Renault facelifts Trafic, Master LCVs
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 26th Apr 2019
RENAULT has facelifted its Trafic and Master light-commercial vehicles with fresh looks, new engines and more technology, while the former is crucially available with an automatic transmission for the first time in third-generation form.
The six-speed EDC dual-clutch unit can be optioned with the 108kW and 127kW/380Nm tunes of the new 2.0-litre dCi turbo-diesel engine that is also offered in 89kW form, which is exclusively matched to a six-speed manual transmission.
Comparatively, the pre-facelift Trafic was motivated by a pair of 1.6-litre units, with the single turbo producing 85kW/300Nm, while the twin turbo developed 103kW/340Nm.
Externally, the Trafic and Master share their new C-shaped LED daytime running lights and horizontal-louvre grille inserts, while the former also adds LED headlights and the latter gains an elevated bonnet line.
Inside, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a redesigned gear selector, new upholstery and Satin Chrome trim are now found, while LED lighting has been added to the loading area, with Master receiving the same addition.
New advanced driver-assist systems in the Trafic include trailer sway control, while the Master picks up autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and crosswind assist.
The Master is now exclusively available with a 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine with outputs up to 134kW/400Nm. Two transmissions are on offer: a six-speed manual or a six-speed robotised automatic.
For reference, the pre-facelift-model was available as either a 110kW/350Nm single turbo with a manual or 120kW/360Nm twin turbo with an automatic, with both transmissions of the six-speed variety.
A thorough redesign for the Master’s cabin adds an integrated touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a monochrome 5.0-inch multi-function display and wireless smartphone charging as well as up to 105L of storage space.
In total, 275 variants of the Trafic are available, but that number pales in comparison to the Master’s 350. Body styles include van, people-mover, cab-chassis and bus.
Fuel consumption for the Trafic and Master is claimed to have improved by 0.6 and 1.0 litres per 100 kilometres respectively.
“As part of the renewal of its range, Renault provides new Master and new Trafic with a strengthened shared visual identity,” Groupe Renault executive vice-president of corporate design Laurens van den Acker said.
“This modern, robust, expressive and compelling design is featured on the front end of all our light-commercial vehicles.”
GoAuto has contacted Renault Australia for details regarding its launch plans for the facelifted Trafic and and Master.
The Trafic’s pricing currently ranges from $34,990 to $43,490 plus on-road costs, while the Master stretches from $43,990 to $60,990.
Sales of the Trafic have been steady this year, with 499 examples sold to the end of March – a 2.2 per cent decrease over the 510 deliveries made during the same period in 2018 – trailing just the Hyundai iLoad (987, -9.8%).
It has been a similar story for the Master, which has managed 358 sales in the year to date – a 5.3 decrease over 378 units sold in the first three months of last year – behind only the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (550, -17.8%).
