vw crafter
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With all our automotive reviews of late, we feel that we have
somewhat neglected our transport and logistics readers so
along side our monthly look at the top car, we have decided to touch
on the unstoppable VW Crafter.
We worked the crafter to the bone and moved an entire terraced
house in two and half loads to ensure we put the crafter through its
paces. The VW Crafter comes in three wheel bases with four body
lengths and three heights offering a wide range of payloads and in my
opinion makes it a great all-rounder for multiple purposes, available
in single and double-chassis cab, window van, drop side and tippers.
The first thing that struck me was the great field of vision when
reversing, as many vans lack the use of a rear window which makes
reversing a tricky task but not in the Crafter. Reversing around a
corner following the kerb line with millimetre precision was child’s
play thanks to the great mirrors and no blind spots.
The short wheel base model is very spacious inside and when
loaded correctly can really move a substantial volume and when
fully laden it is still demonstrates impressive fuel economy due to
the regenerative breaks, low-rolling resistant tyres and of course the
2.0-litre TDI BlueMotion engine giving it a combined fuel economy of
39 MPG.
As a VW GTDI owner I instantly recognized the quality of
engineering under the bonnet and to be honest the Crafter felt
exactly the same to drive as my Golf.
The 2.0-litre TDI engine provide plenty of power and torque &
great acceleration. The Crafter comes with ESC electronic stability
control as standard like all Volkswagen vans along with electronic
brake force distribution and traction control systems to assist
in slippery conditions. The
Crafter comes with a three year
unlimited warrantee and three
years Volkswagen breakdown
assistance.
Poised and easily positioned
it goes exactly where you turn it
without the inherent body roll
you would normally expect from a
van. When it comes to ride quality
VW have done an impressive job,
seamlessly ironing out holes in
the road. We chose to test this in
a very unorthodox but effective
way by placing a box at the
back of the van just behind the
doors and filling it with glasses
and breakables without any
protection. When we arrived at
our destination everything was
intact.
The interior of the Crafter
is spacious and comfortable,
particularly if you find yourself
on long journeys and provides
a good driving position with
seat height, and reach-and-rake
adjustment. Lots of storage with
a large compartments above the front windscreen while electric
windows are standard and the cruise control option (£215.00 optional
extra) is a must have for motorway/duel carriageway driving although
comes as standard with all BlueMotion models. The visibility pack is
a great option too that includes rain sensors, headlamp washers and
automatic lights and will only set you back a further £370.00. Sat-
NAV is an additional £1,640.00 however it is useful, especially if you
plan to use the van for the transport and logistics industry. This also
includes Bluetooth integration.
All in all the Crafter is a sturdy and reliable machine with the
advantage of additional comfort coming in as a direct competitor to
the Mercedes Sprinter that is in my opinion superior.
BY DANNY EDWARDS
THE VW Crafter