Next-gen Renault Trafic rolls in

The latest generation of medium van from French maker Renault is poised to roll into Australian dealerships, but among the myriad upgrades comes an entry price that has increased by nearly $9000.

Trafic prices now start from $48,200 plus on-road costs (up $8610) for the base Pro SWB manual and stretch up to $62,200 plus ORCs (+$6110) for the flagship Lifestyle Crew Van LWB.

The sizeable price increases across the range are at least partially justified by new line-up’s enhanced standard equipment levels, updated safety credentials, increased towing capabilities and improved fuel consumption, not to mention updated exterior and interior styling.

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As with the old Renault Trafic, eight variants are being offered Down Under, except this time around they’re all powered by the gruntier 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, regardless of transmission choice.

The engine is rated at an unchanged 125kW/380Nm and can be had with either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and is fed by an enlarged 80-litre fuel tank.

Claimed combined fuel consumption for the manual versions is 7.2L/100km, while the DCTs sip 6.5L/100km.

Inside the cabin, Renault has tried to make its mid-size delivery van more car-like in its interior presentation via a redesigned dashboard and new gear lever, while an 8.0-inch infotainment interface offers occupants smartphone mirroring, DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

Headline safety gear in the new Trafic includes active emergency braking system (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beam for the LED headlights.

The point of a van of course is load-lugging, which is why the new-generation Renault has a maximum payload of 1280kg – variant dependant – and can tow up to 2500kg.

Pro versions offer a liftback rear door to access the 4.15m load bed (LWB), while Premiums score twin barn doors as standard. Both variants retain the obligatory sliding side doors.

LWB versions have a maximum cargo bay volume of 6.7 cubic metres – up from 6.0 cubic metres.

Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealy said the new Trafic was “designed to bring Australians a highly capable addition to their business, with a confident new look and car-like comfort and convenience”.

“We’ve also worked hard to ensure businesses are kept on the road longer, because the cost of a vehicle doesn’t stop after purchase, so we’ve ensured Trafic customers have a hardworking, yet efficient, powertrain backed by an extensive five-year/200,000km warranty, capped price servicing and long 30,000km service intervals – every aspect of New Trafic is designed to keep your business moving,” he said.

Deliveries of the new Trafic will start later this month.

Pro SWB – $48,200
Pro SWB (a) – $50,200
Pro LWB – $50,200
Pro LWB (a) – $52,200
Premium SWB (a) – $53,200
Premium LWB (a) – $55,200
Premium Crew SWB (a) – $57,200
Lifestyle Crew LWB (a) – $62,200
*Prices exclude on-road costs