RENAULT’S third-generation Trafic has been a quiet achiever since manufacturing started in 2014, persistently promoting in wholesome portions behind rivals from Toyota and Hyundai regardless of not having fun with fairly the identical quantity of fleet gross sales as both of them.
Eight years on, the arrival of more energizing van product just like the Toyota HiAce, Volkswagen Transporter and Hyundai Staria Load have been shining some harsh gentle on the Trafic’s wrinkles – principally outdated in-car tech and a lacklustre security fit-out – nevertheless the Trafic now advantages from a facelift that makes an attempt to right each of these shortfalls.
You will discover out extra in regards to the full listing of modifications at GoAuto’s value and options story, however right here’s the manager abstract: all Trafic variants at the moment are powered by the 125kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel as customary, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warning (LDW) is now customary throughout the vary, the entrance finish is completely redesigned, the dashboard is fully new, the door playing cards are reprofiled and tow capability has been raised to a really useful 2500kg for the bottom mannequin Trafic Professional short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase handbook.
There are different element modifications too – corresponding to a 29kg improve in max payload for LWB variants and the addition of energetic cruise management, blind spot monitoring, tyre strain warning and pace signal recognition for Premium and Life-style grades – however the huge bulk of the modifications are concentrated forward of the B-pillar.
Do the modifications go far sufficient? Certain, the van section strikes at a a lot slower pace than passenger automobiles and SUVs – and certainly utes – however van house owners and operators actually don’t need to be saddled with yesterday’s tech, so how does the Trafic’s 2023 fit-out form up?.
The elimination of the low-output 1.6-litre diesel from the vary can also be a welcome change, however whereas entry fashions now take pleasure in a elevate in energy, torque, gasoline effectivity and (in some instances) towing and payload capability, the powertrain rejig and plumped-up security suite additionally sees the value of admission soar to $48,00 for the Trafic Professional SWB handbook.
Renault isn’t too apprehensive by the added price. The corporate’s Australian distributor Ateco says the core Trafic buyer has been transacting at or round that stage for some time now, and it has no qualms about leaving the ‘finances van’ section to the likes of low-cost manufacturers like LDV – which is one other model it distributes on this nation.
The Trafic is essentially pitched at owner-operator tradespeople, the sort of people who see worth in paying a bit extra for a greater product.
So is the rejuvenated Trafic certainly a greater product? We travelled to Sydney to place some miles on the dial of the mid-spec Trafic Premium in an effort to discover out.
