Renault vans revised

RENAULT Australia has revised its light commercial vehicle range, launching 2007 model year versions of its Kangoo micro van, Trafic mid-size van, and the Master large van and cab-chassis.

All three models have distinctive design upgrades, extra standard features and a new cut of cloth in the cabin, and the move to Euro IV emissions compliance has brought powertrain upgrades for the Trafic and Master.

Priced from $20,990, the Kangoo now has sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle. Roof rails also come standard, as does a speed control feature designed to prevent drivers from inadvertently breaking the speed limit.

A hands-free mobile phone kit and body-coloured bumpers and mirrors are also now available as options.

The 70kW/148Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine is unchanged and continues with a five-speed manual gearbox or optional ($2500) four-speed automatic transmission.

Air-conditioning, dual airbags, ABS brakes (with EBD and brake assist), power windows and a CD stereo are also par for the course.

Having entered “Phase II”, the Trafic benefits from a new 2.0-litre dCi common rail turbo-diesel engine that produces 85kW at 3500rpm and 290Nm from 1600rpm – a significant increase from the previous 1.9-litre engine, which managed 74kW and 240Nm. The new engine is teamed with a revised six-speed manual gearbox.

From top: Master, Trafic and Kangoo (bottom).

Standard equipment has also increased, with ABS brakes and a trip computer among the new items onboard. Air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows/mirrors and a CD stereo are fitted, while optional features include stability control, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, front foglights and side windows.

The Trafic range continues with a choice of two wheelbases (short at 3098mm and long at 3498mm) with a single roof height (1965mm).

Pricing starts from $39,990 for the SWB and $40,990 for the LWB version.

Now in “Phase III”, the Master has gained extra anchorage points in its load area, additional storage facilities in the cabin – including two overhead parcel shelves and a large centre console box – and, on the mechanical front, an engine upgrade and standard fitment of the six-speed semi-automatic “Quickshift” gearbox.

The 2.5-litre dCi engine now produces 88kW at 3500rpm (up from 84kW) and 300Nm from 1600rpm (up from 290Nm). A six-speed manual is no longer available, leaving the robotised Quickshift as the sole transmission on offer.

Cruise control is now among the standard equipment, which continues with the likes of ABS, dual front airbags, electric windows and central locking with deadlocking and an engine immobiliser. Stability control is among the options.

Note that the SWB mid-roof van has been discontinued, leaving the Master line-up to comprise a SWB low-roof (priced from $44,490), MWB mid-roof ($46,490), LWB mid-roof ($47,490) and LWB cab-chassis ($42,990).