Volkswagen Launches New Crafter Van With Class Leading Fuel Economy

SHEFFIELD, England, August 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The new Volkswagen Crafter officially launches in August when the first vehicles and test drive demonstrators arrive in Volkswagen Van Centre showrooms with an extensive advertising campaign highlighting how efficient the new model is with class-leading fuel economy of up to 38.7 mpg, lower running costs and emissions from 199 g/km.  

To make it the most efficient in the large van class, the new Crafter has a new engine range using Volkswagen's latest 2.0-litre TDI common rail engine, already proven in the new Transporter and Amarok.  It is available with power outputs of 109, 136, 143 and 163 PS, with BlueMotion Technology models offering further savings in fuel costs and emissions, yet delivers the same or higher levels of torque at lower engine speeds than the previous five-cylinder, 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine.

For example, the new Crafter CR35 2.0-litre TDI 163 PS BlueMotion Technology, medium wheelbase panel van achieves 29 per cent better fuel economy on the combined cycle than the previous 2.5-litre BlueTDI engine with the same power output.  This is the equivalent of up to eight miles further per gallon, which could add over 130 miles to the range of the 75 litre fuel tank.

The new engine is also lighter, and this weight saving not only helps the improvements in fuel economy, but also increases payloads by up to 100 kg.

Emissions have dropped by between 10 and nearly 20 per cent.  For example, the CR35 2.0-litre TDI 163 PS BlueMotion Technology model has carbon dioxide emissions of 199 g/km, compared to 258 g/km for the previous engine with the same power output.  The new Crafter no longer uses AdBlue to achieve these low (EuroV) emissions, yet still qualifies for EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) status as standard.

Over 700 staff from Volkswagen Van Centres have already attended an intensive training course for the new van, including driving it against its key rivals, and are brimming with enthusiasm that its strong performance, improved refinement and class-beating fuel economy will put it on the shortlist of everyone needing a large van, window van, chassis cabs, or a conversion such as a tipper, dropside and Luton body.  The comprehensive model range continues to offer three wheelbases, three roof heights, four body lengths and three gross vehicle weights of 3.0, 3.5 and 5.0 tonnes. 

About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles:

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is a German manufacturer of commercial vehicles. Originally part of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars company, it is now a separate brand and marque of the Volkswagen Group.

Full details of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range of vans, conversions, people carriers and pick-up are available by calling 0800 717131, or visiting the Volkswagen Vans website.

For more information, please contact:
John Rawlings
Press and Public Relations Manager
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Selecta Post 14
Sheffield
S97 3ZT
+44(0)1908-601478
http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk