THE new Volkswagen Crafter will be launched in a few weeks' time and will be taken to a higher level by an extensive software and hardware update.

The cockpit has been completely redesigned and now features the latest generation of infotainment systems.

The fresh features include a completely digital cockpit, a multifunction steering wheel, an electronic parking brake and various assist systems.

A key option is a digital voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.

Pre-sales of the new Crafter start in mid-April.

The new Crafter will come with digital instruments as standard including a 10.3-inch and optionally 12.9-inch infotainment display based on the latest modular infotainment matrix.

The visually free-standing Volkswagen system has a newly developed graphical interface and self-explanatory menu navigation.

The handbrake and the switch for the automatic gearbox have been redesigned, as have the controls for the light functions, the buttons in the area of the centre console and all vents.

The range of new standard and optional assist systems includes Front Assist (autonomous emergency braking including cyclist and pedestrian monitoring), lane assist (lane keeping system), dynamic road sign display, a speed limiter and acoustic park distance control for the rear area.

Travel Assist will be available as an option for the Crafter for the first time. In combination with Travel Assist, Emergency Assist is also being introduced to the Crafter.