Volkswagen is preparing an updated Crafter: the van will receive a redesigned interior

The refreshed commercial vehicle of the German brand will go on sale on the European market next spring.

VW produces Crafter since 2006, the model changed generations in 2016, production was established at the concern’s plant in Poland. By the way, at the same time the prototype of an all-electric version debuted — the Volkswagen e-Crafter. The commercial vehicle is available in chassis, all-metal van and minibus versions. Now the German manufacturer is preparing an updated Crafter for an imminent presentation.

Sketch of the updated Volkswagen Crafter

VW has so far decided to show the exterior and interior of the refreshed van using official sketches. The commercial vehicle will continue to be offered in two wheelbases (3.64 and 4.49 meters), in different weight categories (gross vehicle weight — up to 5500 kg), as well as in versions that differ in roof height (from 2. 4 to almost 3 meters) and length (from 6.0 to 7.4 meters). Judging by the sketch, there will be practically no visual differences in the exterior, except that the radiator grille and the lower part of the front bumper will be designed slightly differently.

Sketch of the interior of the updated Volkswagen Crafter

The refreshed Volkswagen Crafter has received a new interior. In the center of the front panel there is a separate horizontal tablet of the latest generation infotainment system, which debuted on the ID minivan presented last summer. Buzz with extended wheelbase. The basic versions have a 10.3-inch touchscreen diagonal; a 12.9-inch display is available for an additional fee.

Below the screen are illuminated touch buttons that allow you to adjust the interior temperature and sound volume. The updated VW Crafter also has a large virtual instrument panel with different options for displaying information (you can select the layout using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel).

In the photo: current Volkswagen Crafter 1/2 In the photo: current Volkswagen Crafter 2/2 < p>The restyled Crafter received an electric parking brake, and the automatic transmission selector is now located on the steering column (another borrowing from the “green” ID. Buzz). As a result, versions with automatic transmission now have a cup holder on the center console. During the update, the model added various safety systems, including emergency braking with detection of cyclists and pedestrians, road sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, etc.

In the photo: interior of the current Volkswagen Crafter

As Volkswagen said, the updated Crafter will be offered in versions with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The output of diesel four-cylinder turbo engines will remain the same – 140, 163 and 177 hp. They will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic (for rear-wheel drive versions this will be a new 8-automatic transmission).

The start of sales of the restyled VW Crafter in Europe is scheduled for April next year. Then the new product will reach dealers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America. The company will announce prices later.