Renault’s updated Trafic range aims to build upon the success of its distinctive predecessor, by offering improved fuel consumption, lower emissions, increased carrying capacity and a more refined cab/office environment for drivers.
The unusual roof hump might be gone but Trafic retains a distinctive face, with Renault’s large corporate diamond logo taking centre stage. The van has an additional 21cm in body length, in both L1 and L2 models, shared between the load bay and the cab. In the rear that means that you can now carry three Euro pallets in either model, despite the fact that the bulkhead is fixed 3cm further back, to provide improved legroom for taller drivers.
Opting for a load-through bulkhead allows you to put longer loads beneath the passenger seat and a second panel that permits entry through to the passenger footwell, and the overall load length rises to 3.75m in the L1 model and 4.15m for the L2 vans. Load volumes are now up to 5.2m3 and 6.0m3 respectively on standard roof models and as much as 8.6m3 for the largest L2H2 model.
Standard roof H1 models can also be supplied with an internal roof rack. The roof cross members have been reinforced to support a 163cm long, 65cm wide rack, capable of carrying 2m copper pipes or even a step ladder.
While things are certainly bigger in the back, they have been downsized under the bonnet, with the two previous 2.0-litre engines replaced by no less than four 1.6-litre motors. There are two single turbo engines, offering 90hp and 115hp, plus two twin turbo models with 120hp and 140hp on offer.
Renault UK expects the 115hp to be the fleet favourite, grabbing as much as 60% of sales, but the two twin turbo engines should capture around 19% each. The good news for drivers is that even the single turbo 115hp engine has more than enough power to haul a laden Trafic along easily, while the range-topping 140hp model delivers very relaxed driving.
It needn’t add cost at the pumps if you can justify the higher power outputs either, the twin turbo engines actually boast the best fuel consumption figures and the lowest emission levels. The 120hp engine is the range’s sweet spot, with a claimed 47.9mpg and 155g/km of CO2.
In the cab the seat cushion is 36mm lower and the seat back more reclined, to make the van more car-like to drive. There is also more adjustment for both the seat and the steering wheel, ensuring that all drivers should be able to get comfortable.
Renault has equipped Trafic’s middle seat back with the rotating laptop table first seen in Master and the cab has a total of 90 litres of storage in 14 bins, trays and cubbies.
There are cradles available for mobile phones and tablets and Renault is offering a number of infotainment and connectivity options including R-Link and a new R & GO system that links portable devices to the van’s radio system.
UK customers will be able to choose from Business trim, Business Plus (+£1,100) or Sport (+£1,200). Business is expected to account for 50% of sales with Business Plus on 30% and Sport 20%.
What we think
No concerns over engine size as Trafic is even better to drive. With added capacity and lower costs, Renault is on track for increased sales.
Specification
MODEL Renault Trafic L1H1 SL29 dCi115 Business
BASIC PRICE £19,245
ENGINE 1,598cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 115hp @ 3,500
TORQUE 300Nm @ £1,750
Weights (kg)
GVW 2,900
KERB WEIGHT 1,665
PAYLOAD 1,235
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,000
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,537
LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,662
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,387
LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 552
LOAD VOLUME 5.2m3
Cost considerations
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80 litres
COMBINED MPG & CO2 43.5mpg/170g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/25,000 miles
WARRANTY 4 yr/100,000 miles