Volkswagen is giving its large Crafter van a facelift, with a significant update to the interior that includes a digital dashboard and chatbot integration.
The driver’s view has been completely redesigned, with a 10.3-inch (or optional 12.9-inch) infotainment screen — borrowed from Volkswagen’s latest passenger cars — mounted in the centre of the dashboard, balanced by a fully digital instrument binnacle. Perhaps less pleasingly, the same touch-sensitive slider controls for cabin temperature and audio volume are in place, which have proven divisive
in the brand’s cars.
Volkswagen is also integrating voice controls, with ChatGPT artificial intelligence promising to add an extra layer of understanding for contextual responses.
Elsewhere, the handbrake has been replaced by an electric switch, while vans with an automatic gearbox benefit from a column-mounted gear selector, freeing up more space in the redesigned cabin that already offers increased storage.
Safety technology has also been improved, with automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, road sign recognition, a speed limiter and rear parking sensors fitted as standard across the range.
The van’s exterior doesn’t appear to have been changed, and we’re not expecting any mechanical changes to the Volkswagen Crafter, but the interior update is most welcome.
Volkswagen dealers will start taking orders in April, with the first deliveries expected in the summer.
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