MIAS 2017: Volkswagen expands lineup with Crafter 9-seater van

Most Filipinos love to travel in groups and Volkswagen Philippines intends to cater to this Pinoy culture by offering a large, spacious, and premium vehicle. Making its debut at the 2017 Manila International Auto Show is Volkswagen’s fighter in the local passenger van segment – the Crafter.

With this model, the German brand intends to double its sales so as to maintain its status as the number 1 European car brand in country. In terms of its exterior, you could say that the Crafter has this sort of ‘surveillance van-like’ look. It can seat up to 9 occupants and comes with a high roofline, which could be a notable one-two punch if you’re on the lookout for a family van.

This van also has individual seats and armrests for that added comfort while you’re on the road. In addition, the Crafter is integrated with electric sliding door – talk about arriving in style.    

For safety, it is equipped with electronic stabilization program (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, hill hold assist, and flat tire indicator.  

The one displayed at MIAS is an accessorized Crafter that appears to be itching for an entertaining summer road trip. It is fitted with 6 captain seats, a 32-inch Samsung TV, a touchscreen multimedia radio with navigation, window framing with van blinds, accent LED lights, and side step board.

Powering the Crafter is a 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine that delivers 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. In case you’re wondering, Volkswagen’s 9-seater van is priced at P3,000,000.