Following the first unveil of the new Renault Trafic, the French company has provided a swathe of new details and information about its new panel van.
Building on the sales success of the outgoing model, Renault has sought to make its all-new Traffic van not only cheaper to run but also more practical too, with a number of features to make it easier to live with.
Increased practicality
Although it looks similar to the previous generation model, the latest traffic is all-new and promises an interior more like that of a people carrier in terms of comfort. The cabin features 14 different storage areas, providing up to 90 litres of capacity, a class best.
Renault refers to its ‘office on wheels’, with features that will please van operators. Not only is there a dash-mounted cradle for smartphones of a variety of sizes (up to 4.7-inch screens), there’s also a separate cradle for tablets. With a grip of 4.8 to 10.6 inches, it’ll hold most devices from larger smartphones to tablets like the 10.1-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.
Tip the centre seat forwards to reveal a hinged lid with the capacity to store a laptop. There’s a 54-litre bin under the centre seat cushion too.
On-board technology hasn’t been scrimped on either with DAB radio and Bluetooth standard across the range and sat-nav optionally available. Renault’s ‘R&GO’ Android and iOS app allows portable devices to be synced to the Trafic’s infotainment system including navigation and streaming functions.
Renault hasn’t overlooked the Trafic primary purpose of carrying cargo either, with a maximum capacity of 8.6 cubic metres for the long-wheelbase, high roof (L2H2) version. A pair of trap doors in the bulkhead and under the passenger seats allow loads up to 4.12 metres long to be transported with the rear doors closed, again a class-best feature.
Four 1.6-litre diesel engines
Lowering the new Trafic’s running costs, the van is powered exclusively by a range of 1.6-litre diesel engines. Single-turbo models deliver 89bhp and 113bhp, while the new twin-turbo Energy dCi motors offer improved power and efficiency.
In 118bhp and 138bhp forms, these new motors deliver a claimed 47.1mpg and 46.3mpg, respectively. Overall, Renault points to an average 5.8mpg improvement over the previous generation van.
Depending on the engine chosen, Trafic CO2 emissions are between 155 and 170g/km.
Further functionality makes the Trafic easier to drive and manoeuvre in tight spots, with a hill-hold function and ‘Grip Xtend’ traction control to optimise traction in slippery conditions. An additional wide-angle mirror, mounted on the passenger sun visor, helps eliminate blind spots while a high-mounted reversing camera allows the driver to see everything behind the full height of the van.
When can you buy one?
Orders can be placed in the summer, with first deliveries beginning in September. Prices are yet to be confirmed for the all-new Renault Trafic but expect to pay a small premium compared to the outgoing model.
To read the current Renault Trafic review click here
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