VW adds two derivatives to Crafter 35 model range
WITH over 11 500 units sold since its introduction in the southern African market in 2007, the Volkswagen Crafter has been updated with the addition of the Crafter 35 Automatic and 4MOTION derivatives.
By combining rugged versatility, cuttingedge engineering and a business-orientated approach, the Volkswagen Crafter is the ultimate transport solution. It also offers maximum personalisation; 90% of Crafters sold in southern Africa are converted into busses for passenger transport (taxi’s and scholar transport), ambulances and patient carriers by government departments and the balance being sold to logistics and courier companies.
The Crafter, which is manufactured in Poland, is the largest 3 to 5 tonne van produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The Crafter, with its efficiency, reliability, durability and adaptability, can cope with the most demanding road conditions and the fuel-efficient TDI engine makes it perfectly suited to the transportation demands of South African businesses.
Enhanced ergonomics
Attention has been given to every detail in the Crafter to ensure the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers. The interior ergonomics have been enhanced to ensure higher levels of practicality and ease of use. Improvements include robust seat upholstery for durability, a revised instrument cluster and control panel as well as plenty of storage compartments for a professional workspace. The interior is also easily controlled with a fresh air ventilator including air recirculation and heating as standard. Other standard interior features include power steering, heat-insulating glass, electric front windows and door pockets.
Loading the Crafter
The Crafter has a sturdy frame and a generous loading capacity. Boasting a loading capacity ranging between 9.3m³ and 17.5 m³, the Crafter can handle any load thrown at it. It also has the longest loading spaces in its class of up to 4.6m.
Loading and unloading from the back is made easy through two rear wing doors or through the 1.3m-wide left-hand side sliding door. For even more convenience, a sliding door is optional for the right-hand side as well. The flexible and practical nature of the Crafter makes it suited to a variety of applications. With a payload capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes and torque of up to 340Nm, even the heaviest loads feel light.
The Crafter is available in 3.5 tonne GVM and 5 tonne GVM versions. Customers can also choose from two wheelbases (3 640mm or 4 490mm), three body lengths and two different roof configurations.
Safety Assistance Systems
Safety is of utmost importance to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and that’s why the Crafter 35 is fitted with innovative safety features designed to deliver all-round protection. Essential safety systems such as ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) combined with Brake Assist and Crosswind Assist, MCB (Multi-Collision Braking), TCS (Traction Control System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) are all standard in the Crafter.
The Crafter 35 derivatives also offer handy driver assistance and convenience systems as optional. These include the High Roof, 270° Rear Doors, Dual Sliding doors, Trendline Trim Exterior, LED headlights with LED separate daytime running lights, Park Pilot (Front and Rear), Park Distance Control (Front and Rear), Trailer Assist (Trailer manoeuvring system), Park Assist with Park Distance Control, Rear view camera system, Blind Spot Monitor including Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist including Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Park Distance Control in front and rear, Fixed Tow Bar with Trailer Stabilisation, Differential Lock, Hill Start Assist with Hill Descent Control, Air Conditioner, Air Conditioner with Rear Evaporator, Cruise Control, Multi-function Steering, Front Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking for Adaptive Cruise Control up to 160km/h, ‘Composition Media’ Radio, Heavy-duty Suspension System and a Second Battery.
Panel Van 2.0 TDI Automatic
The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI Automatic is fitted with the same world-class standard safety systems and convenience features found in the Crafter 35 Manual version.
The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI Automatic is characterised by a 100mm lower loading sill (when compared to the 4MOTION derivative), the largest loading height and payload in its class as well as bigger headroom within the loading area.
The transmission utilised in this derivative is the first 8-speed automatic gearbox with a torque convertor for transversely mounted front-engine vehicles in the commercial vehicle sector. The 8-speed automatic transmission utilises a torque convertor, which transforms the Crafter into a vehicle that is easy to drive over long distances. It features a robust design to meet the requirements of commercial vehicles while transmission ratios are adapted for optimum fuel consumption and performance. A short first gear ensures hassle-free starts even with heavy loads, on inclines or when towing a trailer. A long eighth gear ensures low rpms at higher speeds for fuel-efficient driving.
The automatic transmission facilitates stress and fatigue-free driving in stop-andgo traffic, making it the perfect workhorse, delivery vehicle or taxi.
Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION
The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION offers reliable traction, the best tracking stability as well as a trailer load of up to three tonnes.
The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION is based on the front-wheel drive model but adds a four-wheel drive coupling that delivers power to the rear axle. The permanent four-wheel driving system means that as much power as possible is sent to the front wheels alone in order to maximise fuel economy.
The six-speed manual gearbox utilised in this model has been further developed from the T6 gearbox to offer shifting comfort similar to that of passenger cars, while the transmission ratios have been adapted for optimum fuel consumption and performance. The Crafter 35 derivatives are both available in the 2.0 TDI engine which boasts 103kW and 340Nm and fuel consumption of 8.2 litres/100km (Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI Automatic) and 9.1 litres/100km (Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION). – VW SA