Volkswagen unveils Crafter van

Volkswagen has released images of its all-new flagship Crafter large van ahead of its official launch this September at the Hanover commercial vehicle show in Germany.

Replacing the previous-generation van that was based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the new version is claimed to be all new from the ground up.

Available in three lengths and three heights, Volkswagen says the new Crafter was created to offer high levels of efficiency and low cost of ownership for operators.

The new platform also allows huge flexibility and, as well as differing body styles, the big van is offered with either front, rear or 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Under the bonnet, Volkswagen claim the new 2.0-litre turbodiesel was especially created for the Crafter. The engine, codenamed "EA288Nutz" is available with 75kW, 90kW or 103kW. Spearheading the range is a twin-turbo version of the same EA288Nutz that comes with 130kW.

An automatic version will be offered on certain engine outputs.

All are expected to have class-leading fuel consumption, thanks to an ultra-low drag coefficient (for a van) figure of 0.33 -- the lowest in its class, claims VW.

The Crafter will shake up the large van segment for safety too, says the German van-maker, with new options like emergency autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, a trailer assist and side-wind compensation aids all available.

Other new tech introduced on the Crafter is a reverse camera option, rear traffic alert and adaptive LED lamps.

Quality, durability and value will also improve on the new Crafter model, says the German van-builder.

Made in an all-new production facility in Poland, the Crafter -- when it arrives some time in 2017 -- will join the Amarok ute, the Caddy and the Transporter in the Volkswagen Commercial range.