Reviews - Volkswagen

Overall Rating

Volkswagen's Crafter is the successor to the LT in the large panel van market. Strong and masculine a design away from the usual VW simple styling. Good choice of engines, wheelbases and roof heights.

• High tech engine
• Large choice of models
• Good standard spec

• Unusual looks
• More expensive than competitors
• Looks like a dump truck

The Crafter's exterior has large four-bar cattle grid grille is pushed upwards and outwards on a raised section of the bonnet with big, vertical headlamps with a thick bumper section below. The front has a definite truck look about it probably in VW's effort to be masculine. The look is a departure away from VW's usual simple styling with this large bulky front. ABS, electronic brake force distribution and Electronic Stability Control system. Remote central locking, electric windows and a driver's airbag are standard. Storage is good with door pockets, overhead shelf and a glove box that can be air-conditioned to keep drinks cool. The Crafters doors automatically lock once you hit 10mph to protect you and your belongings from traffic light grabbers. The driving position is high and rigid with a smooth driving experience, well insulated to protect against road noise. Just one engine available the 5-cylinder 2.5-litre unit that uses piezo injectors to deliver multiple high-pressure injections of fuel to each cylinder for more efficient combustion. The engine adapts to the demands being placed on it by the driver, striking a continuously variable balance between fuel economy and performance. The Crafters engine uses variable geometry turbo charging exhaust gas recirculation, a particle filter and a catalytic converter to help maintain the lowest possible emissions levels. Bhp's are 89bhp for the entry-level model, then 109bhp and 136bhp versions to the range-topping 164bhp derivative. The Crafter is available in the massive range body options that are part of being in the large panel vans club with three basic gross vehicle weights of 3.0, 3.5 and 5.0 tonnes. The next choice is which wheelbase suits you best, three wheelbases on offer with four load lengths and three roof heights. As well as panel vans there are chassis and crew cabs. Access is by twin side-hinged rear doors or the sliding side door which has a particularly wide aperture of 1,300mm, load volume is between 7m3 and 17m3 derivative dependant.

Away for the usual VW looks the Crafter is at the top of the large panel van sector. As with its competitors there is a large choice so you can get the van that really does suit you best.