New Volkswagen Crafter: the first details of the updated Ford Transit competitor have been revealed

The Volkswagen Crafter will be updated in 2024, with the company’s answer to the Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato – not to mention the base Volkswagen Grand California campervan – set to receive a raft of tech upgrades.

The new version of Volkswagen’s large van will feature a new free-standing 10.3-inch central display that can be upgraded to a 12.9-inch element as an option. This will power the latest version of the brand’s infotainment software which we first saw inside the long wheelbase ID. Buzz was unveiled earlier this year.

Below the touchscreen are the same touch-sensitive sliding controls for cabin temperature and volume, but they will be backlit unlike previous Volkswagens with this setup. The new Crafter will also be equipped with Volkswagen’s digital cockpit display, with the driver able to choose from several views and layouts using the multifunction steering wheel – another addition for 2024.

Volkswagen has freed up some space in automatic models by replacing the conventional handbrake with an electrically operated one, and fitted a new steering column-mounted gear selector – again, like the one found in the all-electric ID car. buzz. As a result, Craftsmen equipped with the automatic gearbox get beverage compartments on the center console.

Safety gets a major boost across the range. Autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and speed limit monitoring are included. Models with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tons will now come standard with blind spot detection to alert the driver of pedestrians, cyclists or scooters when driving in city traffic, as well as “moving information” if there is anyone in front. The truck is trying to drive away. Volkswagen’s semi-autonomous travel assistance system will be available on the Crafter for the first time next year as well, combining adaptive cruise control and lane assist into one system to help make long journeys less stressful.

The Volkswagen Crafter will continue to be offered in a variety of body styles and sizes, from enclosed vans to single and double cab chassis models ready for custom conversations. There will again be different weight classes (up to 5,500 kg GVW), different roof heights and wheelbases, and overall lengths will extend up to 7.4 metres.

The new Crafter will be available in either front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations, all powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine producing either 138 hp, 161 hp or 174 hp. Gearbox options include a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.

Volkswagen has said that pre-orders for the new Volkswagen Crafter will open in April 2024, but it has not yet announced UK pricing or when we might see the first examples arrive here. We expect the added kit to cause a slight increase to the current Crafter van’s starting price of £43,575 (including VAT and OTR).

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