Trafic SL27 ENERGY dCi 120 Business+ Van

Having not driven a Renault Trafic for many years comparing the old version to the latest version is very difficult, but one thing is for sure, it is very enjoyable to drive.

The version we had on test was the Business +, and was very well specified, with loads of standard equipment. Even the base model gets: trip computer, DAB radio, a 6 speed manual gearbox, a cradle mount for a tablets, such as an iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and mobile phones, Bluetooth, plus many other nice features.

The Trafic has a choice of four engines: dCi 90, dCi 115, ENERGY dCi 140 and the one we had on test the ENERGY dCi 120. The 1.6 litre twin turbo diesel engine certainly produced plenty of power, although the van was unladen most of the time we had it. But fully loaded, and up to its weight capacity it should still feel on-top-of-the-job and easily cruise up and down the motorway at 70mph. The engine is coupled to a very smooth 6 speed manual gearbox with a gear change indicator telling the driver when to change up or down to get the best efficiency from the engine. 

The dCi 120 accelerates from 0-62mph in 12 seconds, has a top speed of 107mph and CO2 emissions of 155g/km. The official combined fuel consumption figure is 47.9mpg. During the time we had the van the trip computer got stuck on 29.9mpg and wouldn’t go any higher. This is a known software problem for Renault on a number of their new vehicles, so getting an accurate fuel consumption reading was not possible. Renault says the problem is an easy fix and it can be quickly rectified. But by the amount of diesel we put in the Trafic versus how far we travelled our estimate would be that it achieved nearly 40mpg, which is a good result for a large vehicle, although the fact it was empty most of the time would naturally reduce its fuel consumption.

The Trafic SL27 dCi 120 has a payload of 1056kg and load space volume of 5.2 cubic metres so it can carry quite an amount of goods. Loading it proved to be fairly easy with the low floor making it easy on the back for loading and unloading. The side loading door worked so well sliding back and forth like a well-oiled machine. The twin rear doors open in two stages, either to 90° or if you pull up the door stay they open to 180°, making loading from the side easier. 

The new Trafic is easily identifiable with its “flat” roof, losing the “ski-jump” design it had previously. The shape in the roof panel has even been described as a “Jump-jet” take off platform, but now it has gone and the van looks so much better. The original designers must now be thinking why they did that in the first place and question the rationale behind it, although there must have been a good reason.

Despite the Trafic looking so much better, with an improved exterior design and simpler lines, especially the roof, it is the interior that gets all the prizes for design. It is such a nice place to sit; it is so comfortable, incredibly quiet and is to very high standard of quality, fit and finish. All materials used throughout the cabin are up to a very high quality. As you sit in the driver’s seat, you really do feel “King of The Road” in your high position, looking above everything in front of you. With hardly any noise intruding into the cabin, you can have a relaxed conversation with your fellow passengers; it is just so good to drive. And with all the benefits that are fitted as standard these days such as air-conditioning. Driver benefits are very high, and almost as good as most cars. This van is more SUV-like, than Van-like, and the sort of vehicle you could drive mile after mile without an ache or a pain.

The Trafic is now built at Renault’s Plant at Sandouville in Northern France and shares many features as its cousin the Vauxhall Vivaro. Nissan shared the old Trafic platform too, although no announcements have been made by Nissan yet to confirm this new platform will replace their current Primastar model. 

The cost of the test Trafic was £20,445.00 plus on the road charges and VAT, but you get so much for the money.

It was really enjoyable using this Renault van, it was a real pleasure to drive. This Trafic is triffic. 

Martin Ward, Manufacturer Relationship Manager