Renault Trafic 2.0dCi SWB
Road Test
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $34,990 - $38,490
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Not available
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 7.9
CO2 emissions (g/km): 220
Also consider: Fiat Scudo, Ford Transit, Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mitsubishi Express, Peugeot Expert, Toyota HiAce, Volkswagen Transporter
Overall rating: 2.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 2.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 2.5/5.0
X-factor: 2.0/5.0
About our ratings
White vans aren't what they used to be. At least those that hail from Europe.
For the most part, the modern, Euro-van is very nearly as sophisticated as your average passenger car. On the Continent, manufacturers have typically added higher levels of equipment, improved performance and all important safety, instead of treating owners like second class citizens.
One such example is the otherwise unremarkable Renault Trafic. As plain as it appears, the Spanish-built Trafic offers a packet of standard inclusions that make long hours behind the wheel bearable... Almost enjoyable.
The height-adjustable driving position is supportive and well positioned for a good view of the road. Similarly, pedal placement is ideal for alleviating the pressure on thighs many cab-over designs pose while the steering wheel is located suitably to minimise 'hunching' over, even if it fails to offer tilt adjustment.
Ergonomic forethought seems to be everywhere in Trafic's uncluttered cabin. The dash-mounted gearshift a noticeable highlight. Smooth, car-like shifts are easily managed although we should point out the actual gearing gap from second to third gear could be a little closer.
Feature wise, Trafic includes a single-CD tuner with remote control, air conditioning, tinted front-side glass, an air-chilled glove compartment, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a full-function trip computer. An extensive options and accessories list is offered.
Cabin storage has also been given a great deal of thought with roomy accommodation in the door bins, glovebox and on the dashboard.
Powered by a Euro 4 compliant 2.0-litre intercooled turbodiesel engine, Trafic develops 85kW/290Nm while returning real world fuel consumption of around 8.6L/100km. It is offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox (as tested) or 'Quickshift' semi-automatic transmission.
Torque comes in nice and early (1600rpm) with negligible turbo lag present, even under roll-on acceleration. Clutch operation is light but not lacking in feel, while braking is confident thanks to an antilock system with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist.
Additional safety equipment includes a driver side front airbag (passenger airbag is optional) and height adjustable three-point seatbelts with built-in pre-tensioners and load limiters. Stability control with traction control is also available, but as an optional extra.
Importantly, Trafic is available in both SWB and LWB guise, the former offering a 1244kg payload in its 5m3 body and the latter 1230kg and 6m3. The cargo area is accessible via a sliding kerb-side door or rear barn doors which open through 180-degrees (270-degrees on LWB models). Both wheelbase variants feature the one, low roof height (for a total of 1963mm clearance) which makes access to multi-level car parks worry-free.
If you need to tow, Trafic offers a 2000kg braked towing capacity.
Riding on 16-inch steel wheels Trafic is well suspended for its application and does a brilliant job of absorbing the many potholes of Melbourne's inner-urban streets. Handling is adequate too, given the obviously considerable proportions while well-assisted steering, a tight turning circle (11.8m) and decent mirrors make parking a non-event.
If we had to fault Trafic its lack of tilt-adjustable steering column is annoying if you don't fit the seat as offered and can also lead to the steering wheel rim obstructing a shorter driver's view of the instrument panel. The gap from second- to third-gear too could also get tedious when heavily loaded and driving in hilly terrain and for the life of us we couldn't figure out how to adjust the clock -- even with an owner's manual!
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