2024
Manual
Tax: n/a
Mileage: 1
Diesel
Mileage: 6
Mileage: 8
Automatic
Mileage: 10
Mileage: 11
Mileage: 12
Mileage: 16
Mileage: 20
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A really large van is the kind of thing your business will need for its heaviest, most awkward loads. The kind of vehicle that, as a result, is likely to get the toughest day-to-day treatment. Such an LCV will also require quite a substantial initial outlay, money you'll want to preserve as far as possible in resale value when the time comes to sell. For all these reasons, when considering a van of this kind, it's tempting to stretch yourself a little and go with the quality option, even if it costs a little more. In this market, that tends to mean either a Mercedes Sprinter or this contender, Volkswagen's Crafter. Both are based upon the same underpinnings and roll down the same production lines at Daimler's Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde plants. The Crafter though, originally launched back in 2006, has always used its own engines, a policy that continued with the current second generation version, introduced in 2017. It sells in a wide variety of forms - panel van, drop side and chassis cab - and also forms the basis for the brand's largest camper van, the Grand California. With this MK2 Crafter, over 354,000 units were sold in the first five years of production. Volkswagen then, has every incentive to keep this big LCV up to date, but still can't offer the thing this model line really needs - a full EV version. Instead, what we've got with this mid-term update is additional safety, a redesigned cabin and extra media technology. Will it be enough? It'll be interesting to see.
It seems as if the switch from diesel to EV powertrains will take a lot longer than the industry and European governments expected, especially in the segment for really large LCV's. Which is good news for the Crafter range, which remains built around diesel power. This improved model feels a lot more up-to-date inside against the technology that modern businesses now want. Otherwise though, its appeal remains much as before. Is there a better quality large panel van out there than this? Assuming you prefer the Volkswagen's engine range and pricing structure to that of its Mercedes Sprinter stablemate, then you'd have to say not. Yes, the Crafter is priced at a premium compared to rivals but you can see and feel where the extra money goes. Forward-thinking businesses will accept this on the basis that residual values are very strong and the whole vehicle feels - and is - built to last, enabling companies to spread the up-front sticker price over a longer operating period. In ten years time, we'd wager that this vehicle will still be going strong at a point when most of its rivals will be falling to pieces. Enough said.
