VW Crafter: Where Robust Utility Meets Refined Luxury

Volkswagen Crafter van, known for its robustness and practicality in the demanding world of commercial vehicles, has embraced a new level of sophistication. The latest iteration not only withstands the rigors of both interior and exterior wear but now does so with an air of elegance, an attribute that's not traditionally prioritized in work vans.

The Crafter's most significant updates are found within its cabin, which now sports a modern look thanks to a suite of digital enhancements. The standard interior includes a 10-inch touchscreen, with an option to upgrade to a 12-inch display, both featuring a new graphical interface first seen in the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz.

Functionality meets convenience with the replacement of the traditional floor-mounted handbrake with a dashboard-mounted switch. For vehicles with manual transmissions, there remains a shifter on the console, while automatic variants enjoy a steering column gear selector, akin to the one found in the new Passat.

Additional cabin improvements aim at both convenience and safety: a port for cable-free electronic device mounting, Travel Assist technology featuring adaptive cruise control, and, for the first time in the Crafter, lane assist. The switch to USB-C charging ports is another nod to modern demands.

The exterior and versatility remain as robust as ever, with a range of body styles and sizes to suit diverse business needs. Orders starting in April offer choices of front, rear, or all-wheel drive, and manual or automatic transmissions, including a new eight-speed automatic for rear-wheel drive models.

Despite the interior's leap forward in terms of luxury and technology, the Crafter's powertrain remains familiar. All models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, with power outputs ranging from 138 to 175 horsepower. This ensures that while the Crafter has evolved to offer a more luxurious in-cab experience, its workhorse heart remains unchanged.