GETTING INTO TRAFIC
Renault’s Trafic Van Is One Kind Of Trafic That You Won’t Mind Getting Stuck In. Jonathan Crouch Takes A Closer Look
Take a close look at the Renault Trafic. Does it look familiar? It should do – the design is virtually identical to the Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan Primastar, not that this is a problem. In fact, thanks to substantial investment from Renault, Nissan and GM, the Trafic/Vivaro/Primastar platform is recognised to be one of the leaders in the compact van sector. Hence the bulging trophy cabinet that includes the International Van Of The Year and What Van? Van Of The Year.
Slotting into the company’s light commercial vehicle Range just above the Kangoo and just below the well-respected Master van, it completes head-on with rivals like Ford’s Transit for buyers wanting a maximum payload of up to 1.2 tonnes. Thanks to wide opening doors, your load is always easily accessible and can even be loaded from a fork-lift truck. How’s that for convenient? The Trafic has been substantially revised in recent times, with styling tweaks, more equipment and, most importantly, a fresh Range of Euro 4 engines ranging in power from 90 to 150bhp.
Let’s start with the cosmetic stuff. The latest Trafic models feature a re-designed front end using one-piece headlamp units with built-in indicators and a restyled radiator grille expressing what Renault hope is a stronger visual identity. At the rear, there are revised lamp units and a useful footplate for added practicality. Inside, drivers used to the pre-facelifted model should notice an improvement in quality, especially around the revised dashboard.
"a complete package that gives Renault the strongest presence it’s ever had in this sector"
At the wheel, there’s still a very MPV-like feel to the way everything is laid out – and some clever ideas have been included. Like a hood to cover documents (which also prevents windscreen reflections), shelves installed beneath the instrument panel and the glovebox, a card-holder and a an illuminated, refrigerated glovebox linked to the air conditioning system and capable of holding two 1.5-litre bottles - an idea first seen in the Renault Scenic. There’s also a height-adjustable steering wheel and the usual cupholders.
As before, there’s a wide choice of variants on offer. The basic selection is between two wheelbases (short and long – 3098mm and 3498mm), two roof heights (short and high, 1.96m and 2.50m) and three body types: panel van, commercial passenger vehicle (Trafic 9 Seat) and platform cab.
The best-selling version, the SL (short wheelbase, low roof), has a load volume of 5m³, with a load length of 2.41m and an interior height of 1.38m. The long wheelbase version has a load volume of 5.93m³ and 40cm additional length. The high roof versions have 7m³ and 8m³ capacities and standing-room interior height of 1.91m. There’s also a popular six-seat Trafic Crew Van variant, offered in both short and long wheelbase versions of the low roof models, with a load area of up to 4m³.
So to the engine line-up. The introduction of Euro 4 standards has brought two versions of the latest 2.0 dCi diesel engine, developed jointly under the Renault-Nissan alliance – developing either 90 or 115bhp. If you need more grunt than either of these two powerplants can offer, the next step is to opt for Renault’s 2.5 dCi engine, now with 150bhp and a particulate filter. All these units come with a six-speed manual gearbox but if you go for the 115 or 150bhp models, there’s also the option of a six-speed semi-automatic ‘Quickshift6’ transmission to save your clutch foot. For people who still prefer petrol (why?), Renault also still offer a 2.0 16V petrol derivative with 120bhp which also meets Euro 4 standards.
Equipment levels have been improved to the point where even basic Trafic models get features like a 30W single-CD RDS radio, ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution), remote central locking with deadlocking and an insurance approved (category 1) alarm and immobiliser. On the options list are automatic wipers with rain sensors and automatic headlights with light sensors. In addition, with safety and security in mind, "See Me Home" headlights, a three-button key with selective area opening (ideal for opening either load or cab areas without the concerns of opportunistic thieves) and R.A.I.D. (the Renault Anti-Intruder Device), which automatically locks all of the vehicle’s doors once it exceeds five miles per hour, are all available.
Impressive fuel consumption figures aren’t the only reason why dealers are claiming exceptionally low operating costs as a particular strength of this vehicle. It has long service intervals (with oil changes every 18,000 miles/2 years) and features engines and gearboxes designed to guarantee a life of 150,000 miles. Moreover, the vehicle structure is entirely galvanised, with all box sections completely sealed and wax-treated, allowing Renault to offer a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. For your complete peace of mind, Renault also supplies the Trafic with a 3-year/60,000 mile warranty, including 3-years’ roadside assistance from the AA.
In addition, the cost of repairing minor impact damage has been reduced thanks to the small number of components which need to be changed during the repair process. This has resulted in an impressively low insurance rating of only 4E. Improvements have also been made to repair times - lower by a factor of four.
In summary then, a complete package that gives Renault the strongest presence it’s ever had in this sector.
Facts At A Glance
VAN: Renault Trafic Range
ENGINES: 2.0dCi (90bhp or 115bhp), 2.5dCi (150bhp) 2.0-litre 16v petrol (120bhp)
PAYLOAD: 1,023 – 1,217kgs