Volkswagen looks set to go head-to-head with its former manufacturing partner Mercedes-Benz.

Whereas the current and previous model Crafter vans have been rebadged Sprinters fitted with VW engines, the new Crafter will be a completely different van.

The all-new Volkswagen Crafter van — can it take the fight to the Sprinter?

Designed by VW and manufactured at a new factory in Poland, the new Crafter appears to address several of the current van’s weaknesses when set against the Sprinter.

New power plant

For example, whereas the Sprinter’s 2.1-litre power units is a scaled-down version of the engine used in Mercedes’ light trucks, the old Crafter’s 2.0-litre diesel is essentially the same as that used in its large cars and the Transporter van. Under heavy loads, the difference becomes apparent. The Sprinter’s torquey delivery makes it a more effective long distance load lugger.

While the engine in the new Crafter is still a 2.0-litre unit, Volkswagen was at pains to point out today that the new engine is a “commercial vehicle diesel engine”.  This new Euro 6 “EA 288Nutz” engine appears to be a versatile unit. It will be available with four power outputs, 102PS, 122PS and 140PS, plus a bi-turbo 177PS version.

Buyers will be able to choose between front, rear and all-wheel drive models, with VW’s 4MOTION system making its first appearance on a large van. There will also be a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes.

Size and space

The van itself will be available in three lengths and three heights and will feature an impressive array of safety systems. A new electro-mechanical steering system means that active driver assistance systems such as ESP with trailer stabilisation, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control, post-collision braking system, side wind compensation system and a trailer manoeuvring assistant system among others will all be available.

Inside, drivers will be cossetted in a cab that’s unmistakably Volkswagen. However, it looks very well endowed with storage and working space and should be a decent place to spend time:

Passive safety systems will include front, side and head airbags for the driver and passengers, plus an extensive range of warning systems. These include options for a reversing camera, parking distance monitor and the Rear Traffic Alert system.

Will the new Crafter be a winner?

It’s not often a completely new large van comes on the market. Volkswagen appears to be making a big commitment to the success of the new Crafter.

From what we know so far, the new van should be a potent package.

However, as always the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. How will the new Crafter rate with fleet operators and drivers? How reliable will it be, and how will total ownership costs compare with other similar models?

How well will VW’s support package compare to those of established large van manufacturers like Ford, Fiat Professional and Mercedes-Benz?