout options in the basic configuration with a single or double cab opened up new opportunities for the owners of this model.
"Crafter" is available in four body types:
- Kasten - cargo all-metal van;
- Kombi - a cargo-passenger van with a number of seats from two to nine;
- passenger van;
- a flatbed truck or chassis for the installation of a special body and other superstructures.
Photo gallery: "Crafter" in various bodies
-
- The classic van is a reliable and mobile assistant with many features to make everyday work easier.
-
- The model has sufficient usable volume to perform a variety of tasks.
-
- The spacious interior is great for organizing the transportation of people
-
- This design option allows you to transport teams of workers along with the necessary equipment.
Table: technical characteristics of VW Crafter modifications
| Name | Indicators | ||
| Body type | flatbed truck | utility van | passenger van |
| Cab type | twin | twin | — |
| Total weight, kg | 5000 | 2580 | 5000 |
| Load capacity, kg | 3026 | 920 | — |
| Number of seats, pcs | 3 – 7 Feet | 9 | 27 |
| Number of doors, pcs | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Body length, mm | 7038 | 7038 | 7340 |
| Body width, mm | 2426 | 2426 | 2426 |
| Body height, mm | 2425 | 2425 | 2755 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 4325 | 3550 | 3550 |
| Length of onboard body/salon, mm | 4300 / - | - / 2530 | - / 4700 |
| Side body/interior width, mm | 2130 / - | - / 2050 | - / 1993 |
| Cabin height, mm | — | 1940 | 1940 |
| Engine size, m3 | 22,5 | ||
| Engine power, l with. | 109 – 163 Feet | ||
| Fuel consumption, l / 100 km | 6,3 – 14 Feet | ||
| Fuel capacity, l | 75 | ||
| Type of fuel | diesel | ||
| Type of transmission | mechanical, automatic | ||
| Number of gears | 6 | ||
| Drive type | back, full | front, rear | front, rear |
| Type of brakes | disc, ventilated | ||
| Maximum speed km / h | 140 | ||
| Tire type | 235/65 R 16 | ||
| More options |
| ||
"Crafter" provides a high level of safety for the driver and passengers. The base model is more robust in the event of a collision, and the cargo van is equipped with Hill Hold Control as an auxiliary system for starting from a standstill when lifting.
Video: The first five advantages of the Volkswagen Crafter
Cargo "Volkswagen Crafter"
The new Crafter, produced as a 4x2 and 4x4 flatbed truck, is designed to transport goods on public and special roads. Cabin options have from three to seven seats, allowing passengers to be transported along with cargo.
The practical car is completely focused on its consumer as a classic and indispensable carrier.
The updated technical platform of the model is considered the best in its class. The quality of workmanship, reliability of operation and individual settings characterized the car as a worthy assistant to commercial enterprises.
The most striking feature is the large cargo platform. A convenient platform for loading and unloading allows the use of transport as a daily means on the territory of construction sites. The ideal double cab solution implemented on the Crafter truck not only left enough space for cargo, but also provided the ability to easily and comfortably transport a work crew of up to seven people over long distances.
The first generation Crafter truck came with a variety of powertrains controlled by a 6-speed manual or automatic four-wheel drive. The model is based on a rigid frame, where the cabin is fixed and the main nodes are concentrated.
Reliable and powerful diesel engine, designed to operate in various conditions, perfectly copes with the transported load on the construction site, smooth highways and dynamic terrain, consuming a small amount of fuel.
Thanks to the use of the Common Rail injection system, fuel consumption in the combined cycle is up to 9 liters per 100 km, which complies with the Euro-4 environmental standard. The torque, even at low revs, pulls the car on steep slopes when fully loaded.
The independent suspension of the front axle is based on a fiberglass spring supported by a hydraulic shock absorber. The complex suspension model provides the vehicle with efficient and easy steering when turning with a radius of up to 15 meters.
The interior of the Crafter is of a high quality finish, which confirms the durability of materials in everyday use. Large shelves and storage compartments provide convenient storage of cargo and accompanying documents.
Volkswagen Crafter cargo-passenger
The Crafter utility van is considered innovative. This is due not only to its concept of transporting dissimilar cargo and auxiliary equipment, but also to the ability to carry up to eight passengers. The first-class technical base and unique characteristics of comfort and carrying capacity make this model one of the most popular cars in its class.
The Crafter's family exterior embodies the configuration of a vehicle for transporting goods and personnel over long distances.
The impressive interior of the cargo area accommodates a sufficient amount of construction equipment, and the double passenger cabin presents a laconic cabin with an unpretentious and pretty interior.
The cargo compartment is made in a democratic style. Walls, ceiling and doors are framed with corrugated aluminum sheets. Mounting loops are built into the walls and ceiling for reliable fixation of the load. Convenient steps provide optimum loading height. A blank partition separates the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment.
The Crafter is distinguished not only by the comfort zone for passengers, where two sofas are located, which, when unfolded, form an optimal sleeping place, but also by an ergonomic space for the driver with a pleasant to the touch multi-steering wheel in a four-spoke rim and an informative instrument panel combination.
The passenger cabin is equipped with thermal, noise and vibration insulation of the ceiling, doors and walls. Fabric upholstery in delicate shades and pasting of window openings and a sliding door with artificial leather give the interior a homely feel. The floor of the passenger compartment is made of a moisture-resistant and non-slip coating. The threshold at the entrance to the sliding door has decorative lighting. The comfort of passengers is ensured by a reliable ventilation system and an autonomous interior heater.
Passenger version of the Volkswagen Crafter
Choosing a van for comfortable transportation of small groups of passengers can be a real problem. A variant of the Crafter passenger model has been specially developed for this purpose. Optimal space division allows up to 26 seats to be comfortably arranged on a technically outstanding platform.
The Crafter van represents a function-oriented space for the organization of urban transportation.
The purpose of the model allows not only to organize short trips, but also to carry out routes with a long duration.
The technical equipment of the car, comfortable seats and air conditioning ensure a comfortable ride, allowing you to adapt the van to the needs of any company.
The spacious passenger compartment is made in the style of the Volkswagen company. The floor has a corrugated aluminum base and a moisture-resistant antistatic non-slip coating. The interior walls are covered with fabric upholstery. Panoramic glazing transmits a sufficient amount of external light, allowing you to refuse to use lamps on the ceiling to illuminate the interior during the daytime. Full comfort for passengers is provided by anatomic seats with a high back of the minibus type, handrails for additional seating of passengers while standing, as well as the presence of a built-in ventilation unit and an autonomous interior heater. The opening width of the sliding door is 1311 mm.
The passenger compartment is separated from the driver's area by a partition with a height of 40 cm. The modern design of the dashboard and the impeccable ergonomics of the controls complement the feeling of comfort from a powerful engine and soft suspension from leaf springs.
Second generation Crafter (after 2017)
Modern technology and the personal tastes of light duty truck customers led the company to start updating and modernizing Crafter vehicles at the end of 2016. The car was restyled and equipped with trendy technical equipment. Regardless of the industry of application, each model has special requirements when used as a commercial vehicle. Crafter perfectly performs its functions both in the passenger transportation segment and in the environment of professionals and specialists with unusual requirements for the layout of the cargo compartment.
Photo gallery: Volkswagen Crafter applications
-
- Crafter update puts Volkswagen at the forefront of the cargo van segment
-
- Large cargo space in the new high-roof Crafter is ideal for use as a mobile hospital
-
- The car can be equipped with an additional generator to solve technical problems
-
- The low floor height in the cargo area is the optimal basis for converting the van into a mobile center for the disabled
New Volkswagen Crafter 2017
During the grand event of the world scale in September 2016, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the German steel mills, Volkswagen presented its new large Crafter van. The first stunning impressions of the model were caused primarily by its appearance. The new VW Crafter is better than its predecessor in every way.
The van has been designed from the outset to the actual requirements of the customers involved in the design selection process. So the company's focus on consumer opinion has made it possible to create the most functional car. The body, wide in the middle and narrowed at the rear, gives the model an optimal drag value Cd = 0,33, like in passenger cars.
The new VW Crafter is equipped with an updated 15-litre TDI turbodiesel engine with XNUMX percent fuel savings compared to competitors from Ford and Vauxhall. Reasonable dimensions of the body provide sufficient capacity for freight transport. The two-axle base of the van is equipped with various interior modifications: three body lengths and three roof heights.
In the new front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive versions, a large number of safety aids are available, including at least 15 driver assistance systems, depending on customer requirements.
The unique exterior design allows you to unmistakably distinguish Volkswagen from other vans.
- The platform of the updated Crafter has a low loading floor and an acceptable roof height, allowing you to place bulky cargo in the body. Large swing doors open around the van almost 180 degrees. This makes loading and unloading easy.
- The van's short overhangs and turning radius are ideal for navigating narrow streets and winding back roads. A loaded body or an empty cabin handles uneven road surfaces well thanks to the well-engineered body suspension. Even the most powerful and heaviest variant with the highest roof and long platform, with a maximum weight of 5,5 tons, clearly maintains the turning line, and large split-view mirrors make it easier to track the rear overhang. Electromechanical steering provides unprecedented agility and maneuverability when driving.Large rear-view mirrors allow you to monitor the situation from all sides of the body, including the rear wheel area
- The main differences of the updated modification are inside Crafter. The driver's workplace is equipped with a convenient and informative dashboard equipped with a touch screen. Other improvements relate to aids for parking and transporting a trailer. The driver's seat has plenty of storage for cell phones, folders, laptops, bag scanners, water bottles and tools and is adjustable in many directions. Nearby is a sofa for two passengers.Comfortable cargo space allows you to equip the cabin for the needs of any technical services
- The cargo space is combined across the entire width and height of the volume, depending on the purpose of the van used as a commercial vehicle. The universal floor covering and fasteners on the walls and load-bearing roof are designed to accommodate versatile cabinet sets, which can be easily replaced thanks to special adapters.The cargo compartment is easily equipped as a workplace for a mobile emergency team
Video: we transport furniture on the new VW Crafter
Innovations in technical specifications
The new Volkswagen Crafter has changed in many ways.
- As an additional aid to the driver, the van has received an intelligent safety system that ensures reliable operation and stable operation of the vehicle in the most severe conditions.
- To reduce harmful emissions, the updated engine model uses selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which reduces CO15 emissions by XNUMX percent2 compared to the previous Crafter.
- The refinement of the engine is reflected in stable operation and low maintenance costs in daily commercial use at short and long distances. The motor is equipped with a standard Start-Stop system.
- When operating the longest version of the Crafter, an indispensable assistant will be the innovative and intelligent parking assistance system, which helps to clearly enter the vehicle into the parking space. When reverse gear is engaged, the vehicle automatically assumes steering control. The driver only regulates speed and braking.
- The advanced Front Assist driver assistance system uses radar to control the distance in the event of a fast approach to the vehicle in front. When critical distances are detected, the emergency braking system is activated, reducing the likelihood of a collision.
- For optimal load securing using belts and nets, the body is equipped with reliable metal guides, mounting rails and eyelets on the ceiling, side walls and bulkhead. Thus, the cargo compartment is a universal base for arranging space according to consumer requests.
Video: Volkswagen Crafter is cooler than Mercedes Sprinter 2017
Changes in the vehicle configuration
Working on the new version of the Crafter, VW has continued to implement assistive safety systems according to customer requirements.
- The process of opening and closing the door in the new model takes three seconds less time, which is not a trifle at all, for example, for a courier service, when performing such an operation up to 200 times a day saves 10 minutes of working time or 36 working hours a year.
- Other active safety features include active LED headlights, a reversing camera, a traffic alert system, and parking sensors. As an option, a side warning function has been introduced with a visual and audible signal in case of a dense arrangement with other vehicles, walls and pedestrians.Active LED headlights illuminate the area ahead of the car
- Servotronic electromechanical steering with speed-sensing system is standard. It improves steering feel and provides a crisp level of directional accuracy not previously found in commercial vehicles.
- The adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to the speed of the traffic ahead and maintains the distance set by the driver.The cruise control function allows you to relax a little on long stretches of empty roads, automatically maintaining a set speed and monitoring possible obstacles ahead.
- The Side Scan system displays a warning signal on the side mirror if the system's sensor detects a vehicle in the blind spot when changing lanes.
- The automatic crosswind assist system applies adaptive braking when the vehicle enters a strong crosswind.
- Light Assist detects approaching oncoming vehicles and turns off the high beams to prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled. Switching on is done automatically in total darkness.
Advantages and disadvantages of petrol and diesel models
The vast majority of trucks use diesel as fuel. In the Crafter van of the new generation, the ergonomics of the motor is ensured by high dynamic characteristics. The optional Blue Motion Technology package reduces fuel consumption to 7,9 liters per 100 kilometers.
Prices and owner reviews
The Crafter is a car with optimum power, automatic safety and agility. The cargo model is considered a good investment and quickly pays for itself despite the fact that its minimum price is 1 rubles as standard. In 600, a flatbed truck from Volkswagen of the second generation was put up with a price tag of 000 rubles.
People's reviews of the second generation Crafter model are mostly positive, most of them emphasize the high technical characteristics of the van.
The car is definitely worth the investment. Immediately about the cons: it is impossible to accurately determine the amount of fuel in the tank, it is not clear from the divisions. The bibikalka is funny and the tank volume is small, otherwise I am very pleased with the car. In the service, I go through MOT according to the plan, but the prices there are too high - I hope that the guarantee will justify itself. With a side wind, the car sways, but rulitsya as a whole like a passenger car. All 4 disc brakes — it pleases. Even laden gets up as if rooted to the spot. The doors close very softly, just like in a Mercedes. In the cold, it behaves normally, but the reverse gear does not always turn on - you need to “work it out”. Only the driver's seat is adjustable, a lot of niches. Most of all I like the headlights: large and with excellent light, there are adjustments.
I took a 2013 Volkswagen Crafter for work, the car is similar to our Gazelle, only larger, about six meters long, three meters high. You can download a lot, and also very convenient. Only now with the engine it let us down a little, 136 horsepower, but there is little sense, it barely pulls uphill if it is loaded to the eyeballs. I can say about the design - stylish, bright. The cabin is spacious and comfortable for the driver and passengers. Because of the high ceiling, you can walk to your full height without bending over when you load the load. As for the cargo, it carries up to 3,5 tons. I love the 6 speed manual transmission. It is easy to drive a car, as you feel yourself in a passenger car. The steering obeys perfectly, fits into turns smoothly. The turn in diameter is 13 m. The car is not bad in terms of safety, there are all systems. That's how I bought myself a good car that works properly, and even at the same time comfortable.
"Volkswagen Crafter" a truck capable of transporting goods up to 1,5 tons relatively quickly and comfortably, and also very convenient in everything; fishing, on the sea, pick up overall purchases from the store. Now I do not need to look for someone and overpay for delivery. The main problem — rust, appears here and there. There were no major breakdowns, I did everything with one master for many years, there were no special difficulties. Drove about 120 miles.
Overview of tuning parts
With all the conveniences of transporting goods, a solid and attractive appearance still remains one of the most important factors. Therefore, many owners of "Crafters" carry out affordable tuning of their car by installing parts specially designed for this.
- A new fiberglass front body kit gives the work truck a sporty look.Improving the appearance allows you to give a conventional van a fundamental difference from production models
- When driving with a slightly open window, sprayed water and disturbing wind noise lose their effect after installing additional deflectors, which also protect against sun glare.Installing deflectors reduces the noise effect of oncoming air at high speed
- Ergonomic ladder holder with a well-thought-out mounting design allows you to transport a removable ladder for installation work. The mechanism securely holds the ladder on the roof during transportation.Convenient ladder mounting mechanism on the roof of the van saves interior space in the cargo compartment
- An additional internal roof rack in the cabin makes it easy to transport long loads. Two bars are conveniently attached inside the luggage compartment, providing sufficient strength to accommodate wooden or metal structures.The placement of some cargo under the roof of the cabin allows for more rational use of the interior space
The Crafter van is tailored to meet every need of the customer. The technical filling of the model meets the requirements of technical services specialists and commercial users. It is easy to operate, leaves a pleasant impression during operation and is in demand due to the convenient and multifunctional cargo platform.
