VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER GETS AN UPDATE
The second-generation VW Crafter, now a popular base for large campervans (including Volkswagen’s own Grand California), is to receive an extensive technical update comprising a new cockpit and new assistance systems.
Pre-sales of the new Crafter are scheduled to start in April.
A key feature of the 2024 Crafter will be the 10.3in (or optional 12.9in) infotainment display. It has been arranged to be visually free-standing and features a newly developed graphic interface and selfexplanatory menu navigation, as was presented for the first time in the longwheelbase ID Buzz. The display has been divided into two permanently visible touch bars and a home screen. On the left of the top bar on the display, there is a new direct access button, which enables the driver to open the main menu with an overview of all apps with just one click. Next to this is a button for the new Car Control Centre, which offers direct access to the most important vehicle functions. The main menu and Car Control Centre are always accessible without having to close the active app, making operation easier. Temperatures and audio volume can now be adjusted by means of illuminated touch sliders and the Crafter will also receive a new voice control system.
The revised Crafter will also be available with digital instruments for the first time. The Digital Cockpit will offer the driver different views, including navigation and telephone, through to the media library.
The handbrake and the switch for the eight-speed automatic gearbox have also been redesigned. Whereas the Crafter previously had a traditional handbrake lever, the new generation will be equipped with an electronically operated parking brake, making it easier to rotate the driver’s seat through 180 degrees. The automatic gear lever is now designed as a steering column switch in the style of the ID Buzz.
Instead of USB-A sockets, the new
Crafter now has USB-C interfaces and an inductive charging option for smartphones.
An expanded array of assist systems is also being introduced. Standard on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,500kg will be a blind spot warning and moving-off information system, as well as an oncoming vehicle braking when turning function. These systems can be ordered as an option for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of under 3,500kg. Irrespective of maximum weight, Crafters will have Front Assist, Lane Assist, Dynamic Road
Sign Display, a speed limiter and Park Distance Control.
The new Crafter will be available with front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. A new eight-speed automatic gearbox will be used for the variants with rear-wheel drive. The diesel engines will again deliver 138bhp, 160bhp and 175bhp.