Renault reveals new Trafic

RENAULT’S third-generation Trafic mid-sized van will sport a punchy 1.6-litre twin-turbo diesel engine with the performance of a regular 2.0-litre when it arrives in Australia around March 2015.

Now built in France at Renault’s renovated Sandouville plant – rather than Britain and Spain as with the current version – the new Trafic you see here is only the third iteration in the model’s 34-year history.

The re-worked model gets an all-new powertrain and a completely re-designed exterior. Renault will offer two roof heights and two vehicle lengths on European versions, and body-styles including delivery van, crew cab, platform cab and minibus.

Renault Australia has in recent times grown its light commercial fleet substantially, adding various roof-heights and body-styles to its larger Master model range. Trafic sales grew 160.4 per cent last year, and are up again in 2014.

The current Trafic is limited to a van-only configuration, but in light of Renault’s ambitions to grow its local LCV sales, expect more variants in the next-generation range here.

Expect also to see the new Trafic on a road near you emblazoned in the familiar red-and-white regalia of Australia Post, with the French company last year undercutting Mercedes to win the prized five-year contract. The deal includes both Trafics and Masters.

Renault is keeping full mechanical details under wraps, but says it will offer versions of its new 1.6-litre dCi turbo-diesel engine – one sporting a single variable-geometry turbo and a punchier twin-turbo unit that should produce around 120kW/380Nm.

Both versions are said to use fewer than 6.0 litres per 100km of fuel on the European combined-cycle test, with the latter offering the low-down punch of a larger-capacity unit.

The Trafic’s new look incorporates a bigger and more upright logo in accordance with Renault’s new signature design. Its stance is “forceful and dynamic”, while the more sloping windscreen results in a clear division with the bonnet.

There is no information on the interior or on any more information on load capacity and underpinnings.