VW Crafter: facelifted with more efficient diesel engineVW Crafter 35 LWB test Review: Mark Bursa
Volkswagen Crafter 35 LWB high-roof 2.0TDI 136PS
What is it?
FACELIFTED and revised version of Volkswagen’s biggest van, complete with new VW family grille. The basic design is shared with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter but the powertrains are not shared, and now the Volkswagen Crafter has been fitted with smaller, cleaner 2.0-litre turbodiesels. Test van is a Crafter 35 (single rear wheel) with 136PS turbodiesel engine, long wheelbase and high roof.
What’s hot?
New engines are the same as those used in VW Amarok and Transporter – and the Passat car
They’re smaller, so they’re up to 33% more fuel-efficient than the old 2.5-litre VW Crafter units.
That also means lower emissions, and although you lose some top-end power…
…peak torque is delivered at lower engine speeds, which makes this an excellent drive around town
The new engines no longer need AdBlue
VW Crafter feels very well screwed together and has very few squeaks and rattles, even on bumpy roads
New dashboard has clearer, white dials…
… as well as plenty of storage bins, cup holders and trays
Handling is exceptional for such a big van, with precise, quick steering
Speed limiter and cruise control is Mercedes-designed…
…and so is the sat-nav, which is no bad thing as that works a treat
There’s a longer overhang version and a super-high roof if you need more volume…
…plus there are twin-wheel versions for greater payload. The range is very extensive
What’s not?
It’s a little sluggish off the blocks – you’ll not win the traffic light grand prix in this van
Six-speed box is a bit notchy and requires a long reach to hit first…
…though it’s pretty slick once you get used to it
Restyled front is less dramatic than on the Transporter, but it still looks better – less ‘snouty’ than before
The loadspace is a little narrow compared to some rivals, so check your typical loads
The more powerful 163PS BiTurbo model offers marginally better fuel economy and lower CO2 – so it might be worth the higher list price for better driveability
What you need to Know
P11D Value:
£26,650
Monthly Rental: *
£n/a
What will it be worth: **
£
GVW:
3,500kg
Payload:
1,263kg
Loadspace Volume:
14cu m
Basic Loadspace Dimensions:
4,300mm long x 1,780mm wide x 1,940mm high
Engine:
2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel four-cylinder
CO2 Emissions:
226g/km
Power/torque:
136PS/340Nm @ 1,575-2,250rpm
Economy:
32.8mpg combined; 28.0mpg urban
Business Van Manager Road Test Rating
The Volkswagen Crafter is a very well-engineered van, and the combination of a Mercedes design and the latest Volkswagen turbodiesels is a winner.
OK, they feel slightly less sprightly in pure acceleration terms, but that’s more than outweighed by the improved fuel economy and low-end torque. Add in excellent cab comfort and driveability and it’s easy to see why this van has such appeal for long-haul operators. This engine spec is the second-lowest in terms of power. It might be worth waiting for the slightly more powerful 143PS version, or even opt for the pricier 163PS BiTurbo.
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