Volkswagen has revealed the first images of the all-new Crafter van, which will go on sale in the first quarter of next year, with orders opening in November.

The manufacturer says that when designing and engineering the all-new Crafter its objective was to produce a van from the customer’s perspective.

In order to achieve this, engineers from Volkswagen accompanied vehicle users from key customer groups, including couriers, construction workers and long distance drivers on their rounds during the development stage. This meant they could identify the genuine needs of these drivers and fleets and produce a vehicle which met their requirements.

For example, the new vehicle combines extensive cargo capacity with minimal external dimensions, making it extremely manoeuvrable yet solid in its handling, regardless of payload.

There are also up to three different vehicle lengths available depending on the model chosen, while the closed body variants come with up to three different roof heights. This means customers can configure their new Crafter exactly in line with their specific requirements and find the right combination of engine, gearbox, drive system, vehicle length and roof height to meet their needs.

The new Crafter now offers a wide range of derivatives. The new "EA 288Nutz" 2.0-litre TDI engine, developed especially for this model, is available with four power outputs: 102 PS, 122 PS and 140 PS, plus a bi-turbo TDI with 177 PS.

The choice of engines depends on which drive system is selected. Here customers have a choice between front, rear and all-wheel drive (4MOTION), as well as the option of a manual or automatic gearbox. Such variety has never been seen before in this segment.

The new Crafter sets new standards for assistance systems in the large van sector; not for the sake of it, but to optimise occupant protection through the use of active and passive safety concepts regardless of payload. This is made possible in large part due to an electro-mechanical steering system used for the first time in this vehicle class which means active driver assistance systems, such as ESP with trailer stabilisation, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control, post-collision braking system, side wind compensation system and a trailer manoeuvring assistant system among others are all available.

In terms of passive safety, front, side and head airbags for the driver and passengers and an extensive range of warning systems that includes a reversing camera, parking distance monitor and the Rear Traffic Alert system are also on offer.

LED headlights, cornering lights and Light Assist ensure a clear view of the road ahead at night, while the Crafter also comes with online services that are tailored to the specific needs of customers.

Read more in the August edition of Commercial Fleet.