From? Truck? motorhome?
Rinat Ayupov runs a small transport operation in Vologda with a fleet that handles more than ordinary cars. He needed a vehicle versatile enough to haul plumbing gear without being overly heavy, yet capable of carrying sizable loads. The solution could not be simply a regular car or a bulky truck. Every run from Moscow to Vologda Oblast was too costly, and using separate truck parts meant repeated city trips to complete leases. The goal was clear: one vehicle that could do many jobs well.
The team delivered a Volkswagen Crafter for a week, a choice that immediately drew Ayupov’s focused attention.
From? Truck? motorhome?
People who aren’t familiar with commercial vehicles may be surprised by how many distinct configurations share a single name. The Volkswagen Crafter, for instance, comes in short and long wheelbases, four roof heights, and options for front, rear, or all-wheel drive. There are also choices for the two-liter EA288 turbo diesel with power ratings of 102, 109, 140, or 177 horsepower. In Russia, the market primarily offers a six-speed manual gearbox, while abroad buyers can opt for an eight-speed automatic or a robotic transmission. And that applies to the van itself, known as a Kasten. There is also a Pritsche chassis variant and a complete chassis option for building a motorhome or a tow truck. When counting all the van variants alone, the Crafter line can total 69 different configurations.
Overall, the Crafter can be assembled like a designer project. The Crafter 35, with a mid-length base, high roof, 4Motion all-wheel drive, and the most powerful diesel option at 177 horsepower, proved the most suitable for Ayupov’s needs.
Places – car
Opening the cargo area reveals abundant space. It feels almost inconceivable that a compact vehicle could swallow so much. The smallest Crafter almost reaches 10 cubic meters of capacity, and Ayupov’s test model reached 11.3 m3. Other configurations offer 14.3 m3, 16 m3, and even 18.3 m3. That is plenty of room for tools, pipes, and equipment. The sliding door opening measures 1311 mm, with a floor-to-ceiling height of 2196 mm, meaning a full-grown driver can stand inside and move about comfortably. The loading height sits at a convenient 570 mm, easing daily use. With the right setup, fewer trips are needed to transport everything required for a job.
With such interior adaptability, the Crafter can serve as a compact logistics solution that minimizes trips and expenses in busy work schedules.
Bodily comfort and storage
German drivers are famed for high standards, and the Crafter lives up to that reputation. The cabin supports long workdays with well-chosen materials and solid finishes appropriate for commercial use. The seat range supports varying heights and builds, and the seating profile remains supportive without fatigue. Numerous shelves, drawers, and small compartments help organize tools and parts. Door pockets accommodate 1.5-liter bottles, a small detail that many craftsmen appreciate. A 12-volt outlet and a USB port are standard, and some Crafter configurations include a built-in organizer beneath the left portion of the passenger seat. A 25-liter refrigerator option exists that can cool and even heat food up to 60°C, making long shifts more bearable.
Across all variants, the driver’s view ahead and to the sides remains excellent, enhancing overall confidence on the road. It feels as if the vehicle was designed with practical, real-world use in mind.
Maneuverability
Even a five-meter-long van can be nimble in the hands of a skilled driver. The Crafter’s long wheelbase requires mindful handling, especially around tight corners, but a careful approach yields smooth maneuvering. The electric power steering turns with ease, the wheels offer ample steering angles, and parking in tight spaces proves feasible. For extra confidence, an assistant directing from outside can help navigate confined areas.
An optional parking autopilot exists, with a dedicated space requirement of about 1.5 meters beyond the vehicle length. A rear-view camera is also available as an option, aiding reversing and overall visibility in crowded urban settings.
Dynamic and economical
Powerful acceleration comes from the 177-horsepower engine, a strong performer in city streets and on highways alike. The engine delivers ready torque from low revs, and the smooth six-speed gearbox complements that character. Shifts feel natural, and the overall driving experience leans toward effortless progress rather than abrupt bursts of speed. Fuel figures for the all-wheel-drive variant with 177 hp are not published broadly, but the rear-wheel-drive version with the same output is listed at about 7.4 liters per 100 km in ideal mixed conditions. Real-world use, especially in dense urban traffic with stops and starts, showed fuel consumption closer to 10–12 liters per 100 km. For a vehicle that can haul substantial loads, the energy efficiency remains competitive and practical for daily work.
Capability in tough conditions
The Crafter’s performance extends beyond smooth pavement. In the Vologda region, where roads can be rough and surfaces uneven, the vehicle handled mixed surfaces without issue. The combination of a robust frame, strong drive options, and thoughtful ground clearance helps the Crafter perform in challenging winter conditions and other difficult driving environments. It is clear that four-wheel drive is not simply for off-road adventures but a practical feature that improves traction in adverse weather and uneven terrain.
And this light!
Contemporary Crafter models come with striking LED headlights, offering better visibility during night driving. Optional packages add automatic high beam control, a rain sensor, and ambient lighting in dark parking lots, enhancing safety and comfort on and off the clock.
Translated into a working reality, the Crafter stands as a reliable, hardworking tool. It is a capable platform for tradespeople and businesses that need a versatile vehicle to support a range of tasks. The engineering and design reflect a clear focus on usefulness, durability, and daily practicality in demanding work settings.
- Notes about practical use and feedback can often be found in discussions about driving Crafter variants on social platforms.
Photo: Volkswagen