New Crafter
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Two new TDI engines improve fuel economy by up to 15per cent
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Top engine with bi-turbo consumes just 8.9 l/100 km
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20 000km service intervals
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Towing capacity of up to 2 tons trailer load
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting the new Crafter with a sharpened design, optimised interior, the latest generation of the fuel efficient TDI engines which significantly reduce fuel and maintenance costs.
Thanks to the new four-cylinder common rail diesel engines, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been significantly lowered. As a result, fuel and maintenance costs have been decreases substantially. Other important parameters were improved as well; the vehicle’s maximum payload was increased by nearly three percent on some derivatives. The 20 000km service intervals allow for the new Crafter to be efficiently utilised for an extended period. The local introduction of the new Crafter is planned for the first half of 2012.
The technically and visually perfected Crafter raises the bar in the segment of medium commercial vehicles (3.5 to 5.0 metric tonnes allowable gross weight) to new, more eco-friendly and cost-effective levels. Improvements are primarily due to the new vehicle’s exceptionally efficient 2.0-litre TDI engines with common rail direct injection. They replace the 2.5-litre TDI engine that was used in all previous Crafter versions with 6-speed manual gearboxes. The new four-cylinder engines are available with two power outputs: 80kW and 120kW and both are mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
The Crafter 2.0 BiTDI with 120kW illustrates just how fuel-efficient the new engines are: it consumes just 8.9 l/100 km (equivalent to 235 g/km CO2); this represents a fuel savings of up to 1.5 l/per 100 km compared to the now replaced previous model. The engine, with a technical configuration similar to that used in the Amarok and T5, develops a maximum torque of 400 Newton metres thanks to bi-turbo charging (+50 Nm); this maximum torque is already available from 1,800 rpm and enables impressive driving performance in all situations.
Exceptional fuel-efficiency and large power reserves also characterise the power level of the 2.0-litre TDI. Compared to the equally powered five-cylinder engines with 2.5-litre engine displacement, its maximum torque is available over a broader rev range. In the case of the 80kW version, 300 Newton metres are continuously available from 1,500 to 2,250 rpm. The new Crafter with the 80kW engine consumes 9.6l/100km of fuel (equivalent to 253 g/km CO2).
The new Crafter also gets a gear shift indicator to aid the drivers to select an ideal gear for fuel economy.
Exceptional fuel consumption
Besides being kind to the environment, the Crafter’s new four-cylinder engines also safeguard owners’ budgets for fuel and maintenance. Along with significantly reduced fuel expenses, expenditures for maintenance and vehicle operation have been significantly reduced; this is primarily attributable to reduced service costs. As usual, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also provides a 12-year body protection (anti-rust) warranty on the new Crafter.
In addition, the significantly lightweight four-cylinder engines and other measures have reduced the new Crafter’s kerb weight in practically all versions. This has a direct positive impact on maximum payload. In some versions, it is possible to load up to 44kg more cargo – nearly three percent more – and for many businesses this is a decisive factor.
Fresh styling of the front-end and interior
In purely visual terms, the new Crafter is characterised by a styling that has been revised with feeling. With the horizontal geometry of the radiator grille and its now single-piece front fascia, the front end adopts the company’s current “design DNA” which also characterises the Caddy, Amarok and T5 model range. Fresh and rugged materials are used in the updated interior. Special, optional cushioning in the doors acts as a second armrest, providing for even better comfort. Inside and out, the new style of the VW emblems is also eye-catching. Also sporting a new look are the chrome vehicle badges.
The high-end dashboard was also redesigned with an even more user-friendly layout.
Extensive offering
The Crafter, now improved in many areas, continues to impress with an exemplary versatility. Overall, the model line-up comprises of two weight classes – 3.5 and 5.0 tonnes –, twowheelbases – mediumand long– and one basic body type – Panel Van. The Panel Van is available with three different roof heights and with a longer rearoverhang.
Of significance to suppliers of custom engineered cabs: the Crafter has a user-programmable interface to the vehicle electronics. It enables many customised options for controlling electronic functions.
Safe driving characteristics and standard active safety features
The new Crafter comes standard with active safety features such as Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) with braking assistant, ABS, ASR, EDS and emergency braking signal (automatic activation of the hazard lights).
To achieve neutral driving behaviour, the new Crafter relies on proven elements in its basic construction: independent wheel suspension in front guided by lower wishbones, transverse leaf springs and damper struts and a rigid rear drive axle with longitudinally mounted parabolic springs. The central bearing of the front transverse leaf springs – made of weight-reducing composite materials instead of heavy steel – simplify tuning of the running gear.
Depending on the weight class and body version, Volkswagen may add an anti-roll bar to the front axle, which is also available in a heavy-duty version. Shock absorbers with a relatively soft characteristic, which achieve mechanical and acoustic decoupling of the front axle module from the body and a special bearing for the wishbones lead to good driving behaviour and a high level of ride comfort and low noise.
The variable gear ratio of the steering system significantly improves handling properties; parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces is made perceptibly easier. In addition, the energy saving pump, already proven in the Amarok and T5, is being used in the Crafter as a CO2 reducing measure.
Improved payload and trailer towing capacity up to 2 tons
The lightweight new TDI engines allows the Crafter to carry up to 44kg more weight than before.
With regard to the allowable gross towing payload and maximum trailer loads, the new Crafter attains the same high level of the previous model. itis possible to tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2.0 tons.
