Power on four wheels: Powerful and extremely frugal engines underline this new vehicle's confident character. A full engine range means that the right engine for the job is always available. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder TDI engine is available with 65 kW (89 PS), 80 kW (109 PS), 100 kW (136 PS) and 120 kW (164 PS), depending on the application. All engines have high torque at low engine speeds. This, together with modern common rail technology, ensures that the engines have very low fuel consumption. In addition, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is fitted as standard.

In the Crafter, a 6-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, and an automated manual gearbox is available as an option. The running gear of the Crafter is pioneering in the 3.0 tonne world of transporters. The generously sized brake system is confident no matter what the load. In addition, optimised suspension gives the vehicle good cornering stability. For additional safety, the Crafter is fitted with ESP and ABS as standard.

The safety features are completed in the ergonomically designed driver cab which offers almost all drivers, irrespective of size, a comfortable place of work. A driver airbag is fitted as standard; front passenger airbags, curtain and side airbags are available as extras as is an axially and vertically adjustable steering column. To make work easier, remote control central locking and electric windows are fitted as standard. The driver is also surrounded by a practical and spacious stowage compartment concept. A joystick-style gearstick gives the driver more room to manoeuvre and, provided the optional front passenger bench seat has not been ordered, access to the load compartment.

A choice of three wheelbases, four load compartment lengths and three roof heights enhance the versatility of the new large transporter from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The Crafter has a maximum load capacity of 17 m³. Naturally the payload and maximum permitted gross vehicle weight have been increased in line with the new capacity. The 5-tonne panel van can now transport a weight of approximately 2,670 kg. Access to the load compartment is excellent in the Crafter. In vehicles with the medium or long wheelbase, a sliding door reveals a loading aperture 1.3 m in width and 1.8 m in height, allowing standard pallets to be loaded easily (applies to LH2/LH3 load compartment heights). There is sufficient room inside the vehicle for two standard pallets to stand next to each other. An optional transport safety system can be used to prevent the load slipping.

Visually, the Crafter has nothing in common with its predecessor. Strong lines, vertical clear glass headlights and side protection strips characterise the modern and powerful truck design, giving the Crafter an impressive and strong look. The Crafter is a dynamic helper in all situations.

With the launch of the new light commercial vehicle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles adds to its very modern product range. The model campaign which started three years ago with the new Transporter, and which was continued with the new Caddy, is being rounded off with the new LT. In April 2006 the new Crafter will start a new chapter in the 30-year history of the LT.

The Next Car team expects the new Crafter to arrive in Australia in late 2006.

VW EcoRacer Successfully Finishes First Test
16th December, 2005
Volkswagen's EcoRacer sports car has successfully completed its racetrack debut: 34 journalists from 9 countries gave the concept car a thorough test on the racetrack in Pau in the South of France ..... more

Volkswagen dominates "Auto Trophy"
1st December, 2005
This year's "Auto Trophy" produced some remarkable results: Volkswagen Group products were voted onto the podium 23 times by the readers of "Auto" magazine ..... more

VW Golf GTI Wins
25th November, 2005
On the back of what has been a very successful period since the launch in May of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, it has been awarded Australia's Best Car in the category of Best Sports Car Under $57,000 ..... more

German Debut For Volkswagen Race Touareg 2
24th November, 2005
The new Race Touareg 2, with which Volkswagen will compete in the 2006 Dakar Rally, will be unveiled to the public in Germany at the world’s largest exhibition for sports cars and tuning specialists, the Essen Motor Show ..... more

50% of Volkswagen Golf Sales TDI (Diesel)
24th November, 2005
For the first time, in the months of September and October, over 50% of all Golf models retailed were TDI ..... more

Volkswagen CrossPolo
23rd November, 2005
This attractive and progressive Volkswagen has running gear raised by 15 millimetres, new 17-inch alloy wheels, robust bolt-on parts in a contrasting colour and re-designed bumpers in off-road style ..... more

Volkswagen Touareg Experience 360° Back
22nd November, 2005
After travelling 76,451 kilometres, through 26 countries and six continents, one of the most exciting adventures of our time has come to a close: the Touareg experience 360° – a journey round the world in the Volkswagen Touareg ..... more

New Volkswagen Passat Clinches Prestigious Award
17th November, 2005
Upholding the tradition of all its predecessor generations, the new Passat again takes the honours as winner of the Bild am Sonntag newspaper’s “Goldenes Lenkrad” (golden steering wheel) award ..... more

Europe's VW Touareg W12 Sport Edition
10th November, 2005
A sporting look and dynamic performance with outstanding comfort. The Touareg W12 Sport Edition with an extensive package of equipment is available now in Europe ..... more

Twenty Four Million Golfs
9th November, 2005
The world’s 24 millionth Golf was produced yesterday at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. The anniversary model is a 2.0 litre TDI, 103 kW Golf Comfortline in tornado red ..... more

Volkswagen California and California 4MOTION
7th November, 2005
The Volkswagen California has been synonymous with freedom and leisure since the late fifties. Many other car manufacturers have tried to copy the original, but none have succeeded in capturing the true essence of the ‘VW Bus’, nor its derivative, the all inclusive, kitchen sink as standard, Volkswagen Camper ..... more

Volkswagen Kombi Beach
7th November, 2005
Volkswagen’s new Kombi Beach will strike a familiar note with Volkswagen enthusiasts. This four-seater, based on Volkswagen’s T5 Multivan, quickly converts to a day-trip or overnight camper ..... more

Volkswagen Caddy Life + Weekender Package
7th November, 2005
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting a new concept in leisure travel - the Weekender Package ..... more

Volkswagen At SEMA 2005
4th November, 2005
Volkswagen of America Inc. has hosted its first display in the 42-year history of the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) annual exhibition ..... more

VW Touareg Tow Ball Down Weight Now 350kg
31st October, 2005
Volkswagen has now increased the tow ball down weight of the Touareg from 140 kilogrammes to 350 kilogrammes ..... more

Volkswagen EcoRacer Concept Car
28th October, 2005
Its basic data: average fuel consumption of 3.4 litres per 100 km, a top speed of 230 km/h. Its name: EcoRacer ..... more

4MOTION For New Volkswagen Passat
27th October, 2005
The new generation Passat can now be ordered with permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive in Europe ..... more

Volkswagen Multivan Business
26th October, 2005
The Volkswagen Multivan Business, now available to order, made its Australian debut at Sydney's 2005 Australian International Motor Show ..... more

Volkswagen's Latest Hot Hatch
21st October, 2005
Volkswagen Group Australia introduces the latest "Hot Hatch" to the Volkswagen range and confirms that Australia will be the first country in the world to sell the new Polo GTI ..... more

New Volkswagen Polo
21st October, 2005
The new generation Volkswagen Polo has received a fresh and dynamic re-design, reflecting a more modern appearance and building upon the Polo’s vivacious and unique shape ..... more

Volkswagen Wins Grand Challenge 2005
20th October, 2005
Volkswagen won the American Grand Challenge 2005 with a Touareg TDI ..... more

New VW Jetta Visits Sydney's Motor Show
17th October, 2005
The new Volkswagen Jetta has just been launched in Europe. Jetta is a sporty but elegant compact sedan and will be a great value proposition, suiting the Australian market ..... more

New Volkswagen Beetle Face Lift and TDI
14th October, 2005
The New Beetle receives a subtle re-styling in both the hardtop and the cabriolet models for summer. In addition New Beetle also receives the option of a TDI (diesel) engine for the first time ..... more

The New Volkswagen Caddy Life
14th October, 2005
With up to seven seats and two sliding doors, the Volkswagen Caddy Life opens up a whole new world of practical and exciting people moving innovation in the compact van class ..... more

New Volkswagen Polo GTI To Debut In Tokyo
12th October, 2005
VW will introduce the Polo GTI during a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. With 110 kW/150 hp it is the strongest Polo since the series was first introduced 30 years ago ..... more