With the latest version of the mid-weight Trafic van, Renault has achieved the seemingly impossible. Despite installing a smaller engine, it produces more power than the previous larger model, yet delivers lower emissions and improved fuel consumption.
Too good to be true? Apparently not, thanks in part to advanced turbocharging and ever-improving electronic engine control.
In the name of downsizing, Renault has ditched its previous 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine and opted for a 1.6-litre motor, with a choice of single or double stage turbocharging. The first low inertia turbo provides high torque at low speeds for improved response when pulling away. Then the second turbo takes over at higher speeds for improved power output and smooth acceleration.
The results are impressive and you never feel short-changed at the wheel. The 120hp Energy dCi engine in particular not only puts out a sturdy 320Nm of torque, but it manages to hit an incredible 47.9mpg with a CO2 output of just 155g/km. That’s actually better than both of the less powerful single turbo variants and the more powerful 140hp version of the twin turbo engine.
Ah yes you say, but no-one can actually achieve those claimed figures. Not so. Admittedly few people are going to hyper-mile to quite the same extent, but on this year’s MPG Marathon we took a 120hp Trafic around a 311-mile route and returned 55.5mpg, despite some of the worst weather that we’ve experienced so far this year.
What’s more the 1.6-litre engine proved incredibly tractable, allowing a quick change through to the higher gears, even at low rpm. Not that changing gear to make the most of the engine output is any hardship, with a short gearlever throw permitting a quick downchange when necessary.
The new model isn’t just about the engine however and revisions to the cab, particularly in the higher Business+ trim make it a comfortable place to work. All models come with a full steel bulkhead, helping to keep noise levels in-cab to a
trip computer.
Opt for the Business+ trim, adding £1,100 to the purchase price, and you also get manual air conditioning, a fold-down centre seat with A4 clipboard and storage, plus a smartphone dock on the dash. Business+ vans also come with a load-through hatch in the bulkhead, giving access to the space under the passenger seat and in the footwell and permitting longer loads of up to 3,750mm to be carried in the short wheelbase model.
Trafic boasts a distinctive new look, but the upgrades are far from skin deep. Moving to a smaller engine might have caused concern among buyers, but with more power, lower emissions and added economy, few could fault the new 1.6-litre driveline, particularly in twin turbo form.
There are some clever load handling ideas in the rear, while beneath the body all Trafic vans are safer, thanks to standard ESC, Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend traction control.
What we think
Renault’s Trafic van has been a popular choice with UK buyers for some years and the new model offers even more reasons to take a closer look.
Specification
MODEL Renault Trafic SL27 ENERGY dCi 120 Business+
BASIC PRICE £20,445
ENGINE 4-cyl/1,598cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 120hp @ 3,500rpm
TORQUE 320Nm @ 1,500rpm
Weights (kg)
GVW 2,740
KERB WEIGHT 1,684
PAYLOAD 1,056
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
COMBINED MPG & CO2 47.9mpg/155g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/25,000 miles
WARRANTY 4 yr/100,000 miles
