Volkswagen Crafter (2006 – 2017) Review

April 2006

Volkswagen Crafter makes its debut

Shown at the Commercial Vehicle Show and following two generations of LT – the first of which came into being 31 years ago – the Crafter went on sale in the UK in September 2006.

The Crafter was designed and built to meet the ever-increasing demands of a modern load carrier. It came with a choice of four five-cylinder engines, delivering 88PS, 109PS, 136PS or 163PS. Each offers the twin benefits of fuel efficiency and low emissions. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, although an automated manual transmission was also optional.

The three wheelbases, four load compartment lengths and three roof heights highlight the Crafter’s versatility, which is further enhanced by its availability as a panel van, window van, chassis cab and double cab. The Crafter has a maximum load capacity of 17 cubic metres, allowing the five tonne panel van to carry a weight of approximately 2670 kg.

April 2011

New Volkswagen Crafter unveiled

Five years after the Crafter made its world debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show, Volkswagen announced early information about a new Crafter ahead of its start of production later that summer.

Volkswagen improved the new Crafter’s environmental credentials by introducing its latest four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, common rail TDI engines across the range. Power outputs compare with the current engine range, but with increased torque and efficiency, Volkswagen expects them to set new class standards for emissions and running costs in the large van sector.

Changes to the exterior of the new Crafter are limited to the front grille which is refreshed in line with the modern Volkswagen design DNA to emphasis its horizontal lines. The interior will feature various modifications to details including new upholstery and redesigned instruments.

August 2011

New Crafter goes on sale in the UK

To make it the most efficient in the large van class, the new Crafter has a new engine range using Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre TDI common rail engine, already proven in the new Transporter and Amarok. It is available with power outputs of 109PS, 136PS, 143PS and 163 PS, with BlueMotion Technology models offering further savings in fuel costs and emissions, yet delivers the same or higher levels of torque at lower engine speeds than the previous five-cylinder, 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine.

Emissions have dropped by between 10 and nearly 20 per cent. For example, the 2.0-litre TDI 163PS BlueMotion Technology model has CO2 of 199g/km, compared to 258g/km for the previous engine with the same power output. The new Crafter no longer uses AdBlue to achieve these low (EuroV) emissions, yet still qualifies for EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) status as standard.

November 2011

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range proved itself with fleet operators throughout 2011 and was named as the most reliable van manufacturer in the annual Fleet News FN50 reliability survey. The Caddy and Transporter models performed well, both being honoured among the top five van models, while the Crafter finished a respectable sixth overall.

February 2014

Euro VI engines introduced

The Crafter achieves the strict limits with the help of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems, as well as a built-in Diesel Particulate Filter which works to purify exhaust emissions and almost eradicate particulate matter.

Volkswagen’s Euro VI range is offered on selected Crafter models with EU kerbweights between 2,355 kg and 2,815 kg in medium and long wheelbases. Available with Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TDI engine with an output of either 163PS or 114PS, which is new to the Crafter range. Additionally, the 114PS Euro VI engine can be specified with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology, meaning claimed fuel economy of up to 35.3mpg (combined) and emissions of 210g/km.