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Volkswagen has revealed the first details of its new Crafter which will go on sale in the first quarter of next year.

Order books for the new van will open in November.

The previous generation of the Crafter was based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter but this latest model will be built by VW at a new plant in Wrzesnia, Poland.

Full specification and pricing is yet to be revealed, but VW’s large van will come diesel engines, four base models, three length options and three height options. Customers will be able to choose from front, rear or 4Motion all-wheel drive versions.

VW has confirmed the new Crafter will come with a new 2.0-litre TDI engine in four power outputs: 100bhp, 120bhp and 138bhp, plus a bi-turbo TDI with 175bhp. The choice of engines depends on which drive system is selected.

The German brand will be launching new technology on the Crafter thanks to it being built with electro-mechanical steering for the first time. Customers will be able to specify Crafters with ESP with trailer stabilisation, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control, post-collision braking system, side wind compensation system and a trailer manoeuvring assistant system.

Front, side and head airbags for the driver and passengers and a range of warning systems that include a reversing camera, parking distance monitor and the Rear Traffic Alert system are also on offer.

LED headlights, cornering lights and Light Assist will also be available.

Prices and more detailed specifications are likely to be revealed at the Hanover Motor Show on September 22 where the Crafter will be on show.