The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van: Features, Performance, and More

Spending life on the road can be a daunting experience, so the new Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van comes packed with the latest in leading safety technology to give you peace of mind. Intelligent safety features include forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking - to help prevent incidents - and cross wind assist, so you can rest assured you are stable even in the toughest of conditions.

Further to this, at the time of writing, it has the lowest aerodynamic drag in its class. The difficulties in parking a van of the Crafters size can’t be understated, so that’s why the Crafter comes with Park Assist to take the pressure off and help guide you into a suitable space.

See the VW Crafter Panel Van in action

Table of Contents

• Reliability
• What adjustment options can the ergoComfort seats come with?
• What awards has the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van won?
• Connectivity
• Advanced safety features
• Suspension
• Versatility
• Telematics & Fleet Management Controls
• What wheel base options are available?
• High payload capacity
• Can a VW Crafter carry a pallet?
• Can the Panel van be fitted for rear wheel chair access as a Motability van?
• What lengths is the Panel van available in?
• Excellent Fuel Economy
• Practical
• Plenty of storage space
• Tough and durable
• How much weight can the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van carry?
• Is the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van easy to maintain?
• Can the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van be financed?
• What is the resale value of the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van?
• What Drive Systems are available?
• Is the interior of the Crafter Panel Van spacious?
• What paint options are available?
• Can the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van be customised?
• How many models of the Panel van are there?
• How do the different Crafter Panel vans differ from each other?
• Is the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van easy to drive?
• What types of businesses are best suited to the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van?
• Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van Overall

Reliability

When it comes to choosing a reliable commercial vehicle, the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is a popular choice among business owners. With this being a noteworthy reason by the judges at What Van? when it won the Best Large Trades Van award. When it did, the judges praised the van's practicality, reliability, and versatility when it gave the Crafter the award.

Built to be comfortable

This large panel van is built to provide a comfortable and spacious working environment while also delivering excellent performance on the road.

Seats

The van features adjustable seats that provide good support and comfort during long journeys. The driver's seat has also been designed to be ergonomically friendly, ensuring that you can maintain a comfortable driving position during extended periods of driving.

Air conditioning

The Crafter van's air conditioning system is also designed to keep the cabin cool in hot weather, providing a comfortable environment for you and your passengers. You also have the ability to set up temperature zone control as an optional feature.

Great soundproofing

The van's soundproofing also helps to reduce road noise, ensuring a quiet and comfortable ride.

What adjustment options can the ergoComfort seats come with?

When it comes to the seats in the VW Crafter vans, they can adjust in over 20 ways from a combination of:

• Armrest adjustment
• Backrest adjustment
• Electric 4-way lumbar support
• Headrest adjustment
• Longitude seat adjustment
• Seat depth adjustment
• Seat height adjustment
• Seat massage function
• Seat title adjustment
• Suspension seat with weight adjustment

What awards has the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van won?

The Volkswagen Crafter Panel van has won a large number of awards, a sample of which include:

• Best Builder's Van as the Trade Van Driver Awards
• Best Large Panel Van at the Business Van Awards
• Best Large Trades Van at the What Van? Awards for at least 2 years running
• Best Large Van at the VansA2Z Awards
• Best Large Van Award at the Parkers New Car Awards
• Best Van Fleet Management Programme at the Fleet World Honours Awards
• Best Van of the Year award at the Van Fleet World Awards
• Electric LCV of the Year award, at the Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards
• Innovation Award at the Business Car Awards
• International Van of the Year
• Large Van of the Year Award, at the Auto Express Awards
• Van of the Year at the Commercial Fleet Awards

Connectivity

The Crafter van comes with a plethora of connectivity ports from standard USB ports for charging mobile devices, Bluetooth® and multiple 12V sockets, with a 230V or 300 Watts socket available if required.

Advanced safety features

The new Volkswagen Crafter van comes with a range of advanced safety features designed to keep you and your passengers safe. These can include - not all come as standard:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• City Emergency Braking with Automatic Post Collision Braking
• Crosswind Assist
• Driver Fatigue Detection System
• Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Electromechanical Servotronic Steering
• Front and Side Airbags
• Front Assist
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keeping Assist
• LED Headlights with Light Beam Assistant
• Park Assist
• Parking Sensors
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Rearview Camera
• Side Protection
• Trailer Assist
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

See some of these advanced features in action

Adaptive Cruise Control

Automatic Post Collision Braking

Front Assist with City Emergency Braking

Suspension

The Crafter comes with an ‘ergoComfort’ suspension seat with a range of innovative storage solutions. For those that spend hours on the road, your van is your workspace, and Volkswagen’s aim is to make that as comfortable as possible. There are options for heated seats, and a massage function if you want to upgrade, yet the 20-way seat adjustment will allow you to find the perfect driving position to keep you comfortable for hours

Versatility

One of the most attractive features of the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is its versatility. It is available in a range of sizes and configurations to suit different business needs. Whether you need a smaller van for local deliveries or a larger one for long hauls, the Crafter can accommodate your requirements.

Telematics & Fleet Management Controls

The Volkswagen Crafter van is equipped with a range of telematics features that provide you with useful data and insights for your fleet management and vehicle tracking. These features include:

• App-Connect - providing access to Apps and features such as navigation, music, and messaging
• Car-Net mobile online services - which works with the Volkswagen Carnet system to provided connect car features such as remote access and vehicle status to name a few
• Discover Media Navigation System - providing easy access to navigation and other important information
• FMS 3.0 compatibility - allowing you to communicate with 3rd party fleet management systems
• Guide & Inform Services - provides real-time traffic updates, weather information, and fuel prices
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles App - provides you with trip data, fuel consumption, and service notifications

What wheel base options are available?

The Crafter Panel van can come with 1 of 3 wheelbases. These consist of:

High Payload Capacity

The Volkswagen Crafter van is known for its impressive payload capacity. This makes it a popular choice for commercial use. With a load volume ranging from 9.9m³ to 18.4m³, a load height of 2,196mm. Consequently, The Crafter van can accommodate a wide range of cargo. The van also has a maximum payload of up to 2,573kg, making it capable of carrying heavy loads.

The Crafter's load area is also easily accessible, thanks to its wide sliding doors and rear doors that open up to 270 degrees, and 1,311mm wide side opening door. The van also offers optional features such as load lashing rings and a cargo securing system, which will help you to keep your cargo safe and secure during transit.

The rear load space can also be kitted out with more load securing options. These include an optional universal floor, flexible shelving options, interior roof rack and up to 14 load lashing rings. The Volkswagen Crafter van's payload capacity is one of key features that makes it a practical and reliable choice for businesses that require a large and versatile cargo vehicle.

Can a VW Crafter carry a pallet?

Yes, and how many depends on your wheelbase. With the Medium wheelbase able to carry 3 Euro-1 pallets, the Long wheelbase able to carry 4 Euro-3 pallets, and the Maxi able to carry up to 4 Euro-3 pallets.

Can the Panel van be fitted for rear wheel chair access as a Motability van?

Yes, the Crafter Panel van can be fitter with a rear ramp to enable wheelchair access and transport.

What lengths is the Panel van available in?

The Crafter Panel Van is available in three different lengths, ranging from 5.9m to 6.8m. The height of the van can also be adjusted, with options ranging from 2.4m to 2.8m. This means that you can choose the size of the van that suits their needs best.

Excellent Fuel Economy

Another important feature of the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is its excellent fuel economy. The latest models are equipped with efficient diesel engines that deliver impressive fuel efficiency, helping to keep running costs low. This is particularly important for businesses that need to cover a lot of miles on a regular basis.

Practical

The interior of the Crafter Panel Van is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The cab is spacious and well laid out. It comes with a range of features that make it easy to use. The dashboard is intuitive and easy to read, while the seats are comfortable and provide excellent support on long journeys.

Plenty of storage space

There is plenty of storage space inside the van, with a range of compartments and shelves that allow you to keep your tools and equipment organised. This is particularly important for businesses that need to carry a lot of equipment on a regular basis.

Tough and durable

The Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is also built to be tough and durable. The van's body is constructed from high-strength steel, while the suspension system has been designed to provide you with a smooth ride even on bumpy roads.

This means that the van can handle heavy loads and tough working conditions, making it a reliable choice for businesses that need a vehicle that can stand up to regular use.

How much weight can the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van carry?

The maximum payload capacity of the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van depends on the model and configuration. However, it can generally carry between 1,000 KG and 2,500 KG of cargo.

Is the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van easy to maintain?

Yes, the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is designed to be easy to maintain. It has a range of features that make it easy to access and replace components, while the efficient diesel engines require minimal maintenance.

Can the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van be financed?

Yes, the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van can be financed through a range of options, including PCP, PCH, leasing and hire purchase. If finance is something you are interested in, our dedicated team can help you.

What is the resale value of the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van?

The resale value of the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van depends on a range of factors, including the age, condition, and mileage of the vehicle. However, Volkswagen vans are generally known for their strong resale value, thanks to their durability and reliability.

What Drive Systems are available?

The Crafter van, along with an 8 speed automatic gearbox, can come with 1 of 3 varying drive systems. These include:

• 4Motion All Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
• Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

Is the interior of the Crafter Panel Van spacious?

Yes, the cab of the Crafter Panel Van is spacious and well laid out, with comfortable seats and an intuitive dashboard. There is also plenty of storage space inside the van, with a range of compartments and shelves to keep tools and equipment organised.

What paint options are available?

The Crafter Panel van can come in one of 8 colours. These consist of:

• Bright Orange
• Candy White
• Cherry Red
• Deep Black
• Deep Ocean Blue
• Indium Grey
• Ontario Green
• Reflex Silver

Can the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van be customised?

Yes, the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van can be customised to suit the needs of different businesses. There are a range of optional extras and accessories available, including different roof heights, wheelbase lengths, and interior features.

How many models of the Panel van are there?

The Crafter Panel van comes in 2 main model versions. The Startline, and the Trendline.

How do the different Crafter Panel vans differ from each other?

The 2 different model versions differ in a number of ways. The main ones being:

Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van Startline Key Features

These key features include:

• 12V socket
• 16 Inch x 6.5J steel wheels
• 180° rear wing doors. (270° hinges on LWB Maxi)
• 205 / 75 R16 C113/111 low rolling resistance
• 75 litre fuel tank with lockable cap
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Austin fabric seat covers (Anthracite)
• Automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking
• Black unpainted bumpers
• Composition Audio radio with USB / iPod connection and Bluetooth®
• Crosswind Assist
• Double rear wheels
• Driver Alert System
• Dual passenger seat with storage compartment and folding tray in backrest
• Electromechanical Servotronic steering
• Electronic Brake Assist (EBA)
• Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), load adjusting
• Engine immobiliser
• Exterior
• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System
• Full size steel spare wheel
• Full-height steel bulkhead without window
• Halogen main headlights with range control and daytime running function
• Mandatory speed limiter – 56mph.
• Manual side sliding door passenger’s side
• Manually adjustable door mirrors
• Parking brake with hill hold control.
• Rear wheel drive
• Rear wing doors without window
• Remote central locking with two remote keys
• Rubber floor covering
• Safety and security
• Seat belt warning light for driver
• Smart digital tachograph
• Steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment
• Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all seats
• Tool kit and jack
• Two load-lashing rings on B-pillar
• Windscreen wiper with variable intermittent delay and wash-wipe system

Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van Trendline Key Features

Additional features to the Startline, the Trendline can also offer:

• App-Connect
• Comfort single driver’s seat including 2-way lumbar support and armrest
• Composition Colour DAB+ radio with 6.5 inch touch-screen, USB / iPod connection and Bluetooth®
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
• Grab handles on rear entry pillars
• Load floor cover – wooden
• Multi-function display Plus
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Overhead storage with two 1-Din slots and reading light
• Rear wing doors with 270° hinges

Is the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van easy to drive?

Yes, the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is designed to be easy to drive. It has excellent visibility, with large windows and well-positioned mirrors, and the steering and controls are responsive and easy to use.

What types of businesses are best suited to the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van?

The Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is a versatile vehicle that can meet the needs of a wide range of businesses. It is particularly well-suited to delivery companies, construction firms, and plumbing and electrical businesses.

Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van Overall

Overall, the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is an excellent choice for businesses that need a reliable and versatile commercial vehicle. With its range of sizes and configurations, excellent fuel economy, and comfortable and practical interior, it is a vehicle that can meet the needs of a wide range of businesses. Whether you are a delivery company, a construction firm, or a plumbing business; the Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van is an excellent choice that will help you get the job done.