Renault has announced more details of its heavily revised Master and Trafic, which launch this September and spearhead the brand’s ambitious LCV plans.
Unveiled earlier this spring, the revamped models get design updates – including a new ‘Urban Gray’ body colour, plus new engines, cabins and onboard equipment while the interiors bring enhanced quality said to be comparable to levels in passenger cars.
The updated vans will help Renault to deliver its Drive the Future (2017-2022) plans, which include increasing LCV sales by over 40%, doubling market coverage from 24% to 50%, introducing an electric version of all of vans (excluding pickups) and becoming a world LCV leader, helped by its Alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi.
The changes bring a new front end for the Master, which is available in 350 versions with three heights, four lengths and load volume of 8 to 22m3, offering maximum authorised laden masses of 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes.
The Master has also been revamped on the inside with a new dashboard, higher-grade upholstery and a 3.5-inch TFT digital screen while the cockpit brings practical measures including a new ‘Easy Life’ folding tray above the glove and a 10.5-litre ‘Easy Life’ drawer for easier access. Onboard equipment offers an induction smartphone charger and multimedia solutions, covering R-Link Evolution and Media Nav Evolution.
New Euro 6d-Temp compliant 2.3 dCi engines provide more power and torque while reducing fuel consumption as well as emissions through SCR technology and are married up with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox.
New advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) bring a lane departure warning system, front and rear park assist, a reversing camera, blind spot warning, side wind assist, automatic lights and wipers (standard) and Active Emergency Braking System.
Internal and external changes have also been carried over to the recently launched Master Z.E. electric van, which is equipped with a 33kWh battery and the R75 electric motor seen in the Zoe and Kangoo Z.E. and is now offered in six versions with a choice of three lengths and two heights. This brings access to four van versions with a volume of 8 to 13 m3, and two platform cab versions available in lengths L2 and L3.
Renault has also announced more details on the updated Trafic, which also gets an revised front-end including full LED headlights and is now powered by a new 2.0-litre Euro 6d Temp diesel engine in three variants – 120hp, 145hp and a range-topping 170hp – and offered with an EDC automatic transmission on the top two engines.
Also available in Combi, Bus and SpaceClass passenger-transport variants, Trafic is available in 275 versions with two lengths and two heights and load volume of 3.2 to 8.6m3.
The cabin has also been updated with more passenger car features, including an updated dash and upholstery and, as with the Master, interior updates enable its use as a mobile and connected office, including the R-Link Evolution and Media Nav Evolution multimedia solutions and a folding passenger seat that provides space for a computer.
Other features include a new three-button folding key or a Renault hands-free card, with a single door opening option for simplified access and a reinforced extra security lock.
Advanced driver assistance systems include a wide view mirror, front and rear park assist with a reversing camera and the Trailer Swing Assist system.
Renault is backing up the changes to the vans with its Pro+ dealer network, which covers a total of 661 centres in 39 countries and a network of over 400 approved coachbuilders in 30 countries. It’s also working on a connected services offering, including its Renault Easy Connect for Fleet ecosystem of connected services designed specifically for professional customers, helping them to manage their vehicle fleets and reduce their costs.
