Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan GEN2 goes on sale

Another batch of the Australian-designed and built Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan has gone on sale at VW dealerships, priced from $157,990 plus on-road costs –
around $7000 more than the original Jayco-converted Kampervan launched in 2022.

The upgraded VW Kampervan GEN2 motorhome brings a number of updates over the original Kampervan, including improved internal storage, a new fixed rear bed and a larger on-board, off-grid 12V battery system, among a number of other changes made based on customer feedback.

Based on the Volkswagen Crafter 35 long-wheelbase all-wheel drive delivery van, the Jayco-modified Kampervan is 6.8 metres long, 2.0 metres wide and up to 2.9m high, and incorporates a 4300kg GVM upgrade to deliver a payload of more than 700kg.

The Crafter TDI410 4MOTION base vehicle is powered by a 130kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It comes loaded with creature comforts including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and smartphone-compatible infotainment display, along with various electronic driver aids including an electronic diff lock, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The latest GEN2 Kampervan also comes with a generous list of standard equipment when it comes to camping, including a 9kg gas bottle, roll-out awning, electric entry step, 90L fridge, twin gas burner cooktop, microwave, diesel space heater, rooftop air-conditioner and on-demand hot water unit.

There’s also interior mood lighting, various electrical sockets, a coil-spring mattress, TV/DVD, stereo and an outside shower, along with various camping accessories including a VW-branded camping table and chairs.

The camper layout remains largely the same, including seating for four with front swivel seats and a dinette bench with seatbelts, a bathroom including cassette toilet and shower plus a full kitchen, although the rear double bed is now permanently in place to allow more storage compartments underneath.

The larger fridge has also been relocated to free up more kitchen storage space, while on-board power has been boosted to a Projecta 400Ah lithium battery set-up with 200W rooftop solar and 3000W invertor to allow more appliances to run for longer when free camping.

Water storage is 120 litres (fresh) and 80 litres (grey).

Two variants are available: the entry-level Kampervan Style riding on 17-inch alloy wheels with highway tyres, while the more off-road focussed Kampervan All-Terrain is fitted with 16-inch black steel wheels with all-terrain tyres, a 50mm lift-kit, Seikel underbody protection and snorkel, for a $165,490 starting price.

The only options available are metallic paint ($2385) and two-tone paint ($4065).

The Crafter base vehicle also comes with a bigger alternator and second vehicle battery under the bonnet, with the campervan conversion taking place at the Jayco factory in Dandenong, Victoria.

Jayco is Australia’s largest RV manufacturer and also offers a Volkswagen Crafter-based two-wheel drive motorhome with a similar layout to the original Kampervan for $145,990 drive-away.

Volkswagen Australia executives said they worked more closely with Jayco this time to ensure an uplift in automotive OEM levels of fit and finish for the Kampervan GEN2.

Like the original batch of Kampervans, Volkswagen plans to offer around 60 examples of the Kampervan GEN2 in 2024, with more planned for production in 2025, based on an upgraded Crafter van due to arrive in Australia soon.

Sold through select VW dealerships, the Kampervan is backed by Volkswagen’s full five-year warranty and five-year roadside assist package, along with a comprehensive nationwide support network provided by Volkswagen and Jayco outlets.

Look out for our full review of the latest Volkswagen Crafter GEN2 Kampervan next Tuesday (May 7).

How much does the 2024 VW Crafter Kampervan GEN2 cost?
Style – $157,990
All-Terrain – $165,490
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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