Volkswagen Crafter seeking commercial buyers and X-Games athletes?
Volkswagen formally rolled out its new Crafter van to crowds at the Commercial Vehicles show in Britain on Monday.
The top rung of VW's commercial range replaces the LT, a long-running model that only saw two generations over the course of 31 years. The Crafter successor seen here goes on sale in Blighty this September, and will be offered with a range of four and five cylinder engines, along with a full range of body configurations, including three different wheelbases, four compartment sizes and three roof heights. Not enough? The Crafter will be available as a panel van, double cab van and a chassis cab. A six speed manual will be standard-fit, but an 'automated manual transmission' (read: DSG/S-Tronic) will also be available. The smaller Volkswagen Caddy was launched with the slick transmission last year, which suggests that it's more durable and versatile than car enthusiasts might've been led to believe.
Interestingly, Volkswagen is also releasing a Sportline model, complete with revised facia, Eibach springs, 18" Borbet wheels, and options like a "Golf GTI style leather interior" and iPod adapter. The model is pitched as a novel alternative to Gen-X 'extreme sports' types who need room for lifestyle accessories (lots of 'em, apparently).
The German automaker has been increasing its UK commercial presence nicely, with six years of consecutive growth and a record 23,065 registrations notched for 2005.
Check out the link for full press release and specs.
[Sources: Easier.com; Volkswagen]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mickster 11:07AM (4/26/2006)
Will VW have to pay GM for using the front end of the Cadillac CTS???
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Master Blaster 11:14AM (4/26/2006)
Hideous.
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David 11:17AM (4/26/2006)
I love utility of tall vans. I'd love to get a Sprinter cargo van one day to haul my motorcycle and gear around in, or perhaps to tow the car to the race track.
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RickDom 11:24AM (4/26/2006)
I think a Sprinter and a Caddy had a love child that was adopted by VW.
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Puff Chippy 11:32AM (4/26/2006)
Ack! My eyes, my eyes, poke them out!!!!
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atl 11:48AM (4/26/2006)
Isn't dcx making this van for vw?
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retsel 11:49AM (4/26/2006)
ford called and they want the fusion's front end backend...
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VW-Guy 11:51AM (4/26/2006)
"I love utility of tall vans. I'd love to get a Sprinter cargo van one day to haul my motorcycle and gear around in, or perhaps to tow the car to the race track."
I hear ya David! Something like this is ideal to do some travelling with a motorcycle and a mtn bike to see the country with. A cooler, some food, water and a cot and the living is large!
For fun I priced out a new Sprinter online and ka-ching! $50k CDN!!! For a box!!!
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Anonymous Coward 12:04PM (4/26/2006)
You can get a toy hauler Sprinter conversion for $50K US, AND it gets 22-25 mpg. If this thing can match the sprinter for price and mileage, I'll be impressed (and might get one for MY motorycle and kart racing!)
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Hanryu_Star 12:05PM (4/26/2006)
VW s*ks. If it wasn't for Audi, it would s* even more.
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Anonymous Coward 12:15PM (4/26/2006)
You can get a Sprinter toy hauler conversion for $50K, and the great part about it is that it gets 22-25mpg! If this thing comes close to that, it will add another interesting options. And, I want it for the same reason as you guys; haul a bike or kart to the track! w00t!
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thesawzall 12:27PM (4/26/2006)
Ahh, but will they make a camper version?
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frank d 12:28PM (4/26/2006)
That is one ugly front on that cargo van. One, if not the worst I've ever seen.
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Adam 1:12PM (4/26/2006)
"Isn't dcx making this van for vw?"
No. This a) isn't a minivan, which is what DaimlerChrysler will be involved with and b) isn't in North America, where the DaimlerChrysler-Volkswagen lovechild will live.
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Nick 1:32PM (4/26/2006)
Well, the biggest joke after the scam known as today's hybrids.
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atl 2:01PM (4/26/2006)
No. This a) isn't a minivan, which is what DaimlerChrysler will be involved with and b) isn't in North America, where the DaimlerChrysler-Volkswagen lovechild will live.
This is made by dcx sprinter.
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Hanryu_Star 3:06PM (4/26/2006)
VW s*. It would s* even more if it wasn't for Audi.
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Mark 5:18PM (4/26/2006)
Actually, Adam, yes, this is made by DCX. Just like the current generation Volkswagen LT, this is a rebodied Sprinter, but with Volkswagen powertrains.
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Howard Kerr 9:39PM (4/26/2006)
"...Volkswagen is also releasing a Sportline version...".
I give up, how can ANYTHING that makes a brick with wheels look attractive, have a Sport version? Isn't that some kind of oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp?
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Mad Cow 4:44AM (4/27/2006)
I spotted a test mule of one of these parked outside my in-laws house in Germany. It was freaking HUGE. Much bigger than most Sprinters. Had a nice Sat Nav setup in the dash. Looked nicely finished. I'm not a VW fan, but if I raced motorcycles or had a fresh pizza delivery service, it looks like a decent option.
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