{mosimage}The manufacturer is backing up the launch of the large van with an advertising campaign that draws attention to the van’s fuel economy of up to 38.7mpg and CO2 emissions that it claims go as low as 199g /km.
The new Crafter is powered by the 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel engine already available in the Transporter and Amarok.
It is offered with power outputs of 109, 136, 143 and 163hp with Bluemotion Technology models available to enhance fuel economy.
VW claims the new engine delivers equivalent or higher levels of torque at lower engine speeds than the five-cylinder, 2.5-litre Blue TDI engine it replaces.
For example, it says the CR35 2.0-litre TDI 163hp Bluemotion MWB panel van achieves 29% better fuel economy on the combined cycle than the 2.5-litre BlueTDI with the same output. This gain of eight miles per gallon could extend the range of a 75 litre fuel tank by 130 miles, claims VW.
The lighter new engine has also boosted payload by up to 100kg.
Emissions have been trimmed by at least 10% across the line-up.
The CR35 163hp Bluemotion emits CO2 of 199g/km, which, the brand claims, is 23% less than the engine it replaces.
Prices have increased by an average 1.2% across the range and, excluding VAT, start from £20,450 for the CR30 2.0-litre TDI 109hp SWB panel van, or from £309 a month, not including VAT and initial rent, on lease from VW Commercial Vehicles Finance.
