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.
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.
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 120 hp with 320 Nm, 145 hp with 350 Nm and 170 hp with 380 Nm.
At the top of the range that's an increase of 25 hp and 40 Nm - 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 95 hp specification as a
low-power van for fleets. The UK range starts with the 120 hp 2.0-litre motor.
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.
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.
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
