Renault ready to launch automatic Trafic

RENAULT Australia has finally introduced an automatic transmission to its popular front-wheel-drive Trafic mid-size van range, paired with a new 2.0-litre diesel engine and priced from $43,490 plus on-road costs – $4000 more than the equivalent-spec manual.

Available in the mid-series Premium grade – in both short- (from $43,490) and long-wheelbase guise ($45,490) – as well as the range-topping Crew Lifestyle ($52,490), the new dual-clutch automatic transmission is a six-speed unit that combines with a Euro 6-compliant single-turbo diesel that produces 125kW of power at 3500rpm and 380Nm of torque at 1500rpm.

The six-speed manual continues with the less powerful Euro 5 1.6-litre diesel, which is available in either single- or twin-turbo diesel format producing 85kW/300Nm (single) or 103kW/340Nm (twin).

Claimed fuel economy across all new EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) variants on the official combined cycle is 7.3 litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions rated at 191 grams per kilometre.

This compares to the twin-turbo 1.6 manual, which returns 6.2L/100km and 164g/km.

Maximum payload with the new 2.0-litre/auto combination is 1250kg for the LWB, dropping slightly to 1216kg for the SWB and to 1066kg for the Crew van.

Maximum braked towing capacity is 1715kg on the SWB and 1630kg on the LWB and Crew.

Renault Australia managing director Anouk Poelmann said the new automatic gearbox, which is derived from the unit used in the Megane RS, should boost the appeal of the Trafic range and expand its customer base into markets where such a transmission is something of a prerequisite.

“The Renault Trafic has carved an enviable reputation for itself in the Australian LCV market since it was launched in 2015,” she said.

“With the arrival of a new, more powerful engine combined with the new EDC transmission, the Trafic will broaden its appeal in the market.”

With the introduction of the new gearbox and engine combination, Renault has taken the opportunity to give the entire range a facelift which extends to redesigned bumpers, LED daytime running lights, a revised grille, updated interior as well as the inclusion of a reversing camera as standard across the range.

The Trafic range kicks off with the 85kW SWB Pro manual at $36,490 plus on-roads, rising to $38,490 for the LWB manual. The higher-output 103kW manual starts at $39,490 for the SWB Premium, with LWB also adding $2000.

According to the latest VFACTS report, Renault had sold 1557 Trafics in 2019 by the end of October, 100 less than at the same time last year.

This trails rivals such as the Toyota HiAce (5133), Hyundai iLoad (3484) and Ford Transit Custom (1698) within the same period, all of which are available with automatic transmission options.

The updated Trafic range including the new automatic will go on sale next month.

 2019 Renault Trafic pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs