The VW Crafter Dropside is a versatile commercial vehicle that has revolutionised the world of flatbed vans. With its robust design and impressive load capacity, this vehicle offers a practical solution for businesses requiring reliable transportation of goods and materials. The Volkswagen Crafter Dropside combines functionality with innovation, making it a standout choice in the competitive market of commercial vehicles. Source
This article delves into the key features and benefits of the VW Crafter Dropside. We’ll explore its versatile design and build quality, examine its powerful performance and efficiency, and highlight its advanced safety features. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the practical interior and technology offerings, providing insights into why this dropside van has become a favourite among professionals across various industries. From its impressive payload to its long wheelbase options, the VW Crafter Dropside proves to be a compelling choice for businesses seeking a dependable and efficient commercial vehicle. See all our VW Crafter Vans for sale.
VW Crafter Tipper
Versatile Design and Build Quality
The VW Crafter Dropside stands out as a versatile commercial vehicle designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Volkswagen has partnered with conversion specialists Ingimex to create a dropside van that offers both flexibility and durability.
Robust Construction VW Crafter Dropside
Built to withstand the demands of various industries, the Crafter Dropside boasts a sturdy construction. Its design prioritises durability, ensuring it can handle the rigours of transporting bulky, outsized, or heavy items. This robust build quality makes it an invaluable asset for businesses that require a reliable and long-lasting commercial vehicle. Buy on a VW Crafter Lease Purchase
VW Crafter Tipper
Flexible Configuration Options
The Crafter Dropside offers an array of configuration options to suit different business requirements:
Two wheelbase lengths: medium and long
Three load bed lengths
Two cab sizes: single and double
This flexibility allows businesses to choose the most suitable combination for their specific needs. The single cab variant is available in both medium and long wheelbase options, while the double cab comes in a long wheelbase configuration.
Payload Capacity VW Crafter Dropside
The VW Crafter Dropside boasts an impressive payload capacity, making it ideal for transporting heavy loads. The vehicle’s dimensions vary based on the chosen configuration:
Configuration
Internal Length
Internal Width
External Width
Sideboard Height
Single Cab MWB
3,450mm
2,026mm
2,087mm
400mm
Single Cab LWB
4,300mm
2,026mm
2,087mm
400mm
Double Cab LWB
3,501mm
2,026mm
2,087mm
400mm
These specifications demonstrate the Crafter Dropside’s ability to accommodate a wide range of cargo sizes and weights, making it a versatile choice for businesses with varying transportation needs.
VW Crafter Tipper
Powerful Performance and Efficiency
Engine Options
The VW Crafter Dropside offers a range of 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engines to suit various needs. These include:
The availability of these engines depends on the chosen bodysize and drivetrain layout. The 177hp twin-turbo engine stands out as both the most powerful and fuel-efficient option, delivering up to 37.7mpg and emitting 208g/km of CO2.
Transmission Choices VW Crafter Dropside
Customers have the option of a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The automatic gearbox is particularly noteworthy, offering smoother gear changes and improved fuel economy. It allows the Crafter to cruise quietly at low rpm on motorways, contributing to better fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy VW Crafter Dropside
While the Crafter’s claimed maximum fuel economy of 38.2mpg may seem modest compared to some competitors, real-world performance has proven satisfactory. A long-term test of a 140hp model averaged 33mpg over 7,000 miles, which is commendable for a vehicle of this size. The more powerful engines tend to be more fuel-efficient under normal driving conditions due to reduced strain.
To further enhance fuel economy, the Crafter is equipped with a Start/Stop system. This feature automatically cuts the engine when it’s not needed, such as at traffic lights, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in urban environments.
Advanced Safety Features
The VW Crafter Dropside is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, ensuring the protection of both driver and cargo. These features are designed to enhance road safety, prevent accidents, and mitigate the impact of collisions.
Driver Assistance Systems
The Crafter Dropside offers a range of driver assistance systems to enhance safety and ease of operation. Front Assist and City Emergency Braking detect potential hazards, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, preparing the brakes and applying them if necessary. Lane Assist helps prevent unintentional lane departure by countersteering and providing audible and visual warnings. The Driver Alert system monitors driver behaviour and recommends breaks when signs of fatigue are detected.
For improved visibility, the van is equipped with fog lights that illuminate the roadside when turning. Cruise control maintains a set speed on inclines and declines, while Hill Start Assist prevents rolling back on slopes. The optional Hill Descent Assist system allows for safe, controlled descents on steep gradients.
Passive Safety Measures VW Crafter Dropside
Passive safety features in the Crafter Dropside are designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident. These include a robust safety belt system, airbags, a rigid occupant cell, and crumple zones at the front of the vehicle. The body structure is engineered to dissipate impact energy, providing excellent all-round protection.
In the event of a collision, the vehicle’s secondary collision prevention system automatically applies the brakes to reduce the risk of follow-on impacts. This system also activates the hazard and brake lights, allowing the driver to maintain control.
Electronic Stability Control
The Crafter Dropside’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle stability. It detects and reduces loss of traction, applying brakes to individual wheels to counter over- or understeer. The system includes Active Rollover Protection (ARP), which recognises potential rollovers and applies selective braking to reduce the likelihood of such incidents.
Additional features of the ESP system include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Traction Control System (TCS). These work in tandem to ensure optimal traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Practical Interior and Technology
Comfortable Cabin Design
The VW Crafter Dropside offers a thoughtfully designed cabin that prioritises driver comfort and practicality. A reach-and-rake-adjustable seat allows the driver to find an optimal position, while a dual passenger seat accommodates up to three occupants. See the VW Crafter The cab features power-assisted steering and electric front windows as standard, enhancing ease of use. Numerous storage spaces and drink holders are strategically placed around the cabin, providing convenient access to essential items during long journeys.
Infotainment Options VW Crafter Dropside
The Crafter Dropside boasts a state-of-the-art infotainment system, centred around a 10.3-inch display with an optional upgrade to a 12.9-inch screen. This system, based on Volkswagen’s latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB), features a newly developed graphic interface and intuitive menu navigation. The display is divided into two permanently visible touch bars and a customisable home screen, allowing for easy access to essential functions and apps. Temperature and audio volume adjustments are made via illuminated touch sliders, further enhancing the modern feel of the cabin.
Connectivity Features
Connectivity has been a key focus in the Crafter Dropside’s design. The vehicle comes equipped with a five-speaker sound system, including an RSD 4000 radio. Bluetooth®, USB, AUX, and SD connectivity are standard features, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The van has transitioned to USB-C interfaces, replacing the older USB-A sockets, and offers an inductive charging option for smartphones. A notable addition has an USB-C charging port in the centre of the upper windscreen trim, allowing for the use of customer-specific devices without obstructing the driver’s or front passenger’s field of vision.
Conclusion
The VW Crafter Dropside has a significant impact on the commercial vehicle market, offering a blend of versatility, power, and safety. Its robust design and flexible configuration options make it a top choice for businesses across various industries. The vehicle’s range of efficient engines, coupled with advanced safety features, ensures both performance and peace of mind for drivers and operators alike.
To wrap up, the Crafter Dropside’s practical interior and cutting-edge technology further enhance its appeal. With its comfortable cabin, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and connectivity features, it provides a modern and efficient workspace for professionals on the move. The VW Crafter Dropside stands out as a well-rounded commercial vehicle, ready to tackle the challenges of today’s business landscape.
FAQs VW Crafter Dropside
What exactly is a VW Crafter?
The Volkswagen Crafter lease , launched in 2006, represents the largest van in the three- to five-tonne range manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, a division of the renowned German automaker.
How reliable are Volkswagen Crafters?
Volkswagen Crafters embody many of the classic VW characteristics reminiscent of models from a decade ago. This includes a robust construction, a logical layout, and numerous practical features that are quite useful. The infotainment system in the model tested is similar to that found in the Mk7.
What is the carrying capacity of the VW Crafter dropside?
The VW Crafter dropside, particularly the Ingimex version, has a payload capacity of 1,400kg. Despite the body of the vehicle weighing less than 250kg, the heavy chassis limits the payload to this amount for the short wheelbase version. For more details, you can look up the Volkswagen Crafter review.
What load can a VW Crafter handle?
All Crafter panel vans come standard with a sliding side door, measuring 1,040 mm in width for short wheelbase models and 1,300 mm for medium and long wheelbase models, which is the best in its class. These vans can accommodate load volumes ranging from 7.5 to 17 m³, load lengths from 2,600 to 4,700 mm, and payloads between 953 and 2,604 kg.
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