Renault Trafic Formula Edition returns

Renault Australia has announced its Renault Trafic Formula Edition has returned, with a limited run of the cosmetically-enhanced and feature-rich medium van arriving in Renault dealerships this month.

Available in both short- and long-wheelbase variants and powered by Renault's 103kW/340Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine, the Renault Trafic Formula Edition is mechanically unchanged but boasts "racy red F1-style detailing" over a choice of White or Storm Grey paint, along with a host of interior enhancements and extra features.

Internally, Renault Trafic Formula Edition cabins benefit from 'Java' dark cloth upholstery, a heated driver's seat, Formula Edition floor mats and Renault's premium dashboard, the latter featuring a dashtop storage compartment, a leather-wrapped gear-shift knob and an array of chrome and gloss-black accents.

Standout features include LED interior lighting, a wide-view reversing display incorporated into the passenger-side sun visor, keyless entry and starting, climate control, a stainless steel rear bumper lip and, in the load bay, dealer-fitted 9mm hardwood timber flooring.

Externally, the Renault Trafic Formula Edition receives a visual boost courtesy of its 17-inch 'Cyclade' alloy rims, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, rear corner pillar trim and a body-coloured sliding door rail, while up front is a red strip along the grille, LED daytime running lights and fog lights with red surrounds.

The 2019 Renault Trafic Formula Edition retails from $41,990 plus on-road costs for the short-wheelbase model and from $43,490 plus on-road costs for the long-wheelbase model, effectively adding a $3500 premium over the standard models.

According to Renault Australia's LCV product manager, Lyndon Healey, the Formula Edition version of the Renault Trafic makes a strong visual statement that ties the brand to its heavy involvement in racing at an elite level.

"Over the past few years the exclusive Formula Edition has brought many new customers to Renault LCV," he said.

"In addition to referencing Renault Sport's involvement in Formula 1, the feature-rich list of extra equipment and the stand-out design elements really appeal to SME and tradie buyers."

Renault says its limited-run Renault Trafic Formula Edition has sold out quickly in previous years, the variant also appearing in 2018 and 2017.

The French maker has also previously given models like the Renault Koleos and Renault Clio the Formula Edition treatment.

The appearance of this Renault Trafic Formula Edition will undoubtedly lend the existing model a little extra sales momentum as the arrival of the next Trafic update draws near. A new Renault Trafic was unveiled in Europe at the end of April, with the arrival of a new six-speed automatic EDC dual-clutch transmission and a more powerful, 2.0-litre engine headlining the changes.

Revealed alongside a facelifted Renault Master large van, the revised LCVs are expected to land in Australia before the end of this year.

Renault Australia had sold 1141 examples of its Trafic to the end of July 2019, giving it a 10.5 per cent slice of the Australia's medium van (2500-3500kg GVM) segment (VFACTS data). That places it fourth behind Toyota's top-selling HiAce (3487 units), Hyundai's iLoad (2557 units), and Ford's Transit Custom (1197 units).