1 Apr 2004
RENAULT, Europe’s largest commercial vehicle maker, claimed that its medium-sized Trafic van was the highly targeted result of extensive research.
Australia was introduced to the second-generation Trafic in April ’04, almost three years after its European debut.
We missed out altogether on the first-generation model of the early 1980s as well as its 1990-vintage Series II update.
The Trafic arrived here in two wheelbase lengths, two body heights and four specification levels – each with a 1200kg payload.
Just one engine and transmission choice is available: a new 1.9-litre dCi common-rail direct injection turbo-diesel producing 74kW at 3500rpm and 240Nm of torque at 2000rpm, with 200Nm on tap at 1500rpm.
The new 1.9 dCi engine boasts combined average fuel economy figures of 7.9 litres per 100km, while the single transmission on offer will be Renault’s new PK6 six-speed manual.
The 2004 Trafic range opened with the short-wheelbase, low-roofed L1H1, which offers five cubic metres of load space.
Next up is the long-wheelbase, low-roofed L2H1 with 5.8 cubic metres of payload space while the long-wheelbase, high-roofed L2H2 Trafic offers an 8.36 cubic metre body.
All Trafics come equipped as standard with a driver’s airbag, power steering, height-adjustable driver’s seat, CD audio with remote controls, cloth upholstery and a brakes towing weight of 2000kg (unbraked 750kg).
Trafic surprises with standard seatbelt height adjustment, a reach-adjustable steering wheel, central locking, an 11.84-metre turning circle and 305mm front brake rotors that are claimed to offer 100 to 0km/h braking in a relatively short 43 metres.
In terms of cargo carrying ability, Trafic also offers vertical side panels, twin 180-degree opening rear barn doors with glazed windows, a single metre-long kerb-side sliding door with unglazed window, interior lighting, adjustable side anchorage points and a low, 540mm loading sill.
Built in both Spain and the UK, the front-drive Trafic competes against the VW Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Ford Transit.
For 2007 RENAULT Australia has revised its Trafic mid-size van light commercial range, with distinctive design upgrades, extra standard features and a new cut of cloth in the cabin, and the move to Euro IV emissions compliance has brought powertrain upgrades for the Trafic and Master.
Having entered “Phase II”, the Trafic benefits from a new 2.0-litre dCi common rail turbo-diesel engine that produces 85kW at 3500rpm and 290Nm from 1600rpm – a significant increase from the previous 1.9-litre engine, which managed 74kW and 240Nm. The new engine is teamed with a revised six-speed manual gearbox.
Standard equipment has also increased, with ABS brakes and a trip computer among the new items onboard. Air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows/mirrors and a CD stereo are fitted, while optional features include stability control, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, front foglights and side windows.
The Trafic range continues with a choice of two wheelbases (short at 3098mm and long at 3498mm) with a single roof height (1965mm).
Pricing starts from $39,990 for the SWB and $40,990 for the LWB version.
