Volkswagen Kampervan GEN2 goes on sale

Another batch of the Australian-designed and built Crafter Kampervan has gone on sale at Volkswagen dealerships, priced from $157,990 or around $7000 more than the original Jayco-converted Kampervan launched in 2022.

The new Crafter Kampervan GEN2 motorhome has a number of updates from the original Kampervan, with improved internal storage, a new fixed rear bed and a larger on-board, off-grid 12V battery system among a number of changes made based on feedback from customers.

Based on the VW Crafter 35 Long Wheelbase all-wheel drive delivery van, the Jayco-modified Kampervan is 6.8 metres long, 2.0 metres wide and up to 2.9m high, and incorporates a 4300kg GVM upgrade, to deliver a payload of more than 700kg.

The Crafter TDI410 4Motion base vehicle is powered by a 130kW/410Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with eight speed automatic transmission and comes loaded up with creature comforts including a leather wrapped steering wheel and smart phone-compatible infotainment display, along with various electronic driver aids including an electronic diff lock, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

The latest GEN2 Kampervan also comes with a generous list of standard equipment when it comes to camping, including a 9kg gas bottle, roll-out awning, electric entry step, 90L fridge, twin gas burner cooktop, microwave, diesel space heater, rooftop air conditioner, on-demand hot water unit, interior mood lighting and various electrical sockets, a coil spring mattress, TV/DVD, stereo and an outside shower, along with various camping accessories included a VW-branded camping table and chairs.

The camper fit-out remains largely the same, including seating for four with front swivel seats and dinette bench with seatbelts, a bathroom including cassette toilet and shower, and a full kitchen, although the large rear dinette/lounge has been removed to make way for a fixed rear double bed that allows for extra storage compartments underneath.

The larger fridge has also been relocated to free up more kitchen storage space, while on-board power has been boosted to a Projecta 400Ah lithium battery set-up with 200W rooftop solar and 3000W invertor to allow more appliances to run for longer when free camping. Water storage is 120 litres (fresh) and 80 litres (grey).

Two variants are available: the entry level Kampervan Style getting 17in alloy wheels with highway tyres, while the more dirt road-focussed Kampervan All-Terrain is fitted with 16in black steel wheels with all terrain tyres, a snorkel, 50mm lift-kit and Seikel underbody protection for its $165,490 starting price.

The only options available are metallic paint ($2385) and two-tone paint ($4065).

The Crafter base vehicle also comes with a bigger alternator and second vehicle battery under the bonnet, with the campervan conversion taking place at the Jayco factory in Dandenong, Victoria.

Jayco is Australia’s largest RV manufacturer, and also offers a Volkswagen Crafter based, two wheel drive motorhome with a similar layout to the original Kampervan for $145,990 drive-away.

Volkswagen Australia executives said it also worked more closely with Jayco this time to ensure an uplift in automotive OEM-levels of fit and finish for the Kampervan GEN2.

Like the original batch of Kampervans, Volkswagen plan to offer around 60 examples of the Kampervan GEN2 in 2024, with more planned for production in 2025, based on an upgraded Crafter van due to arrive in Australia soon.

Sold through select VW dealerships, the Kampervan is backed by Volkswagen’s full five year warranty and five year roadside assist package, along with a comprehensive nationwide support network provided by Volkswagen and Jayco outlets.

Look out for a full review on the latest Volkswagen Crafter GEN2 Kampervan in coming days…