Volkswagen Crafter Van 2018 review: snapshot

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EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

Standard AEB
Front seats are supportive
LED lighting throughout

Dislikes

Big windscreen lets in a LOT of sun
Hard plastics are durable but not handsome
Options can send price north quickly
Photo of Tim Robson
Tim Robson

Contributing Journalist

2 min read

The Volkswagen Crafter van is a light commercial vehicle that's available as a medium wheelbase, long wheelbase or long wheelbase-with-overhang van in a variety of mechanical specifications.

It's also offered in three roof heights; standard, high and super high. A twin-rear wheel version is also available.

It's powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine in two trims; a single turbo version makes 103kW and 340Nm, while a twin-turbo version of the same engine produces 130kW and 410Nm. It's available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. It can be ordered in FWD, AWD or RWD versions.

It's priced from $48,490 and tops out at $71,490.

The third generation Crafter launched in 2017, and is now entirely produced by Volkswagen. Previous generations were rebadged Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. The Crafter is available in 59 variants, based on three platform sizes (MWB, LWB and LWB with overhang), three body styles (single row van, single row cab-chassis and dual-row cab-chassis) and with four powertrain combos (103kW/340Nm with 6sp manual or 8spd auto, and 130kW/410Nm with 6sp manual or 8sp auto).

The Crafter is fitted with AEB, side wind assist and front/rear parking sensors and rear camera as standard, along with automatic headlights, air con, an eight-inch multimedia infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and rubber floor lining.

Photo of Tim Robson
Tim Robson

Contributing Journalist

Tim Robson has been involved in automotive journalism for almost two decades, after cutting his teeth on alternative forms of wheeled transport.  Studiously avoiding tertiary education while writing about mountain bikes in the 1990s, Tim started with Motor magazine in 2001, moving on to edit Auto Action and Motor before joining Top Gear Australia in 2010. Tim formed his own company, 032Media, in 2014, building up a freelance business that supplies leading news outlets like CarsGuide and GoAuto, as well as Evo Australia, Motor, 4x4 Australia and The Robb Report. He's also a skilled photographer, practicing videographer, presenter and editor. He’s also recently returned to his roots, currently editing Australia's oldest and most prestigious mountain bike magazine, Mountain Biking Australia. Tim lives in Wollongong, NSW, and is married with three double-digit age kids… two of who are learning to drive. One’s already learned to race, with 16-year-old Max helping Tim to build and run his only car – a track-registered Honda Civic EG. You can check out Tim’s bike collection, race car failings and more on his Insta feed or Facebook.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

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