WITH over 11 500 units sold since its introduction in the South African market in 2007, the Volkswagen Crafter has been updated with the addition of the Crafter 35 Automatic and 4MOTION derivatives.

By combining rugged versatility, cutting-edge engineering and a business-orientated approach, the Volkswagen Crafter is the ultimate transport solution. It also offers maximum personalisation; 90% of Crafters sold in South Africa are converted into busses for passenger transport (taxi’s and scholar transport), ambulances and patient carriers by government departments and the balance being sold to logistics and courier companies.

The Crafter, which is manufactured in Poland, is the largest 3 to 5 tonne van produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The Crafter, with its efficiency, reliability, durability and adaptability, can cope with the most demanding road conditions and the fuel-efficient TDI engine makes it perfectly suited to the transportation demands of South African businesses.

The Crafter has a sturdy frame and a generous loading capacity. Boasting a loading capacity ranging between 9.3m³ and 17.5 m³, the Crafter can handle any load thrown at it. It also has the longest loading spaces in its class of up to 4.6m.

Loading and unloading from the back is made easy through two rear wing doors or through the 1.3m-wide left-hand side sliding door. For even more convenience, a sliding door is optional for the right-hand side as well. The flexible and practical nature of the Crafter makes it suited to a variety of applications. With a payload capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes and torque of up to 340Nm, even the heaviest loads feel light.

The Crafter is available in 3.5 tonne GVM and 5 tonne GVM versions. Customers can also choose from two wheelbases (3 640mm or 4 490mm), three body lengths and two different roof configurations.

Safety is of utmost importance to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and that’s why the Crafter 35 is fitted with innovative safety features designed to deliver all-round protection. Essential safety systems such as ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) combined with Brake Assist and Crosswind Assist, MCB (Multi-Collision Braking), TCS (Traction Control System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) are all standard in the Crafter.

The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI Automatic is fitted with the same world-class standard safety systems and convenience features found in the Crafter 35 Manual version.

The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI Automatic is characterised by a 100mm lower loading sill (when compared to the 4MOTION derivative), the largest loading height and payload in its class as well as bigger headroom within the loading area.

The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION offers reliable traction, the best tracking stability as well as a trailer load of up to three tonnes. The Crafter 35 Panel Van 2.0 TDI 4MOTION is based on the front-wheel drive model but adds a four-wheel drive coupling that delivers power to the rear axle. The permanent four wheel driving system means that as much power as possible is sent to the front wheels alone in order to maximise fuel economy.