Volkswagen is introducing the 2011 Crafter, five years after the automaker’s large van has debuted at the Commercial
Vehicle Show.
This new version promises to be better in every aspect, meaning it can handle heavier payloads, it requires less fuel and emitts less CO2, plus the van’s running costs are also lower.
Apart from the old 2.5-litre BlueTDI engines that are compliant with the Euro 5 emissions standards, the 2011 Volkswagen Crafter will be available with a new 4-cylinder 2.0-litre common rail TDI diesel which according to initial data might produce emissions as low as 195 grams per Km. Later this year the German automaker promises to enhance the 2011 Volkswagen Crafter with the BlueMotion Technology, a Start Stop system and battery regeneration in order to further optimise efficiency.
As far as visual changes the 2011 Volkswagen Crafter has only received a new front grille while the interior has received a redesigned dashboard and instrument panel along with new upholstery.
Pricing for the 2011 Volkswagen Crafter will be announced at a later date.
Volkswagen press release :
Five years after the Crafter made its world debut at the Commercial
Vehicle Show, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is delighted to announce
early information about a new Crafter ahead of its start of production
later this summer.
First details indicate the new Crafter will cause a revolution in the
large van market with increased payloads and improvements in
efficiency, emissions and running costs.
The current Crafter has already achieved EEV (Enhanced
Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) status with its range of
five-cylinder, 2.5-litre BlueTDI engines with emissions comfortably
exceeding the latest Euro5 standards. Now, Volkswagen is improving the
new Crafter’s environmental credentials even further by introducing its
latest four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, common rail TDI engines across the
range.
Power outputs will compare with the current engine range, but with
increased torque and efficiency, Volkswagen expects them to set new
class standards for emissions and running costs in the large van
sector. Initial engine data suggests the new Crafter could produce
emissions from as low as 195 g/km.
The 2.0 TDI engines are already proven in the new Amarok pick-up,
Caddy and Transporter and have been praised for their refinement and
efficiency. This engine is expected to reduce fuel consumption and
emissions figures for the new Crafter by up to 33 per cent. Running
costs could also be reduced by up to 25 per cent thanks to better fuel
consumption and lower servicing costs. Later this year, Volkswagen
BlueMotion Technology combined with a Start/Stop system and battery
regeneration is also expected to be introduced for the new Crafter.
Weight savings from the new engines, along with other technical
modifications, will allow payload increases.
Changes to the exterior of the new Crafter are limited to the front
grille which is refreshed in line with the modern Volkswagen design DNA
to emphasis its horizontal lines. The interior will feature various
modifications to details including new upholstery and redesigned
instruments.
‘The Crafter is already great to drive, has plenty of carrying
ability with good environmental credentials, so enhancements to running
costs and payloads are guaranteed to prove very successful and attract
new customers,’ said Matthew Bowden, Head of Operations, Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles.
Prices and full UK specifications will be confirmed before the launch of the new Crafter this summer.
