Love VW campervans? Then you’ll be pleased to hear that the latest version of the Crafter has been revealed. The new, Euro 6-compliant VW Crafter offers a wealth of choice to campervan converters and self-builders: there will be four base models, three lengths, three heights, the option of front-, rear- or all-wheel drive and the choice of an automatic or a manual gearbox.
The Crafter’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is available in four states of tune, with outputs of 102PS, 122PS and 140PS, plus the twin-turbo variant with 177PS.
On-the-road manners should be pleasing thanks to the introduction of a new electro-mechanical steering system. And with safety kit available including adaptive cruise control, ESP with trailer stabilisation, front, side and head airbags for the driver and passengers, a reversing camera, parking sensors and the Rear Traffic Alert system, VW Crafter-based campervans will protect their occupants well, too.
In addition, a new, top-spec Sportline model is coming to VW’s Transporter range. It is based on the Kombi Highline and will at first be available only on the T32 Kombi, coming to the Transporter panel van in early 2017.
Goodies on the VW Kombi Sportline include eye-catching 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, lowered suspension, deeper spoilers front and rear, plus carbon fibre wing mirror caps. Inside, air-con, a heated windscreen, a touchscreen sat-nav, embossed leather trim, Sportline badging and Sportline floormats will be welcome additions on tour. The first run-out Sportline-specced Kombis will also get front parking sensors, LED front and rear lights, and full smartphone integration.
Deliveries of the first Sportline Kombis are expected next month. These will be the T32 2.0 BiTDI 180PS model with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, priced from £36,295 (OTR exc VAT).
We think this attractive new trim line could be an appealing proposition for high-end VW campervan converters. However, we were disappointed to learn that it will not be offered to them, VW’s reasoning being that converters like to add their own style to campervans – but looking at the dashing new Sportline spec, we hope many converters are inspired to offer something similar. Our VW source also added that converters tend to favour Transporter window vans, although we’re excited to see if Nomad’s Kombi-based Ranger will feature this Sportline trim or something along the same lines. And, of course, the sixth-generation, Euro 6 Caravelle is a further option for VW campervan converters.
The new VW Crafter will come in four base models, three lengths, three heights, and with the option of front-, rear- or all-wheel drive