Plumbing Connection Summer 2016

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With no fewer 79 variants at last count across its Caddy,
Transporter and Crafter van and cab chassis model lines,
Volkswagen Group Australia claims to offer an unrivalled breadth
of choice for tradespeople – and also reckons it offers the best
value in the marketplace.
In announcing 2017 model year updates and revised pricing for
its light-commercial vans, the German brand’s local director of
commercial vehicles, Carlos Santos, declared that VW’s diverse
range “can’t be beaten on value”.
“Other brands might offer cheaper white tin entrants, but when
you get into the meat of the ranges – the vehicles that people who
have to drive them really want – we win both on sticker price and
equipment,” he said.
Across all model lines, the MY17 upgrades include improved
USB connectivity for an iPhone and a general audio upgrade with
App Connect.
The Caddy compact van gains new exterior colours and
standard fitment of Climatronic air-conditioning with an anti-
allergen filter, as seen on VW’s passenger car range.
‘Runner’ editions of Transporter and Crafter – based on MY16
vehicles and available while stocks last – are also available, while
drive-away pricing deals are offered on selected models for
vehicles purchased before the end of the year.
As seen previously on Caddy, the Runner editions pack in plenty
of value although are typically limited to specific model variants
and configurations such as manual transmission, white exterior
paint and no real scope for adding optional extras.
The Transporter Runner is based on the entry level SWB TDI250
van with a five-speed manual gearbox, priced from $32,990 drive-
away. The 2.0L diesel engine produces 75kW/250Nm and offers
mileage of 7.0L/100km on the official combined cycle, while the
cargo area has a 5.8m3 load capacity, accessed via a sliding door
on the passenger’s side and a rear tailgate.
Standard safety equipment runs to four airbags, electronic
traction/stability control, ABS brakes (with brake assist), hill-start
assist, driver fatigue detection and reverse parking sensors.
The Crafter Runner editions are based on the 35 Van in
TDI300 MWB and TDI340 LWB guise, both with a six-speed
manual gearbox and drive-away pricing from $39,990 and
$46,990 respectively. Both use a 2.0L diesel engine, producing
80kW/300Nm in the TDI300 and 105kW/340Nm in TDI340, while
cargo capacity of up to 9.0m3 is available in the MWB and 14.0m3 in
the LWB version.
VW has also boosted its Amarok one-tonne utility, offering a
reduced price of $38,990 for the TDI400 4Motion dual cab manual
– a significant reduction on the regular RRP of $42,990 plus on-
road costs.
Volkswagen Commercial
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles