What's the news?
An all-new Volkswagen Crafter range of vans has been launched in Ireland by the company's Commercial Vehicles division. Unlike the previous Crafter (which was designed and manufactured in partnership with Mercedes-Benz), the new van was developed entirely by the Volkswagen Group and will be produced at an equally new factory in Poland. The new Crafter will be offered in front- or rear-wheel-drive formats, along with 4Motion four-wheel drive and the option of an automatic transmission. Prices start at €23,157 excluding VAT, or as low as €75 a week on PCP finance.
Exterior
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will offer the Crafter in a vast number of derivatives, with up to three different body lengths and three different roof heights. There's the standard Crafter Delivery Van, the Crafter Chassis for body builders and the Crafter Dropside Van, while the latter two are available with single or double cabs for maximum choice.
Interior
While the cabin of the new Crafter takes a lot of inspiration from Volkswagen's current passenger cars, it's also festooned with storage areas. Buyers can, depending on model, choose from six different seat options, including three chairs with suspension and two 'ergo' seats approved by Germany's AGR association. A touchscreen interface is standard for the infotainment, which features a mobile phone interface, while there are stereo controls on the steering wheel too. There's a single, large two-seat bench for passengers, 12-volt power sockets, reading lights and electric windows, as well. Naturally, the cargo area is just as important, and it's highly configurable and compatible with the most popular racking and shelving systems on the market. Depending on variant, up to six Euro pallets can be accommodated, or nine 'laundry trolleys'.
Mechanicals
Power comes from a new 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine in a variety of outputs. The entry-level engine produces 102hp and 300Nm of torque; the likely best-seller churns out 140hp; while there's a 177hp powerplant topping the range. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, though an eight-speed automatic is optional.
Anything else?
Alan Bateson, Managing Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Ireland, said: "The new Crafter, which was awarded the International Van of the Year 2017 by an expert jury from 24 countries, will set the benchmark in the Irish large van segment and with many best in class specifications it simply sets a new standard so far ahead of its rivals. With a starting price of €23,157 excl. VAT and our best in market finance packages, which include Ireland's only Commercial Vehicle PCP, we are planning big things in terms of new Crafter. Order intake already has been well ahead of target and we believe this will improve further once Irish customers experience the stand out vehicle in this segment."
The Crafter is on sale now and Irish Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealers are having an open week from 24th to 29th April to celebrate the arrival of the new van. PCP finance is available directly with the Volkswagen Bank from €75 per week with a minimum 19 per cent deposit.