Despite this, they maintain a loyal following, especially traditional options such as the Toyota Quantum, Nissan NV350, Ford Transit Custom, Hyundai H-1, Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Volkswagen Transporter. Move one size up though, and you get what can only be described as juggernauts by our standards, which have the ability to render the size of any pick-up inferior.
All-new, all Volkswagen
Centre to the full-size segment has been the Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, who until recently, were made as part of a joint venture between Wolfsburg and Stuttgart. Now though, both have gone their separate ways with Volkswagen being the first to unveil its all-new creation in May this year.
The biggest surprise though was having the opportunity to sample the Crafter first hand, which yours truly, being somewhat of a fan van, jumped at the opportunity when an example touched down at the Autodealer office.
When you want it big
Although our tester was the entry-level Crafter 35 MCV Panel Van, the only model in the range not requiring a Code 10 licence, it become very clear that even this “smallest” model was anything but when you look at its dimensions.
In MCV form, the Crafter measures just shy of six metres long and a smidge below 2.4m high, which means that the cargo area is simply humongous, regardless whether you access it via the single sliding side door or the barn-style rear doors.
While styling hardly rates as a key factor when deciding on a van, the Crafter takes on a more masculine look than its predecessor with an outstretching bonnet and rather pointy nose that bears close resemblance to the Transporter.
From the flight deck
Tug open the massive doors and you could instantly be forgiven for adopting a “get out of my way or I will drive over you” mentality thanks to the expansive glass house and elevated driving position, highlighted by an adjustable captain’s-style chair.
In spite of the upright nature of the seat, getting comfortable does not take long and once you have settled in, it becomes easy to spot the Crafter’s workhorse roots in that the plastics are unashamedly hard and robust, while the equipment levels are sparse and omit items such as a radio and trip computer.
You do however get air-conditioning, electric windows, central locking, ABS with EBD, dual airbags and arguably the most helpful, Hill Start Assist as standard, but even for a base van, the Crafter is still not as well equipped as the comparative medium wheelbase Ford Transit, which is also R22 720 cheaper at R486 980.
Did someone say space?
The big Volkswagen’s trump card though is the amount of space and myriad of storage areas on offer, the latter coming the form of three bins integrated into the dashboard, more than half-a-dozen cupholders, deep door pockets, trays at the base of the dash, a slot next to the gear lever, underneath the bench-style passenger’s seat and arguably the most nifty, dual overhead compartments.
Big does have its issues
As it was designed to be as user friendly as possible, driving the Crafter initially rated as easy, but flaws quickly emerged. Given its sheer width and length, manoeuvring in tight spaces, as well as reversing without a camera or parking sensors, which are available as options, proved to be a massive problem, more so as the steel bulkhead that separates the cabin from the cargo area all-but eliminates clear rear-wards visibility.
By far the worst is when you head out onto the open road. While surprisingly quiet and offering an exceptionally compliant ride for a van, Volkswagen has decided to limit the Crafter’s top speed to 100km/h, which proved incredibly frustrating and annoying given the willingness of the powertrain.
The punch to haul
Whereas the previous Crafter came powered by a 2.5-litre TDI motor, the newcomer opts for Volkswagen’s stalwart 2.0-litre TDI that produces 103kW/340Nm, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It is a combination that seems inadequate on paper, but works relatively well with a decent shove of low-down torque and a slick shifting feel to the ‘box.
Conclusion
The weeklong stint behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Crafter certainly raised the argument that vans are more capable than pick-ups when hauling large cargo in concealed safety, but also the inherent limitations of a vehicle this big handicapped by a top speed limited below the national limit.
From a workhorse perspective however, the Crafter excels in that is comfortable, refined, has just enough punch and would never be described as cramped or lacking in space. Its R509 700 sticker price is high considering the lack of spec, but the prominence of the Volkswagen badge is likely to win over buyers in need of a no-frills, large box that will go the distance.
