If you're a business owner who relies on your car to get the job done, the VW Crafter should be at the top of your list of vehicles to consider. This impressive workhorse is perfect for anyone who needs to transport large items or lots of people, and it's got all the features you need to make your life easier. So, if you're in the market for a new van, check out the VW Crafter – you won't be disappointed!
It’s a universal truth that all business owners can relate to – time is money. That’s why it’s so crucial to invest in a reliable, tried-and-tested Volkswagen van. Volkswagen’s Crafter range has been a fan favourite in the medium to large van market for some years and for good reason. Its versatility and robustness make it one of the best in its class. Read on to discover what makes the Crafter one of the best vans on the market!
Quick links
- Make Your Workday Easier With a VW Van
- What to expect from the Volkswagen Crafter range: An overview
- Exterior and Interior Design Review
- Performance and Practicality Review
- Safety and Security Review
- Volkswagen Crafter FAQs
- Additional Resources on VW Crafter
- This is what VW Vans are all about!
Make Your Workday Easier With a VW Van
Flexible, economical, and able to handle the daily demands of doing business, the latest Volkswagen Crafter range will get the job done on time, every time. The range’s overall sturdiness allows all its derivatives to hold up against even the most challenging road conditions, while incredibly fuel-efficient 2.0 litre TDI engines help you save money on refuelling in the long run.
The Crafter range of vans consists of a stable of workhorses without equal that is sure to become your new star employee. If you’re looking for a van that offers plenty of personalisation options to meet your specific business needs, then the Volkswagen Crafter is the solution.
Take Your Pick from A Variety of Models
With several dealerships across the country, CFAO Volkswagen brings the full Volkswagen South Africa range to the public through our extensive dealership network. Whether you're on the lookout for a new (or used) Volkswagen passenger or commercial vehicle, we can help with a considerable stock holding. There are plenty of vehicles to choose from.
If you prefer a custom order, we will gladly assist you and help you navigate the ordering process with ease. When you buy your new vehicle from us, you can expect top-class after-care and a competitive price. Get in touch with our fantastic F&I team and they will help to put together a deal that suits your budget, whether you’re purchasing as a business or individual.
The Crafter is available in both panel van and bus conversion-ready versions.
Some of the latest Crafter derivatives include:
- The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103 kW (MCV)
- The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103 kW (LCV)
- The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW Auto (MCV)
- The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW 4MOTION® (MCV)
- The Crafter 50 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW LWB HR
- The Crafter 50 Bus Conversion ready 2.0 TDI 103kW LWB HR
- The Crafter 50 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103kW XL
- The Crafter 50 Bus Conversion ready 2.0 TDI 103kW XL
Please take note that we won’t be focusing on a single VW Van Crafter derivative in this article but aim to give you an informative Crafter review of the whole range. For more specific information on any of these models and more, be sure to get in touch with a CFAO Volkswagen dealer near you. We also invite you to book a test drive with the Volkswagen Crafter derivative of your choice at the dealer closest to you.
What to Expect From the Volkswagen Crafter Range: An Overview
Volkswagen’s Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 103 kW (MCV) can be considered this range’s entry-level derivative. To give you a better idea of what you can come to expect from the rest of the range, we will provide you with a brief overview of the van and some of its basic features.
If you are interested in learning more about any derivative’s costs, be sure to read our Volkswagen Crafter price article as well.
Engine Performance of the Crafter Derivative
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Capacity (cm3) | 1968 |
| Output (kW @ r/min) | 103@3500-3600 |
| Torque (Nm @ r/min) | 340 @ 1600-2250 |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 193 |
| Transmission | |
| 6-speed Manual | Standard |
| Fuel Consumption | |
| Urban cycle (litres / 100 km) | 8,8 |
| Extra-urban cycle (litres / 100 km) | 6,5 |
| Combined cycle (litres / 100 km) | 7,3 |
Dimensions and Capacities of the Crafter Derivative
| Dimensions / Capacities | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank (l) | 75 |
| Length (mm) | 5986 |
| Height (mm) | 2355 |
| Width excl. mirrors (mm) | 2040 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3640 |
| Overhang - front (mm) | 1000 |
| Overhang - rear (mm) | 1346 |
| Turning circle (m) | 13,6 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 195 |
| Load compartment length (mm) | 3201 |
| Load compartment width (mm) | 1832 |
| Load compartment height with Normal roof (Crafter 35) | 1726 |
| Load compartment height with High roof (Crafter 35) | 1961 |
| Load compartment width between wheelhouses (mm) | 1380 |
| Load volume to roof - all seats in place (m3) | 9,9 |
| Load volume to roof - all seats in place with High roof (m3) | 11,3 |
| Sliding door aperture width (mm) | 1311 |
| Sliding door aperture height (mm) | 1587 |
| Sliding door height with High roof (mm) | 1822 |
| Rear wing doors width (mm) | 1552 |
| Rear wing doors height (mm) | 1605 |
| Rear wing doors height with High roof (mm) | 1840 |
| Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) (kg) | 3550 |
| Gross Combined Mass (GCM) (kg) | 6000 |
| Axle load limit front / rear (kg) | 1800/2100 |
| Trailer weight braked, 12% gradient (kg) | 3000 |
| Payload with driver (kg) | 1597 |
| Unladen Mass without driver and fuel (kg) | 1953 |
Standard Convenience Features Available With the Crafter Derivative
- 3 seats
- Height-adjustable head restraints
- Driver seat includes longitudinal and backrest angle adjustment
- 2-seater front passenger bench seat with storage compartment
- Warning buzzer and light for driver seatbelt not fastened
- Seat trim covers in fabric "Austin"
- Laminated windscreen with heat-insulating glass,
- Windows with heat-insulating glass
- Electric window winders – front
Do you want to learn more about the Crafter range’s specs and features? Read our Volkswagen Crafter specs article, too.
Exterior and Interior Design Review
Despite being produced by the German automaker’s Commercial Vehicle Division, it does take some of its design cues from the Passenger Vehicle Division. The van has a clean and professional commercial appearance on the exterior and interior but excels with its warmth and personality.
Despite what you may have grown to believe about commercial vehicles, plenty have come to value and focus more on aesthetics in recent years. This includes the latest Crafter range in the Volkswagen line-up. The design lines taken from Volkswagen’s passenger vehicle line-up is clear in the current Crafter range. Volkswagen Crafters now boast an air of premium German quality and solidity, making these VW vans a cut above the rest.
Volkswagen’s DNA is made clear when viewing the Crafter from the outside, thanks to its proud VW badge, dominant headlight clusters and broad radiator grille. Its outward appearance is as professional as its performance. You get to choose from two wheelbases, three distinct roof configurations and three body lengths when ordering the new Crafter that suits your specific business needs.
The perfection with which the Crafter range was assembled is made even clearer when setting foot in its interior. Attention has been given to all aspects of the Crafter cabin’s design, to deliver unrivalled comfort and safety to both the driver and their passengers. Enhanced cabin ergonomics ensure higher levels of ease of use and practicality for all seat occupants, supporting them throughout a challenging day’s work.
Some interior improvements include the addition of robust seat upholstery to ensure prolonged durability, several storage compartments located throughout the cabin and a revised control panel and instrument cluster. With the VW Crafter, you get to take a professional space on the road with you.
Performance and Practicality Review
Modern vans need to be functional and attractive, and the Crafter is exactly that. When it comes to large commercial vehicles, you’d be forgiven for thinking there are no easy to manoeuvre variants. However, the Crafter is. Settle down in the driver’s seat, take it for a spin and you’ll soon find the large van feels the same as a compact VW vehicle like the Golf or Polo in terms of handling and driveability. Space is generous for all seat occupants and cargo alike. It’s never been a bad thing for a large vehicle to feel far smaller than it really is, plus much easier to drive than is initially expected.
Whether you end up choosing one of the front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive derivatives, the Crafter is known for its comfortable and smooth ride, which only improves further when there’s a load in the back. The new Volkswagen Crafter range also offers quick and responsive steering. A six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox functions nice and slick as well.
The engine in the Crafter is a 2.0 litre TDI and delivers near-instant power and torque, pulling effortlessly when just a few revs above idle. This range’s braking performance is impressive too, considering its high weights. With the Crafter’s typical loading capacity of between 9.9-17.5 m3, the range can handle every load thrown it's way.
Its long loading space of up to 4.6 m also ensures that you never leave any cargo behind. When the time comes for loading and unloading cargo, you can access the goods from the rear end of the van through a set of wing doors or, alternatively, through the 1.3 m wide sliding door on the left-hand side. Transporting a payload of up to 2.5 tons has never been easier. To drive and use the Volkswagen Crafter is a breeze and a joy!
Safety and Security Review
Safety is a top priority in all of Volkswagen’s vehicles, including the new Crafter. The range is equipped with various innovative safety features, all of which are designed to keep seat occupants and cargo out of trouble.
Standard safety features include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Automatic post-collision braking system
- Hill-hold assist
- Crosswind Assist
- Driver Alert System
- Driver and front passenger airbag with a front passenger airbag deactivation
- High-level third brake light with LED technology
- First Aid Kit and warning triangle
- One wheel chock
- Immobiliser
- Central locking system with radio remote control and interior release mechanism
For more information on the standard and optional safety features of the Crafter range, visit the new Crafter page on CFAO Volkswagen South Africa’s website or download the latest brochure.
VW Crafter FAQs
Are Volkswagen Crafters reliable?
No car is perfect, but the VW Crafter comes incredibly close. It's been outfitted specifically for safety and reliability, making it a car that you can lean on. For more about the Crafter’s reliability and other brief features, you can read this article.
Is a Mercedes Sprinter the same as a VW Crafter?
Although these vans may look very similar, they’re different vehicles entirely. Not only are their outward appearances unique, they also have their own internal features specific to their respective brands. If you’re interested in learning about the differences between the Sprinter and the Crafter, then you can read through this informative article.
How many miles per gallon does a VW Crafter do?
The VW Crafter can do about 37.7mpg, which translates to about roughly 16km per litre.
Is the VW Crafter galvanised?
As stated by the manufacturers, all VW vehicles come galvanised.
Additional Resources on VW Crafter
- VW Crafter problems for additional troubleshooting on this vehicle if you should ever encounter any issues.
- New VW Crafter problems and other people’s reviews on the Crafter.
- VW Crafter reviews 2020 for an in-depth review.
- VW Crafter review 2014 for reviews on the older Crafter models.
- VW Crafter problems forum is a great way to talk to the rest of the VW community as well as our experts on any issues that you may face with your van.
- VW Crafter specs
- VW Crafter for sale for VW Crafter prices as well as other commercial vehicles.
- VW Crafter facelift 2022 for a full review about changes to the new Crafters external appearance.
For a visual review on the VW Crafter, click here.
This Is What VW Vans are all about!
Safe travels, convenience for everyday transit and modern technology that is ageless. The Volkswagen Crafter allows you to take your business enterprises to the next level by investing in one of the best vans in South Africa.
Remember to book your test drive at a CFAO Volkswagen near you to experience all this medium to large van has to offer for yourself. Also, feel free to contact our staff with any burning questions, comments or queries you may have – they’re always happy to assist.
Whichever options you choose; from rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, medium wheelbase, or long wheelbase – the new Crafter range is the van you want to have. We hope you enjoyed this VW van review, and we hope to hear from you soon! If you’d like to learn more about this commercial vehicle, you can check out our other articles below:
Invest in a Volkswagen van that gets the job done time and time again. Choose a Crafter.
