You can thank Renault for good Trafic conditions
Accepting that you will be unlikely to read a headline like that for a while, Iain Robertson understands that six, or even seven seaters are often inadequate and costly in their semi-luxurious MPV or SUV forms but Renault relies on van tradition.
Vans with windows, flexible seating and sliding doors have been popular and practical propositions for decades and not just for building site operators and crew bus services. Even the ardent five-a-side adult footy team will struggle to obtain enough space in an SUV, due to restrictions made in the pursuit of fashionable good looks…and we are talking vehicular here.
Unfortunately, many of today’s factory converted vans are being hit with a hefty styling stick and, apart from the notable Hyundai i800, which retains a taller and, thus, roomier cabin, the only viable rival comes from Renault and its rarer badge-engineered Nissan alternative. Volkswagen’s truly splendid Caravelle is almost twice the price and, while marginally less expensive, Ford’s Transit has been chasing a more ‘car-like’ experience in all respects, from design to trim detailing. The Stellantis equivalent, which means Renault’s former partner Vauxhall (and Opel, of course) but includes Peugeot-Citroen and now Fiat Group, is going much the same way as the Transit.
It may not come as a surprise that van makers are every bit as competent at over-pricing their products as carmakers these days but Renault has tried to keep something approximating a lid on proceedings, with its latest offering in this class starting from a moderate £28,750 plus VAT at 20%. However, while this equates to VAT-inclusive recommended retail price of £34,500, by the time the first registration fee (£55), delivery (£636) and first year road tax (£895) are factored in, a buyer is having to deal with a total of £36,086. Just to remind you, this is for a light commercial vehicle, in this instance (SL28 Blue dCi 110 Business) powered by a 107bhp, 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel motor, driving through a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive that provides a 0-60mph acceleration time of 16.2s, a top speed of 100mph, around 39.8mpg and a CO2 rating of up to 189g/km, albeit with glazing and seats for up to eight people.
If you really want to go for Trafic, its top guise (LL30 Blue dCi 170), complete with six-speed, automated-manual, twin-clutch gearbox, driving the front wheels, will set you back to the tune of £46,304, before you start ticking the more desirable creature comforts in the accessory catalogue. Mind you, its version of the 2.0-litre lump does boast a top speed of 115mph, can despatch 0-60mph in a spirited 10.3s, while returning 37.7mpg and emitting 197g/km of CO2, thanks to a punchy 167bhp turbo-diesel power unit. There is also a 147bhp version.
Still, having decided that a Trafic is the right vehicle, the latest models have received a gentle restyle that makes the front grille somewhat bolder than before, while the interior has been revised more comprehensively. Renault recognises that it has ‘lost’ the benefit of Luton production and both European and British demand for its former sister products. It also perceives that ‘car-like’ is an unceasing demand from a growing consumer base. Part of that ‘car-like’ attraction is the set of new 17.0-inch diameter alloy wheels and LED headlamps, while tinted windows and additional colour-coded elements complete the more upmarket finish, enhanced further by a choice of seven exterior paint finishes, including a striking new Carmin Red metallic option (at extra cost, naturally).
Its interior has been transformed, with a very pleasant redesign, the latest touchscreen technology and a supremely spacious feel, unlike several of its very cramped rivals. Influenced by Renault’s current line-up of passenger cars, a more sophisticated environment provides both an attractive appearance and much improved comfort levels for all occupants, with eye-catching details, higher quality materials and several ingenious practical touches.
A new full-width dashboard moulding provides a greater sense of space to the cabin and is complemented by new steering wheel and gear lever designs. The heating and ventilation controls are embellished with chrome details and a slicker overall design that is not just nicer to look at but is also more user-friendly. To be fair, many of the details are also carried into the regular light vans, so everybody gains.
Both sophisticated and simpler, the new instrument panel houses a crisp, 4.2-inch digital colour display, with clear dials on Sport models (3.5-inch black and white display on Business specification), while the latest Renault EASY LINK touchscreen sits in the dash centre for greater ease of use but featuring more functions than ever, supplemented by a row of piano-touch keys located just below it for other vehicle controls. The visibility from the driver’s seat has been enhanced with 30% larger door mirrors with integrated side indicators that fold electrically, for added parking protection. However, the outward view is enhanced by the lofty driving position that does betray the Trafic’s light van role but which is more commanding than the more ‘car-like’ seating positions of most of Renault’s competitors. Naturally, a host of safety and driver assistance systems (ADAS, which include adaptive cruise control and emergency braking) can help the driving experience and connectivity is also bang up to date.
Thankfully, the interior continues to put an emphasis on practicality and space, with even more storage areas than before (up to 84-litres around the cabin), while the large boot offers up to 1,800 litres of luggage volume, which can grow to 5.7m3 when the second and third seat rows are removed. Buyers benefit from a choice of short, or long wheelbase models, which ensures that there is a Trafic people-mover to suit most requirements. The latter features an even greater amount of space for luggage behind the three rows of seating, with up to 1,136mm of cargo length and a maximum load width of 1,662mm. The Renault Trafic has notched up almost 1m sales since its original launch in 1980. People carrying versions have been available for much of that time, although they are significantly better equipped these days and their overall practicality is virtually unrivalled.
