Renault LCVs get cleaner and meaner

Renault has announced specification changes and pricing for its latest light commercial range. The Kangoo, Trafic and Master get a range of new equipment for the 2007 model year as well as revised Euro IV compliant engines.

According to Renault, the 2007 Kangoo can be identified by new clear indicator casings, roof bars and updated interior cloth trim. The new model also gets sliding doors to both left and right sides (previously left-only was standard) and a Speed Control feature, as fitted to Renault's passenger range.

Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, dual front airbags, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), front power windows and mirrors. Options offered now include body-coloured bumpers and mirrors and a hands-free phone kit.

The petrol-engine 2007 Kangoo starts at $20,990 (manual) with the auto priced from $23,490

Renault's volume-selling van, the Trafic gets a new visage for 2007, its front-end featuring one-piece headlamp units with built-in indicators and a new radiator grille "expressing the Renault visual identity".

There's also new taillamps and interior trim. Two wheelbases are offered (short and long -- 3098mm and 3498mm) and a single (1.96m) roof height.

The major change is the Trafic's new 2.0 dCi turbodiesel engine. Rated at 85kW/290Nm, the new Euro IV compliant engine is teamed to a new six-speed manual gearbox. Renault claims the new engine delivers more power, excellent response and better refinement along with lower emissions.

The new Trafic kicks off at $39,990 ($1000 more for the long-wheelbase model). Options offered include metallic paint, ESP, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights and wipers.

Finally, the big, beefy Master also comes in for some attention for 2007.

Styling changes are minor but cabin upgrades include new cloth trim and better storage. Additional anchorage points in the loading area have also been added.

The Master line-up now comprises four-models: short wheelbase low roof (L1H1) priced from $44,490; mid-wheelbase mid-roof (L2H2) from $46,490; long-wheelbase mid-roof (L3H2) from $47,490; and the $42,990 long-wheelbase cab-chassis (L3H0).

All are powered by Renault's 88kW/300Nm 2.5 dCi turbodiesel four and feature the six-speed semi-automatic (clutchless) Quickshift Transmission.

Renault claims Quickshift combines "the performance and operating economy of a manual gearbox with the ease of use of an automatic transmission".

The transmission incorporates a kickdown function for rapid downshifting in urgent situations (avoidance, overtaking, sudden braking) and easier low-speed maneouvring (in first and reverse gears, the vehicle moves at idling speed after the brake pedal and/or handbrake is released).

According to Renault Australia Managing Director, Rudi Koenig: "The Renault light commercial range is developing a strong following among fleet and small business customers because of it's reliability, high level of specification and European design and engineering.

"Renault is the leading light commercial manufacturer in Europe and our new 2007 models show why we have been so successful," he said.

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