More power and automatic for Renault Trafic
Renault Trafic and Master vans facelifted as European LCV leader also reveals new Kangoo Z.E. ConceptUpgraded versions of the Renault Trafic and Master vans have been revealed in Europe, ahead of their Australian release by the end of this year.
Biggest news is the long-awaited fitment of an automatic transmission for the 2019 Trafic, while Europe’s light commercial vehicle leader has also previewed its next-generation battery-powered small van in the form of the Kangoo ZE Concept.
The Trafic (1922 sales) was Renault Australia’s second best seller last year behind the Koleos (2992) and ahead of the Master (1535), Clio (949), Megane (937) and Kangoo (816), but the opposite was true globally, where the Kangoo was the French brand’s top-seller with more than 152,000 sales, followed by the Master (118,000) and Trafic (97,000).
But while the Kangoo is outsold by the Volkswagen Caddy here and Master sales usually lag behind those of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Trafic languishes fourth in its segment behind the Toyota HiAce, Hyundai iLOAD and VW Transporter.
However, broadening the facelifted Trafic’s appeal will be the fitment of an automatic transmission for the first time -- a six-speed EDC dual-clutch gearbox similar to the DSG unit in the Transporter and available alongside the existing six-speed manual.
Both transmissions are matched to a bigger, more powerful new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, replacing the Trafic’s existing 1.6 single- and twin-turbo diesels and meeting the Euro6d emissions standard.
Available in Europe in 89kW, 108kW and 126kW forms – up from 66kW, 85kW and 103kW in the smaller engine – the new diesel delivers up to 380Nm of torque while reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.6L/100km.
Cosmetically, the latest Trafic is differentiated by new a bolder grille, new LED headlights and a fresh C-shaped lighting signature as per Renault’s passenger cars, while new features include a trailer-sway assist function, wide-angle rear-view mirror and new 500-lumen LED cargo area lighting.
Inside the cabin there’s a revised dashboard, improved trim quality and new infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while new tech for the load space, which continues to range between 3.2 and 8.6 cubic-metres, includes a new locking mechanism and a polypropylene wall lining option.
Meantime, the 2019 Renault Master van, bus and cab-chassis range scores revised Euro6 2.3-litre diesel engines in single- and twin-turbo forms outputting up to 135kW and 400Nm. Matched with six-speed manual or automated manual gearboxes, Renault says they reduce fuel consumption by up to 1.0L/100km.
Like the Trafic, the Master gains new front-end styling including new LED headlights and grille, while new Master features include an all-new horizontal dash design, a fresh steering wheel and revised gear shifter. There’s also up to 105 litres of cabin storage and new tech like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), ESC crosswind assist, blind-spot monitoring and wireless phone charging.
Also revealed in six body styles is a new Master Z.E. powered by a 33kWh battery and 57kW electric motor. Designed for urban use, it's limited to a 100km/h top speed, has a real-world range of 120km and can be charged via a 32A/7.2kW wallbox.
Finally, Renault said the Kangoo Z.E. Concept car “foreshadows” its next-generation Kangoo EV due in 2020, as part of its plan to dominate the EV van segment and sell 2.5 million LCVs annually by 2022, including Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicles.
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