If you are out in the market for a people mover, with more than the usual required space, you might want to visit any Volkswagen dealership near you and check out the Crafter. The Crafter shares its underpinnings with the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, with both large vans being produced in Daimler’s assembly plants in Europe. The Crafter is powered by VW’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder Bi-turbo engine with 163bhp and 400Nm – with the drive sent to the rear wheels via the sole transmission choice of a six-speed manual.
This nine seater van has panoramic windows, multiple AC vents, power sliding doors and leatherette seats. Safety features include ABS brakes and electronic stabilization. The Crafter L measures 6940mm longx1993mm in widthx2415mm tall with a 3665mm wheelbase, so it wise to have your chauffeur take the wheel of this P3M behemoth.
The Crafter’s biggest selling points, however, lie in its big load carrying potential and its impressive handling. Indeed, for its size, it is surprisingly easy to use and its driving characteristics are more akin to a much smaller van. Think of it as a Golf GTS on steroids.
