The latest round of updates to the Volkswagen Crafter sees the large van receive a major interior overhaul, including a new digital dashboard and the integration of a chatbot.
The dashboard layout has been completely redesigned, with the driver presented with a fully digital instrument panel alongside the same 10.3-inch infotainment screen seen in Volkswagen passenger cars now sitting in the centre of the cabin. Alongside the screen, the Crafter also shares the touch-sensitive slider controls for audio volume and cabin temperature with the cars — an interesting move, as drivers haven’t fully embraced them and are being dropped in the next generation of Volkswagen passenger vehicles.
While voice controls aren’t uncommon in vehicles — with mixed results — Volkswagen is integrating artificial intelligence in the form of ChatGPT. While far from foolproof, it should add another layer of understanding for contextual responses.
There are ergonomic improvements elsewhere in the cabin. Gone is the handbrake of old, replaced by an electric switch, and variants with an automatic gearbox gain even more cabin space alongside the already increased storage capacity as the gear selector moves to the steering column.
Automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection has been added to improve safety, while more safety tech, such as a speed limiter, lane keeping assist, road sign recognition, and rear parking sensors, will be fitted as standard across the range.
The revamp seems to concentrate on the interior, as the exterior appears to remain unchanged. No mechanical changes are anticipated, but it’s an update that is certainly welcome.
Orders open in April, and deliveries are expected to begin in summer.
You can lease the VW Crafter with Select Van Leasing from just £465 per month, ex VAT*.
*Prices exclude VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 03/04/24.
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