Renault Australia launches Trafic Auto

In what is sure to be a boost to its Light Commercial Vehicle line-up, Renault Australia has officially launched an Efficient Dual Clutch automatic transmission (EDC) Renault Trafic.

The arrival of the auto will enlarge the appeal of the Trafic to businesses, government, authorities, and rental fleets where there is a specific demand for automatic transmissions.

“The Renault Trafic has carved an enviable reputation for itself in the Australian LCV market since it was launched in 2015,” said Anouk Poelmann, Managing Director of Renault Australia.

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“It has been the top-selling manual transmission mid-size van and one of the best-selling vans in the category altogether. With the arrival of a new, more powerful engine combined with the new EDC transmission, the Trafic will broaden its appeal in the market,” Poelmann continued.

“This gearbox is borrowed from our high-performance Megane Renault Sport hot-hatch and will deliver crisp, direct gearchanges, providing excellent driver engagement and satisfaction,” she added.

The six-speed transmission also debuts with a new Euro 6 compliant 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 125kW at 3500rpm and 380Nm of torque at just 1500rpm, making it among the most powerful in the class.

This engine is only available in combination with the new EDC transmission.

Renault claims the Trafic Auto uses 7.3-litres of diesel per 100km on the official fuel cycle, and it offers a payload of 1250kg and a towing capacity of 1630kg in the long-wheelbase variant.

Since its launch in Australia in May 2015, the new generation Renault Trafic has had good sales success with over 7000 examples delivered.

To coincide with the availability of the EDC transmission, the Renault Trafic has been refreshed by the Renault design team with signature Renault C-shaped LED daytime running lights – as seen on Renault passenger and SUV models.

There is also a different front grille with more prominent Renault diamond logo in the centre, while Australian Trafic models gain automatic dusk-sensing LED headlights. These deliver up to 50 per cent more light on full beam and 20 per cent more light when dipped, compared with halogen headlights.

Inside the three-abreast cabin, the new Trafic provides an updated dashboard with satin chrome finishes and new dark carbon seat-facings. Renault says this long-lasting upholstery is able to resist the wear and tear of everyday work, which may see drivers sliding in and out of the right-hand seat 20 or more times per day.

Safety is a priority with front and lateral curtain airbags standard across the range.

In the Trafic Premium and Crew Lifestyle, there’s more on-board connectivity available thanks to high-performance multimedia solutions. Renault’s Media Nav Evolution with multitouch screen (compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) is fitted, along with a new single DIN stereo with a new microphone for better mobile phone call quality and digital radio reception.

Standard specification is a tailgate for the 85kW Trafic Pro, while barn doors are standard across the rest of the range.

There are up to 18 tie-down points in the load bay, and the barn doors can open up to 180-degrees, allowing easy access for a fork-lift to load in a pallet between the wheel arches.

The new entry model is the Renault Trafic Pro fitted with the 85kW engine and manual transmission, available in both short and long wheelbases.

The new high-specification Renault Trafic Premium is available in short and long wheelbases, powered by a choice of the 103kW twin turbo engine mated to the manual transmission, or the new 125kW turbo diesel engine mated to the EDC automatic transmission.

At the top of the range is the Renault Trafic Crew Lifestyle 125kW EDC auto, that offers six seats, 4.0m3 of load capacity and an even larger array of comfort and convenience features.

Trafic SWB Pro 85kW MT Diesel: $36,490
Trafic LWB Pro 85kW MT Diesel: $38,490
Trafic SWB Premium 103kW MT Diesel: $39,490
Trafic LWB Premium 103kW MT Diesel : $41,490
Trafic SWB Premium 125kW EDC Diesel: $43,490
Trafic LWB Premium 125kW EDC Diesel: $45,490
Trafic LWB Crew Lifestyle 125kW EDC Diesel: $52,490