UPDATE: We’ve now driven the 2019 Renault Trafic – read all about it in our full review.
The Renault Trafic becomes the latest medium van to go under the knife, as Renault hits back against the recently upgraded Volkswagen Transporter and now well-established overhaul of the Ford Transit Custom with a new look and a new set of 2.0-litre engines – plus the option of an automatic transmission for the first time.
We’ve got all the official details of the new 2019 Renault Trafic direct from the reveal event in France.
What’s new about the way the Renault Trafic looks in 2019?
As with the Renault Master large van – which was shown in 2019 guise at the same press conference – the new Trafic gets a revised front end, demonstrating a new family design direction for the French manufacturer’s light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
The grille is said to be ‘more assertive’, while new full LED headlights bring a more modern appearance and dramatically improved lighting performance. The C-shaped lighting signature is part of the new Renault LCV family look, and has also been added to the Alaskan pickup.
What’s new about the 2019 Renault Trafic engine line-up?
Renault has binned the efficient but slightly under-endowed 1.6-litre dCi turbodiesels in favour of a new set of 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesels for the Trafic.
The new 2.0-litre engines use a single, variable geometry turbo, and offer power outputs of 120hp with 320Nm, 145hp with 350Nm and 170hp with 380Nm. At the top of the range that’s an increase of 25hp and 40Nm – still somewway short of the most powerful VW and Ford options, but still a big improvement.
Despite the larger engine size, fuel economy is also said to improve on a like-for-like basis – by as much as 10%. The new engines naturally meet the latest Euro 6D Temp emissions requirements.
Better yet, the two most powerful options can swap their standard six-speed manual gearbox for a new six-speed EDC automatic. EDC stands for Efficient Dual Clutch, and this gearbox works in a similar way to Volkswagen’s popular DSG autos – bringing smoother and faster gearshifts to the Trafic.
It should be good, and we look forward to trying both this and the new 2.0-litre motors in due course.
The 1.6-litre engine does continue, but only in Europe in its most basic 95hp specification as a low-power van for fleets. The UK range starts with the 120hp 2.0-litre motor.
Any changes inside the Renault Trafic’s cab for 2019?
The dashboard has been given a mild warming over – note the satin chrome accents (matching Renault’s passenger car range) and uniform ‘dark carbon’ finish for the rest of the cab. There’s also a new gearknob and improved upholstery that’s said to last longer.
You can also now get infotainment systems compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – but expect to pay extra for the privilege on most versions.
What there isn’t is any major change to increase storage or practicality inside the 2019 Renault Trafic. But then, it does already offer up to 90 litres of space, and a passenger seat back that can be folded down into a desk.
Any new safety kit or load area solutions?
Upgraded safety kit is conspicuous by its absence here – the Trafic gets absolutely nothing new for 2019. The lack of autonomous emergency braking, even as an option, is the biggest surprise.
The LED headlights are brighter, though, we suppose, and will be fitted as standard to UK models.
There is also LED lighting for the load area now, too, alongside an optional upgrade to polypropylene lining – which is hardwearing and easy to clean.
New Trafic buyers will also get either a new three-button folding key fob or the option of ‘single door opening’ control via the Renault hands-free keycard – an effort to improve vehicle security.
A reinforced Extra Security Lock is also fitted at the rear, while all UK models get an alarm as standard.
When does the new Renault Trafic go on sale and how much will it cost?
The updated Trafic goes on sale in September 2019. UK pricing starts at £22,800 (excluding VAT), which is around £250 more than before but includes not only the new engine but additional standard equipment.
It will be offered in three trim levels: Business, Business+ and Sport.
You can now read full driving impressions and other details in our review.
Also read:
>> VW T6.1 – facelifted 2019 Transporter full detaiils
>> 2019 Ford Transit Custom – new engines and tech
