No fewer than 69 versions of the new Volkswagen Crafter will be available to order by mid-2017.

The all-new model marks a bold change for Volkswagen, as previous versions of the Crafter have simply been Mercedes-Benz Sprinters fitted with VW engines.

Here’s an overview of the choices that will be available once the model roll-out is completed next year:

• 4 base models, 3 lengths, 3 heights
• Front, rear or 4MOTION all-wheel drive
• Manual or automatic gearbox
• Payload of up to 5.5 tonnes (i.e. 7.5 tonne gross weight?)
• Maximum cargo volume of 18.4 cubic metres
• Panel van, single and double cab chassis cab models plus conversion options such as tippers
• The new Crafter will be available ex-factory with additional equipment such as ex factory as a second compressor for refrigeration or fresh produce applications, four variants of a second battery, a second air conditioner and a second heat exchanger for a fuel-operated auxiliary heating system.

Essentially the Crafter offers everything that the Mercedes Sprinter, Iveco Daily and Ford Transit offer — the three other heavy vans in the market from which VW will hope to take market share.

Inside the new Volkswagen Crafter

One criticism of past Crafters is that they lacked pulling power when fully loaded, due to using car-derived 2.0 TDI engines. Volkswagen says that the Euro 6 EA 288 Commercial 2.0-litre TDI engine used in the new van is has been developed to meet the needs of commercial use and should offer an improved performance.

Pre-sales of the new Crafter begin in November 2016. UK launch is expected in Spring 2017. The first models to hit the roads seem likely to be front-wheel drive models, which will offer gross weights of 3.0-4.0t and engine power ratings from 102 PS to 177 PS.

From around mid-2017, the powertrains on offer will be supplemented by the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with a transversely mounted engine and the rear-wheel drive system with a longitudinally mounted engine.

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?