Need more choice and extended hours servicing? Trafic Red could be the answer, says John Kendall.
Renault Trafic buyers have a choice in the UK between the van models produced and sold by the manufacturer of Renault cars and LCVs and a range of the same vehicles sold by Renault Trucks. The synergy between the two dates back to when the two companies were under common ownership.
The Renault Trafic Red range is a recent addition to the Renault Trucks portfolio in the UK. It gives dealers an extra line of business in sales and servicing and from the customer’s perspective, it provides a range of medium vans from a dealer network which offers truck dealer opening hours.
Not surprisingly, Renault Trucks is tilting at small business customers for the Trafic RED, offering three trim levels from the Entry model, Red EDITION to Red EDITION Exclusive. There is also an extensive range of models. The standard roof model van, crew van and combi is based around a 150hp engine with six- speed automated transmission, while a six speed manual is available across the range. Longer models with the high roof (L2H2) are currently only available with a six-speed manual but Renault Trucks is exploring and automatic too.
Besides the 150hp engine, Renault Trucks is offering three other power ratings from 110hp, 130hp to 170hp, so there is plenty of choice for customers. Since the company is offering a wide range of body styles, the broad engine range will enable customers to match engines to their particular operations. Vans are available in L1H1, L2H1, L1H2 and L2H2 body styles. Crew cab models are available only with the standard H1 roof but in both body lengths. Unusually for this size of van, there is a platform cab option for those who need something other than the standard van body. The Combi, like the Crew Cab model is available in both lengths but only with the lower roof height.
Models are distinguished from other Renault Trafic models by the Renault Trucks rear emblem plate, Red EDITION livery, red seat belts and gear lever knob with red surround. Standard equipment includes manual air conditioning, cruise control, and an induction charger for phones. Exclusive trim includes an aluminium grain dashboard, a synthetic leather steering wheel 8-inch central screen with mirror link, Bluetooth, USB, lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, a passenger bench seat and hands-free access key.
Renault Trucks is offering a range of special edition models. This includes the Dakar Edition, which features a two tone leather interior, hand wash facility, Bosch jet wash and illuminated step wells.
The 1894 Edition is a reference to Renault Trucks founder Marius Berliet. The interior features blue alcantara and gold trim as well as a fridge in the cab, it also comes with alloy wheels, side bars, rear spoiler and 1894 livery.
Racing Edition models are available in Van, Crew Van and Combi with a blue and red theme from the Alpine F1 racing cars. It gets a leather interior as well as side bars and rear spoiler.
If the Trafic van body is not large enough, The City Mover Luton bodied platform cab offers 17m3 of body volume and a 950kg payload. Features include a 3,700mm long body and load through facility.
Renault Trucks has devised OptiSafe to deter thieves featuring extra levels of security. The range continues with a chiller conversion for the van body, as well as Multitrade conversions aimed at plumbers, electricians and builders. There’s also a platform cab chiller conversion, cage tipper, jiffy truck and even a motorhome conversion on L1 and L2 models.
