Biggest revision has taken place inside with the first availability of a digital instrument cluster in addition to a choice of two infotainment systems.
On-sale since 2017, Volkswagen has released a pair of sketches previewing the updated second generation Crafter markets in Europe, Australasia and Africa will be privy to next year.
Big changes inside
An iteration of which 354 000 units have been sold globally since its unveiling, the biggest change involves the interior that receives a first-time digital instrument cluster as an option, a new steering wheel with physical buttons and the standard fitting of a new 10.3-inch infotainment system derived from the all-electric ID. Buzz.
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As an option, buyers can upgrade to the bigger 12.9-inch display, though regardless of which system receives the thumbs-up, both feature touch-sensitive buttons for the climate control with illuminated sliders as a result of the conventional buttons and dials no longer being offered.
In addition, Volkswagen has restyled air vents, replaced the type-A USB ports with type-C outlets and fitted a new electronic handbrake as the expensive of the lever located between the driver and centre passenger’s seat.
A new USB port in the middle of the dashboard, designed in such a way to charge a smartphone without the cables obstructing the driver’s view, completes the interior, along with the automatic gearbox lever moving from the lower section of the facia to the steering column.
On the safety side, and depending on eventual buyer selection, the Crafter comes fitted with Blind Spot Monitoring, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist, acoustic rear parking sensors and for the first time as an option, Adaptive Cruise Control plus the semi-autonomous Travel Assist.
The art of choice
In terms of models, bodystyles ranging from single cabs to double cabs, dropsides to minibus and closed panel van will again be offered, along with two wheelbase options.
No less than four roof choices from 2.4 m to three metres high will be available for the panel van, in addition to a heavy-duty model complete with dual rear wheels plus a gross weight mass of 5 500 kg.
Mechanically, the Crafter retains the 2.0 TDI engine in three states of tune; 103 kW, 120 kW and 130 kW in bi-turbo form, but with the option of front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive or the 4Motion all-wheel-system.
Transmissions consist of a six-speed manual on the front-wheel-drive and 4Motion, with an eight-speed Tiptronic being optional on both.
Reserved for the rear-wheel-drive though is a brand-new eight-speed self-shifter supplementing the manual.
“We have updated the Crafter’s electronics architecture to integrate the next generation infotainment, assist and convenience systems. This means the Crafter will remain the most advanced commercial vehicle model series in its class,” Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Technical Development Head, Karsten Franz, said.
South Africa approved
Once again set to be build at the dedicated commercial vehicle plant in Września, Poland, the facelift Crafter will become available in April next year, first in Europe, and then in other key markets of which South Africa has received confirmation.
As such, expect more details, including pricing and spec, to only be revealed closer to the local launch date in 2024.
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