Renault Trafic v Volkswagen Transporter: Head2Head

When it comes to mid-size commercial vans, Aussies have traditionally bought Japanese. But increasingly, savvy buyers are looking to Europe.

And when it comes to mid-size vans with a European badge, nothing comes close to the Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter, the current generations of which were both launched in Australia in 2015.

The stylish Renault Trafic received a significant midlife upgrade in November 2019, when it gained an automatic transmission and a larger 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. The facelifted VW Transporter is not due here until later in 2020.

So let’s see how these two European medium vans stack up.

Pricing for the upgraded MY20 Renault Trafic starts at $36,490 plus on-road costs (or $37,990 drive-away) for the entry-level 85kW SWB Pro 1.6-litre diesel manual, while the equivalent Volkswagen Transporter SWB TDI250 costs $37,490 plus ORCs.

Likewise, pricing is close across the rest of the respective range, which in both cases includes long-wheelbase and crew-cab models.

But the Trafic’s big advantage is its $29,990 starting price for base MY19 models, which the Transporter can’t match.

All Renault Trafic vans come with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, while a five-year/200,000km is available. Meantime the Volkswagen Transporter is backed by a five-year, unlimited-km warranty.

Both vans offer one year of roadside assist.

Service intervals for the Renault are 30,000km or annually (whichever comes first), with capped-price servicing priced from $549 for each of the first three scheduled visits to the dealership, totaling $1647.

The Volkswagen offers capped-price servicing for the duration of its five-year warranty but its service intervals are 15,000km or annually.

The cost is line ball with the Renault too -- the first three scheduled visits totaling $1639.

Importantly for business buyers, Renault has a dedicated network of Pro+ commercial vehicle dealers and service centres.

Given as many as 90% per cent of Transporters sold have an automatic transmission, let’s compare the cheapest auto version – the SWB TDI340 ($42,390 plus ORCs) – with the cheapest Trafic auto, the SWB Premium Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) which is priced at $43,490 (plus ORCs).

Both front-wheel drive models are also available in LWB form for an extra $2000, meaning the Volkswagen (which is also available with optional 4MOTION AWD) maintains a small price advantage.

But there’s power advantage in the Trafic’s corner.

Under the bonnet the Renault packs a 125kW/380Nm Euro 6 emissions-compliant 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated exclusively with the EDC auto based on the unit in the Megane RS hot hatch.

Meantime the Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel delivers 103kW and 340Nm – 22kW less power and 40Nm less torque.

And despite the extra performance, the Trafic is more efficient, with fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km – versus 7.7L/00km for the Transporter.

The Trafic’s new 2.0-litre/auto combo has a 1715kg braked towing capacity (2000kg for the manual), while the Transporter’s is 2500kg.

Similarly, the German van offers a slightly bigger load space – 5.8 cubic-metres for the SWB and 6.7 for the LWB, versus 5.2 cubic-metres for the SWB French van and six for the LWB.

But the Renault Trafic makes up valuable ground when it comes to the usability of that space, thanks to dual sliding side doors (the VW Transporter gets just one) and twin rear barn doors that open a full 180-degrees (the VW gets a 90-degree tailgate).

Unlike its German counterpart, the French van also has a bulkhead with load-through facility, which not only adds safety by separating occupants from cargo without reducing loading length, but lowers cabin noise, improves air-conditioning and delivers class-leading loading length.

Further improving its amenity, the Trafic offers the practicality, convenience and comfort of three seats up front. The Transporter has just two.

The Renault also majors on flexible in-cabin storage solutions, including an under-bench compartment and cubbies in the dash, plus clever touches like a wide-view mirror, smartphone holder and foldable middle seat that doubles as a workstation with space for a laptop and A4 clipboard.

Further improving cabin comfort and amenity is a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with armrest and durable but well presented interior surfaces. This gives the Trafic the look, feel and quality of many passenger cars.

The Renault Trafic also boasts a new 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with embedded satellite-navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The VW offers neither.

While the Volkswagen Transporter has much to recommend it, the updated Renault Trafic is more practical and convenient and its upgraded engine, transmission and multimedia improvements make it both more powerful and more efficient.

Throw in the French van’s more adventurous design and stronger road presence, aided by prominent LED headlights, and its first-rate dynamics, steering feel and ride quality, and the Renault Trafic is a hard act to beat.