Building Connection Summer 2016

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Volkswagen has revealed its new-generation Crafter van
in Europe ahead of its launch in Australia in the second half
of next year.
Local specifications are still to be announced, but Volkswagen
Group Australia has confirmed that a comprehensive line-up is
under consideration for the redesigned large van series, which
has emerged with the biggest-ever range for the nameplate
spanning four power outputs based on VW’s Euro 6-compliant
2.0L ‘EA288 Nutz’ diesel engine, manual or automatic
transmission, three drivelines (front, rear or 4Motion all-wheel
drive), three vehicle lengths and three roof heights.
Cab chassis variants will also form part of the Australian
line-up.
The German manufacturer says its engineers accompanied
a large number of customers – including tradespeople – on
their commercial vehicle rounds during the development
phase of the new Polish-built Crafter, analysing issues such
as manoeuvrability through muddy building sites, problems
associated with inner-city traffic congestion and accidents
caused by driver fatigue on long trips.
The new 2.0 TDI engine is said to have been developed
specifically for the new Crafter and its commercial applications,
with the outputs starting at 75kW at the entry level, rising to
90kW, 103kW and, with a twin-turbo version, 130kW.
VW says the combination of the new engine and a more
aerodynamic exterior design (now with a slippery 0.33Cd
drag coefficient) hands the Crafter the lowest fuel consumption
and emissions figures in its class.
It also claims reduced ownership costs stemming
from lower maintenance and repair bills anticipated from
the new powertrain, and touches on various other areas
of improvement such as cargo capacity, packaging and
overall dimensions, which in turn have benefited vehicle
manoeuvrability and handling.
Electro-mechanical steering has been adopted – a first for
this segment, according to VW – while various electronic
driver-assist systems debut on the new Crafter, including
electronic stability control with trailer stabilisation, a trailer
manoeuvring assistant, adaptive cruise control, post-collision
braking and a side-wind compensation system, among others.
Front, side and head-protecting airbags are provided, along
with a reversing camera, park distance monitor, rear traffic
alert system and high-spec lighting that runs to LED headlights,
cornering lights and a new ‘light assist’ system.
The current Crafter range is offered in Australia with
three lengths (MWB, LWB and LWB with overhang), three
roof heights (standard, high and super-high), three powertrains
(2.0 TDI in 80kW single turbo and 105/120kW in bi-turbo form)
but just a single transmission (six-speed manual) driving the
rear wheels only. There are also two GVMs available: 3550kg
and 4490kg.
Volkswagen Commercial
Volkswagen Crafter