VW Crafter: For especially valuable passengers

Volkswagen Crafter

Volkswagen Crafter
Volkswagen Crafter

The Volkswagen Crafter is a relatively rare car on Russian roads, but among small-tonnage vehicles from European companies bought new from us, its share is not so small, because most of the almost seven thousand cars registered in our country were sold through official dealers. Comparing statistics at the beginning of this year with data at the beginning of last year (see tables of the analytical agency Autostat), we see that the number of cars has almost doubled in such a short period of time.

Moreover, the highest interest in this model was suddenly shown in St. Petersburg - almost eight hundred new cars were bought there, that is, a third more than in Moscow. Buyers respect the Crafter for its German reliability and excellent engines - advantages for which they are willing to pay more than the cost of French, Korean and Italian light-duty vehicles, which are much more common in Russia. The fact that most of the carriers who have chosen Crafter is concentrated in the financially prosperous Central District is quite natural, and good sales volumes in the Volga region, the Urals and Siberia can be explained by the fact that German equipment is better adapted to cold climates than those made in the south of Europe , and many have heard about the trouble-free start-up of Volkswagen engines in severe frost.

Volkswagen Crafter, 2020

Additional equipment that increases/replaces standard equipment: ● Front seat belts: 3-point, driver. — with electric pretensioner and height adjustment, pass. — inertial, without reg. ● For Russia ● Post-warranty service support - 1 year ● Front right seat: double, niche under the pillow ● Climatic air conditioning ● Front and rear mudguards ● Outside rear-view mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated ● Additional quick-heating liquid heater (preheater) ● Radio preparation with 2 speakers ● Full-size spare wheel CAR INTERIOR EQUIPMENT after retrofitting: Option 1 interior layout 4 seats in the rear: Total number of seats: up to 20 (19+1) Waterproof, non-slip and antistatic floor covering Double thermal and noise insulation (for northern regions ) Interior finishing: aluminum composite sandwich panels covered with fabric Panoramic glazing (2 windows in the side door and opposite) Floor with a podium Organization of a luggage compartment with lighting under the rear row of seats (raising the rear row on higher supports without cutting the body) - only with the presence of a “monoblock” type air conditioner or with the installation of an air conditioner only in the driver’s cabin/front part of the cabin, without air conditioning at all Seats – Tourist luxury, high comfort, with 3 point belts and with a shift into the aisle, with an adjustable backrest with an armrest, newspaper mesh, tables , plastic on the backs of the seats. Autonomous interior heater (4 kW) Installation of a liquid dependent heater (8 kW) Cutting a double seat into a single one (without a folding mechanism) Installing a USB socket (10-12 pcs., depending on the bus model and interior layout) 12V socket in the luggage compartment Partition for driver and passenger compartments (40 cm) Air conditioning mounted in the ceiling (10 kW), monoblock (GlaceCo) Individual wiring from the air conditioning system - shelves for hand luggage + individual lighting units, including LED lighting around the perimeter, made of aluminum profile Decorative covering of window openings, rear doors, side sliding door - artificial leather Ventilation emergency hatch (glass) Forced interior ventilation system (FVU) Interior lamps (3 pcs.) Rear door locking device Electric sliding door (Ador / Turkey) rack and pinion mechanism Installation USB sockets (10-12 pcs., depending on the bus model and interior layout) Interior handrails All-round tinting (8 glasses) Curtains for windows Curtain for hatch Threshold with decorative lighting Side step Fire extinguisher (2 pcs.) Emergency hammer First aid kit Interior stickers

Inspection location

You can inspect the car at the address: Moscow, Khimki, Leningradskoe highway, vl. 18, Germanika Volkswagen Khimki Comtrans

Anatomy of the model

Produced since 2006 and undergoing a slight restyling in 2011, the Volkswagen Crafter is still unified in most parts with the similar light-duty Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. In fact, the models differ only in engines, gearboxes, lighting equipment, elements of exterior trim and interior of the cabin. According to an agreement between the two German automakers, they are assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plants in Dusseldorf (all-metal vans and buses) and Ludwigsfeld (chassis and onboard modifications). In the first case, the 11th position of the VIN number contains the number 6, and in the second - 7. The first three positions always contain the code WV1. The designation of the modifications is extremely simple: the rounded gross vehicle weight in hundreds of kilograms is encrypted with a two-digit number, and there are three options in total: 30, 35 and 50. In addition to this marking, there is also a division by body type: Kasten - an all-metal cargo van, Kombi - a cargo-passenger van with a number seats from two to nine, Pritschenwagen - a flatbed truck and Fahrgestell - a chassis for installing a special body or other superstructure.

According to dealer statistics, in Russia more often they buy all-metal 3- and 3.5-ton modifications used as delivery trucks. The demand for 5-ton vans, including those intended for conversion into minibus taxis, is low; in this niche, the similar Sprinter is much more in demand - its emblem looks more solid. It’s even less common to buy a Crafter chassis, because for the same 1.3–1.5 million rubles you can buy, for example, an Isuzu NQR75, which can carry two tons more and has a million-dollar engine. Also, Kombi is almost not in demand here - the lighter T5 is much more relevant as an office minibus, and versions with a larger passenger capacity are unprofitable to import into Russia in finished form.

Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Crafter, Pickup 2006-present.

• 35 2.5 TDI , Manual, 2461 cc, 163 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp.
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp.
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp.
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp.
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp.
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB Double cab , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp

Opinion

Andrey Ivanov, head of the transport department of City Express, Moscow.

— Our company is engaged in courier delivery of express mail and cargo; the Moscow branch has about thirty light-duty vans in its fleet, including all representatives of the Volkswagen commercial range: Caddy, Transporter, as well as one all-metal Crafter van produced in 2008. We bought it new from an official dealer and use it for one-time transportation of large consignments of cargo. Flights are mainly in Moscow and the Moscow region, but there are also flights to neighboring regions - usually with a return on the same day. The 5-ton modification of the Crafter 50 was chosen based on the large internal volume of the long-wheelbase version with a high roof, rather than its 2500 kg load capacity.

In four years, the car ran about 100 thousand km - there were no major breakdowns or major repairs. We keep it in an open parking lot all year round - in any frost, the engine is guaranteed to start. The only case when the engine did not start immediately was due to the driver’s fault: on Friday evening he forgot to turn off one of the energy consumers, and over the weekend the battery was discharged. Among the minor shortcomings of the car, I note the capriciousness of some elements of electrical equipment in wet and snowy weather. For example, when wet snow hits the ABS wheel sensors, which often happens during snowfall and slush on the road, the warning light on the instrument panel begins to flash. This does not affect the effectiveness of the brakes in any way, and when necessary they operate with consistent reliability. But false failure signals get on the driver’s nerves, and if he strictly follows the safety rules, he must immediately interrupt the flight to find out the cause of the malfunction - brakes are no joke! When the brakes warm up, the warning light goes out. The temperature and engine coolant level sensors behave similarly - apparently, the designers ensured their smooth operation only in fairly mild conditions of the European climate. In our case, as soon as frost hits, the antifreeze shortage lamp lights up on the instrument panel - especially if the car is driving along the highway and cold air intensively passes through the radiator. The driver stops, opens the hood - the fluid level is normal. The “treatment” here is simple: in the old fashioned way, we place a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator, and the electronics stop “going crazy.”

More serious complaints are about the quality of the paint; the enamel is not flexible enough and easily falls off the body along with the primer. It looks like small chips without corrosion of the metal (it is galvanized), which are gradually overgrown with dirt, and our white car takes on an unpresentable appearance. Moreover, for such pinpoint chipping, even a light impact is enough - our cars do not drive on gravel roads, at most - an ordinary “sandblast” from dirty puddles. The fragility of the enamel is typical for all commercial models of the Volkwagen brand, produced by different factories: Crafter (Dusseldorf), Transporter (Hannover) and Caddy (Poznan) - apparently, the paint comes from the same factory. The only thing that helped was “branding” the car: they covered it with a special film in the City Express corporate style; now many organizations offer such services.

While the factory warranty was valid, the Crafter was serviced at the technical center of the official dealer. Then we started going to an independent service center - its services, taking into account the possibility of using non-original spare parts, are much cheaper, and the qualifications of the staff inspire more confidence. Moreover, we have been servicing Caddy and Transporter models there for a long time. Looking back, you wonder: perhaps you should have refused the services of a dealership technical center immediately after purchasing a new car.

Volkswagen Crafter review

The cargo-passenger version of the car can accommodate up to seven people (including the driver). Behind the passenger seats is a large cargo area. The vehicle's carrying capacity is from three to five tons. The Crafter is primarily intended for commercial use - because of this, there are a large number of modifications and versions of the car (about 400 configuration options). The Crafter combines practicality and versatility, as well as comfort - the driver and passengers will be comfortable both in the city and on the highway.

Interior

The driver's cabin is more reminiscent of a passenger car than a truck. The dashboard design is minimalistic - there are no unnecessary buttons or equipment. The screen of the on-board computer (also a multimedia system) attracts attention, which, like other elements of the instrument panel, is made in a restrained style.

Below it is a simple control panel for the car's climate. The driver's seat is equipped with an anatomically shaped seat and shock absorbers. For convenience, several shelves were made on the door near the driver’s seat; there is another shelf and a cup holder near the steering wheel - this way the driver can comfortably organize his workspace. These shelves do not interfere in any way while driving, and there is enough space even for a relatively large driver. Next to the driver there is space for two passengers. The gearbox is placed close to the driver at a slight angle - this eliminates the need for the driver to reach far with his hand while driving, and the passenger will not touch the gearbox with his foot.

Read also Volkswagen Tiguan City equipment

In the all-metal van version, there is a cargo compartment immediately behind the driver and passengers (there is also a place for a spare wheel). In the cargo-passenger version, behind the driver there are five more seats for passengers, and behind the seats there is a cargo compartment.

On the one hand, this reduces the maximum volume of transported cargo, on the other hand, it allows you to transport up to seven people including the driver.

Exterior

The exterior of the cargo-passenger and all-metal modifications of the Crafter is almost the same. Distinctive features of these versions are the special shape of the radiator grille and the sliding door, which is located on the right side of the car. The VW Crafter uses a double rear door to access the cargo area. Modifications in the form of a dump truck or chassis differ in the type of cargo compartment.

Crafter 35 Kasten, long wheelbase, extended overhang, extra high roof

Crafter 35 Kasten, long wheelbase, extended overhang, extra-high roof
Crafter 35 Kasten, long wheelbase, extended overhang, extra-high roof

The load capacity range of all-metal Crafter vans is from 680 to 2710 kg with useful volumes from 7.5 to 17 m3. There are three wheelbase options: 3250, 3665 and 4325 mm, for the latter there is a choice of regular and increased rear overhang, which gives a total of four body length options. And three roof height options (low, high and extra high) allow you to precisely select the volume of the van at the required length. At the same time, the Crafter 30 comes only with a short and medium wheelbase, with a low and high roof. The “thirty-fifth” has all the options for bases and heights, and even an extended rear overhang, and the “fiftieth” has everything the same, except for a short wheelbase. In addition, the Crafter 50 differs from less heavy-duty versions by its dual-pitch rear wheels.

The latter circumstance may not suit some buyers from the provinces, who in winter have to drive on roads that are not cleared of snow. In this case, we can recommend the 4.6-ton version of the “fiftieth” with single tires size 285/65 R16, which pass through loose snow (and in the summer through clay “porridge”) much more successfully than double tires. But you will have to order such a car individually and wait longer than usual, because the typical “fiftieth” that our dealers bring comes with a double-pitch tire. Apparently, there is a fear that not all Russian carriers will want to buy rather expensive special super single tires, designed for almost double the load - after all, such models of rare demand are not presented in the catalogs of many competing sellers. It is likely that the owner will put regular tires on the rear of a 4.6-ton car, but will load it in accordance with the rated load capacity. As a result, under an unfortunate combination of circumstances (hot weather, a slightly overinflated cylinder, plus a series of intense braking), tire explosions and severe injuries to pedestrians passing nearby are quite likely. A few such cases are enough for the Crafter to acquire a reputation as a “killer car,” which is not at all in the interests of the respected German company, so its decision to supply us with a “fiftieth” with gable rear wheels is humanly understandable.

Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Crafter, Minivan 2006-present.

• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB Kombi L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB Kombi L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp

Opinion

Viktor Sechin, technical director, Moscow.

— As a rule, during the first three, and often even five to six years of operation, the Volkswagen Crafter can serve almost without fail - to do this, it is enough to regularly bring the car to an authorized service center for service. Problems begin if owners, after the end of the warranty period, begin to use oils and non-original spare parts not recommended by the factory - for reasons of economy. And on new cars - install any additional equipment outside dealer service centers, for example, security systems, air conditioners, audio equipment, etc. We have to eliminate the consequences of unqualified intrusion into the complex electrical circuit of a modern car, and there are many such cases.

According to reviews from our customers, the Crafter updated in 2011 is noticeably more economical to operate than the previous one due to not only lower fuel consumption by the 2-liter engine, but also an increased service mileage of up to 20 thousand km. The latter circumstance does not mean that, having gone to the next maintenance, you can forget about the technical condition of the car for a long time - it always needs the owner’s care. It happens that we recommend that the owner arrive earlier - for example, if the stock of brake pad thickness is not enough until the next scheduled maintenance. As a rule, it is possible to estimate the normal rate of wear on a particular car quite accurately, but the client decides whether to come specifically for replacement after, say, 6 thousand km. If the route is not close - from a neighboring region - it will apparently be more profitable and more convenient to install new pads right away. Brake discs are much more expensive, but they also need to be changed in a timely manner, and, alas, not all car owners understand this. The thickness of the new one is 28 mm, and with the remaining 25 mm, the disc is considered extremely worn. If you do not replace it in time, the correct operation of the floating bracket will be disrupted, and the piston boot may rupture and subsequent replacement of an expensive assembly. With the gradual improvement in the quality of diesel fuel sold in Moscow, expensive repairs of the fuel system are becoming a thing of the past - over the past six months we have had virtually no cases of a Crafter arriving with faulty Common Rail system injectors. Failures are mainly associated with the use of winter fuel additives - of course, which have not received approval from Volkswagen.

The drug poured into the tank often clogs the fuel filter, after which the car is brought to us by tow truck. Diagnostics show a lack of pressure in the line after the booster pump, and, as a rule, it is possible to return the car to operation simply by replacing the filter and flushing the fuel system. But in general, the engines that are installed on the Crafter now (2-liter) and were installed previously (2.5-liter) are extremely reliable, cases of their premature overhaul are extremely rare. I don’t remember that we repaired gearboxes and drive axles—these units can only be damaged intentionally. We have never changed the springs - both rear and transverse in the front suspension. The service life of the clutch greatly depends on the driving style and the region in which the car is used. If the Crafter is from the outback, where you have to rock it out of the mud or snow, the driven disk can last less than 100 thousand km, and for metropolitan cars that quickly start from traffic lights, premature replacement of the dual-mass flywheel is more typical - its damper is destroyed, which causes knocking at idle and when starting off. For thrifty drivers, both the clutch and the flywheel last for years.

Advantages and disadvantages of 2019 models

Advantages of the VW Crafter 2020: comfortable conditions for the driver and passengers, low fuel consumption, confident driving in the city or on the highway, a large number of vehicle configurations and modifications, good load capacity.

Disadvantages: rapid tire wear, poor sound insulation (you can hear the engine running in the cabin), shortcomings in the basic configuration of the car, design flaws in the engine (injectors, exhaust gas radiator), low engine power (109 horsepower in the basic version is not enough when the car is heavily loaded ).

Read also Review of Volkswagen Amarok 2020

Characteristic “sores” of a car

The Crafter does not have very good sound insulation - because of this, while driving, noise from the engine can be heard inside the cabin. There are also problems with tires - they wear out faster than other cars of this class due to the increased load on the wheels.. The car's engine can be unreliable (unsuccessful examples come across) - injectors fail, other elements break. In the basic configuration, the engine power is not enough when the car is fully loaded - it’s hard to drive up hills, and at speeds above 80 km/h the engine wears out.

In winter, at sub-zero temperatures, it is more difficult to start the engine (it takes a long time to warm up).

Opinion

Egor Sochnev, Head of Corporate Department

— In 2011, the Volkswagen Crafter received a 2-liter engine. Thanks to the reduction in displacement, all four versions with a power of 80, 100, 105 and 120 kW are now distinguished by outstanding efficiency - fuel consumption has decreased by an amount from 1.2 l/100 km (for 80 kW) to 2.1 l/100 km (for 120 kW version). That is, the latter in the combined cycle consumes an average of only 7.7/100 km with CO2 emissions of 203 g/km. Taking into account the increased reliability of engines and the additional reduction in maintenance costs (the service mileage increased by 5 thousand km), the carrier’s operating costs were reduced by approximately 10%. Moreover, compared to the previous 2.5-liter of the same power, the torque of the new engine has increased from 360 Nm to 400 Nm - this is the best indicator in its class. In addition, a slight increase in load capacity - up to 90 kg depending on the model - was also useful, partly due to the use of a lighter 4-cylinder engine. Nevertheless, some buyers who already had positive experience in operating Volkswagen Crafter light-duty vehicles had mixed reactions to the reduction in the number of engine cylinders, but after a detailed acquaintance with the advantages of the new unit, the questions disappear.

One of the benefits of Volkswagen vehicles that customers value is their virtually unlimited customization. The client’s desire is the law for us, and if he has chosen any configuration option or option that is not included in the standard list for delivery to our market, his order will still be fulfilled - just in a slightly longer time. For example, we’ll bring him a very rare Crafter 50 for Russia with single rear wheels.

Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Crafter, Van 2006-present.

• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 30 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 89 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 35 2.5 TD SWB L1H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 46 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L3H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L3H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L4H2 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD LWB L4H3 , Manual, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H1 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H2 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 109 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 136 hp
• Crafter 50 2.5 TD MWB L2H3 , Mechanical, 2459 cc, 164 hp
• Kasten 2.5 TDI , Manual, 2461 cc, 163 hp

We take care of it from a young age

As the experience of carriers shows, despite the almost “passenger” design with a monocoque body, independent front suspension on arms stamped from sheet metal and a transverse fiberglass spring, all this, at first glance, does not cause the slightest problem - the chassis lasts for years, without requiring replacement parts. The gearbox and final drive reducer are almost indestructible. The durability of the latter is evidenced by the design itself - the Crafter is equipped with a rear axle of the “spicer” type, which, to repair the gearbox, must be removed from the vehicle entirely, having previously “stretched” the springs. But you will hardly have to do this if you don’t get carried away with driving on muddy or snowy primers (the driven gear bearings don’t like being pulled back and forth), pulling the car while rocking, and regularly monitor the cleanliness of the axle breather so that the unit does not lose oil through the seals . However, after a run of 100 thousand km, the neck of the gearbox may begin to sweat. In this case, it is better to replace the drive gear flange seal in advance and forget about it until the next five digits on the odometer are reset.

The excellent starting qualities of the engine should not, however, mislead the owner of the car - the Germans did not at all conceive the Crafter as a conqueror of the icy winter roads on the Yenisei. Finding itself in extreme weather conditions, it can initially delight with its reliability and survivability, and then suddenly “fall to pieces.” According to several scenarios. For example, on the highway in frost below minus 30 degrees, water condensate in the engine breather often freezes, when the heat from the engine (after all, this is a modern, economical diesel engine) is not enough for all surfaces of the unit to have a positive temperature. This will be followed by an increase in pressure in the crankcase, squeezing out oil through the front oil seals and getting it onto the timing belt. It’s good if the latter, simply slipping when adding gas, jumps one or two teeth, and the driver, sensing something is wrong (loss of power, smoke from the muffler), stops and catches the tow. In the worst case, not only the valves bend, but also one or two connecting rods... The belt can jump over the teeth of the crankshaft pulley even when cranked with the starter - on a frosty Siberian morning, if the owner spared money on expensive oil of 0W30 viscosity class. It’s even worse if, due to a “sticky” camshaft, the belt does not jump, but by pulling the roller, the tin clamp that fits into the hole in the block straightens it. Then the crankshaft will definitely make a couple of full revolutions regardless of the camshaft, grinding everything that will interfere with it in this activity...

And, of course, every buyer of a light-duty truck with a diesel engine and a timing belt - even if he lives in sunny Sochi - must understand that starting the engine from a tug must be forgotten once and for all. That is, to be aware that the designers’ efforts to create a belt as durable as a chain, crowned with victory, were fully appreciated only by Europeans blissful in their ideal climate. For them, the belts with a service life of 200–240 thousand km, which appeared six years ago, really became a gift, allowing the first buyer there to shift the replacement of this “consumable” onto the shoulders of the second. Our realities are different, and therefore there is a whole class of carriers (apparently those who have already been “burnt” once) who, when choosing a light-duty truck, consider models only with “chain” engines (Sprinter, Transit, Boxer, Jumper, 3-liter Daily ).

Another technical innovation of the last two decades is the widespread introduction of dual-mass flywheels with a built-in non-repairable damper on diesel engines. That is, the old cast-iron “pancake” has ceased to be eternal, and for some drivers who adore a sporty driving style, it has moved into the category of “consumables”. Therefore, if you have your clutch replaced after driving 80–100 thousand km, listen to the advice of the service station technician and replace the flywheel too - while everything is disassembled and the gearbox is lying on the floor. Do you feel sorry for an extra thousand euros? So you will still have to give it back - maybe in a couple of months, when the flywheel starts knocking. Only then will you once again pay 5 thousand rubles for the work and again lose a whole day in idle time. Particular attention to the machine operated in the provinces. It’s enough to refuel once in the wrong place, and new injectors will cost more than 100 thousand rubles. Against the backdrop of such costs, replacing ball joints broken by potholes or stabilizer pads eaten from constant bouncing will seem like a pittance.

Volkswagen Crafter: expensive, but cheerful

FAQ

How much does a basic car cost?

The new Crafter in its basic configuration will cost between 35-40 thousand dollars (2,500,000 rubles). Options with additional equipment or special modifications with an improved engine or chassis, or a longer body may cost more.

What is the vehicle's carrying capacity?

Depending on the engine power (different for modifications), the Crafter can transport from 3,000 to 5,000 kilograms. It is worth noting that at maximum load it becomes harder to drive, and the engine works “to the limit”, especially when driving up steep hills and when driving at speeds over 80 km/h.

Volkswagen Crafter / Volkswagen Crafter

Crafter: parameters, tests (test drive, crash test), reviews, car dealerships, photos, videos, news.

Volkswagen Crafter

- beginning of production in 2011. It combines style and new technologies, thanks to the developments of the Volkswagen company you get an excellent cocktail of excellent design and high technical performance.
This minivan is perfect for the head of a large family, lovers of outdoor activities or summer residents. Perfect for transporting passengers on a picnic or short distances. This body type combines comfort and speed. Like any other type, it can be in a basic budget configuration or for business with additional functions and modules (from seat upholstery to a table in the middle of the cabin). Among the existing basic colors of Crafter you can easily find one that suits you, but most likely you can choose it to order. We most likely do not have all the configurations of this Volkswagen Crafter model, among which there are various Crafter assembly options: the gearbox can be automatic or manual, leather trim or wood inserts, wheels and other additional elements of the Crafter body, which will certainly be reflected in the price Crafter. Technical characteristics are good, but don’t forget about the safety of the Crafter or the engine size, which will then make itself felt in terms of operating costs in the future, as well as Crafter repairs and maintenance with a warranty period. Since the purchase is made not for several months, but for several years, so consider for yourself what you will do in the summer and winter, what trips you will make on the Crafter
. The table below shows a comparison of several Crafter configurations; the parameters include: what are the overall dimensions of the Crafter, what is the fuel consumption in the city, highway or mixed, engine size, maximum speed and acceleration time to 100 km/h, curb or gross weight of the Crafter, wheelbase, front and rear wheel tracks, transmission type (gearbox/gearbox), what kind of drive, tire size, how much power or torque and what price. In addition to all the numbers, you can read reviews of car owners about the Crafter, watch videos or news, tests (test drive, crash test).

People's Truck

The visual perception of the Volkswagen Crafter changes depending on the angle, but certainly does not evoke funny associations, like some of its classmates. It’s immediately obvious that the car was going to work, and not to entertain onlookers.

Yes, the hood is too big, but the engine is not jammed, and the middle passenger has somewhere to put his feet. And the radiator does not suffer from a lack of fresh air. And plastic moldings protect not only the sides of the body, but also the protruding wheel arches from minor damage. Moreover, the van is clearly designed to be taken seriously by the driver - the bumpers, front fenders, and false radiator grille are solid and in the event of a breakdown they will have to be replaced entirely.

The instrument panel is not the most “sophisticated”, but not “budget” either.

To eliminate unusual situations, the Volkswagen is equipped with disc brakes at the front and rear, as well as two anti-roll bars. Unlike some of its classmates with single-leaf springs at the rear, this car has two leaves, which significantly reduces the possibility of their breaking if the body is unreasonably loaded.

Everything is at your fingertips in the cabin. The abundance of optional equipment makes the driver’s work more comfortable. The heated mirrors and windshield are switched off automatically. A special lighting control mode independently turns on the low beam headlights after starting the engine, and after turning it off, switches to side lights and fog lights. After the key is removed from the ignition, the light remains on for a couple of minutes. This allows you to see what snowdrift you are going into or what puddle you are going to get into.

Driver's seat - with a bunch of adjustments and a side airbag

Against this background, a branded radio that does not read MP3 discs looks quite strange. An unpleasant aftertaste also remained from connecting external optional electronics: foglights, parking sensors, reverse signal. Their wiring directly in the connection area does not have insulation. How long will it last in the battle with our chemicals?

Eh, no matter how pleasant it is to sit on a comfortable chair with electric heating, weight adjustment, etc., enjoying the comfort, the driver’s work is not limited to the cab and sometimes he has to get out of it, at least to load goods.

Technical characteristics of VW Crafter 35

Suspension

The LT chassis has undergone small changes in shape, but major changes in quality: the transverse leaf spring of the front suspension is made of fiberglass, which gives better stabilization and less weight. The shock-absorbing struts of the Volkswagen Crafter 35 are independent of each other, and their stroke is served by a special anti-roll stabilizer. Rubber bearings and sound-proofing gaskets isolate the interior from vibrations and noise.

The rear suspension is rigid: two longitudinal springs, shifted slightly outward compared to the LT to prevent excessive body tilt. A stabilizer for the rear axle is provided, but for the Volkswagen Crafter 35 only at an additional cost. Rubber rear axle bearings are installed only on buses, but handling and the ability to take any turns do not depend on the configuration.

The flatbed version and the flatbed with space (cabin) for the crew are available for all wheelbases.

VW Crafter powertrains

The five-cylinder longitudinal diesel Crafter is a well-known engine among VW fans, used in the VW LT 2 and the Transporter series. However, the new Crafter 35 uses a 2-liter (1,968 cm³) 4-cylinder engine. The sophisticated cooling system and efficient turbocharger have been repeatedly noted by specialists.

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The TDI is surrounded on one side by the latest injection system (Common Rail with Bosch EDC 16C) and on the other by a particulate filter. The timing belt is no longer a weak link: the replacement interval for the part is 200 thousand km. The rest of the engine parts are not inferior to it: six forged crankshaft bearings forged with a combination of lamellar graphite and gray cast iron transfer the load from aluminum alloy pistons with a tricky, asymmetrical cup and trapezoidal connecting rods.

Crafter's main competitors cannot boast of the same reliable and economical engines, but this advantage comes at a high price.

Everything that can be reinforced and strengthened, and to further increase the service life, the engine is cooled with oil from below. Five metal gaskets seal the chamber and protect the piston heads (including separating them from each other). High reliability, however, does not affect the power characteristics. The table shows data for old and new Crafter motors.

Chassis

Optional load increases and decreases allow VW to sell one with varying gross weights. For the Volkswagen Crafter 35, the permissible gross weight is 3.5 tons (payload - 1819-1403 kg depending on the cabin and configuration), however, according to reviews from owners, they speak of the possibility of overloading by almost a ton. The classic length of the Crafter 35 wheelbase is 3665 mm, but the configuration includes a chassis option with an extended overhang and a box van (Crafter 35 Kasten) and a shortened wheelbase combination (Kombi).

• Wheelbase 3250 mm. Total length - 5240 mm. A Kombi option (passenger - truck) and a reinforced front end (2415 mm) are available.
• Wheelbase 3665 mm. Length - 5940 mm. All variants are available, including high roof combination, high roof cargo variant, etc.
• Wheelbase 4325 mm. Length 6940 mm. Combination with high roof only, reinforced front end not available.

Standard Crafter 35 tires are 16-inch 235/65R16C. The load index increases with increasing load capacity: 1800 kg requires tires with an index of 128.

Crafter 35 options

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The front and rear wheels are equipped with internally ventilated disc brakes. Hydraulics are indicated as an option, but the standard kit includes:

• Cushions for the front seats (side - optional);
• ABS;
• Stability Program (ESP);
• Anti-slip control (ASR);

• Electronic differential lock (EDL);
• Water heater 5kW.

VW offers you to choose the gear ratio for the gearbox (Shiftmatic automatic transmission is offered as an option) yourself. For the VW Crafter 35 there are 4 options available: 3.692, 3.923, 4.182 and 4.364 to 1. The maximum speed also depends on this choice, but all indicators fall within the range of 147-160 km/h (160 shows the 2.0 biTDI 120 hp option with standard roof and standard gear ratio).

The double cab is expectedly longer, but can also be used with a passenger body.

For drivers planning to use the car as a cargo transport, a set of various cargo lashings is offered, with the possibility of transverse and longitudinal fixation of the most specific luggage. By the way, several bodies and cabins are offered: single and double cabin, cabin and body with a high plastic roof (inside height 2.14 meters). The volume of the body varies accordingly: from 7.5 to 17 m³.

As an option, the Volkswagen Crafter 35 can be equipped with a second battery (engine compartment), cruise control, radios, three-point belts for passengers and different seat installation options. However, the basic safety system (braking force regulator and traction control) is included in the kit and is complemented by an electronic hill start assistant. Comparative characteristics and appearance of the Crafter can be assessed in the video: