Fire up the Crafter! VW Shows Off New Police Riot Van

In cool Volkswagens we don’t get news, VW UK has just revealed the police package version of the Crafter. Though it’s not exactly what you expect from a blues and twos police version.

That’s because the Crafter is the VW commercial van in Europe. And in this case, the Police Support Unit is the riot van.

Instead of special engines, this one gets an unbreakable windshield made from Kasiglas. It’s mar-protect too, so it should avoid damage from objects and, more importantly, let occupants see out without needing a bulky metal guard screen. Losing that extra weight from on top of the nose will help driveability too.

It’s also got a prison cell in the rear, and seating for seven. That’s seven in the back plus whoever gets put in the cell. There’s storage back there for helmets, shields, and other police kit.

Steven Cowell, Technical Sales Manager at Volkswagen Group Fleet Services, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our latest blue light conversion – a riot van based on the long wheelbase Volkswagen Crafter – after months of hard work by our dedicated team alongside our Accredited Blue Light Conversion Partner, Coleman Milne. Following its much anticipated debut at the CV Show 2019, the PSU will be put into service across the country supporting police forces in their vital roles.”

The riot Crafter uses a 177 hp 2.0L turbodiesel and comes as Trendline trim. Because the fuzz needs some comfort too. And a flat bottom steering wheel. Because police racecar? It’s debuting at The Commercial Vehicle Show 2019 in Birmingham, UK, which is, not surprisingly, a show for commercial vehicles.

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