Renault Trafic is a light commercial van produced by the French automaker Renault. It has been in production since 1980 and is available in various configurations such as a panel van, minibus, passenger van, and pickup truck, but is the Renault Trafic a good car?
The Trafic is widely used as a work vehicle which means that most businesses are confident in its abilities. Therefore, the Renault Trafic is indeed a good car for that very reason. We also need to be aware that the Trafic is on sale for a better part of 40 years which in itself is a testament to how good it actually is.
It has undergone several updates over the years and the current model comes with a range of modern features such as advanced safety systems, fuel-efficient engines, and connectivity options. The design might be a bit on the old side since the latest model was introduced in 2014, especially on the inside where the Trafic shows its age the most.
If you want to know more about all of its powertrain options, the design, the driving experience, reliability, pricing, and practicality, be sure to read this article.
The Powertrain
The Renault Trafic is available with a wide choice of engines, all of which are diesel-powered. Earlier models are predominantly equipped with either the 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel with 90 to 140hp or a larger 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel with 114hp but with much fewer CO2 emissions.
However, Renault updated the 2.0L 4-cylinder in 2019 which gave it 170hp which is the most powerful factory engine you can get with the Trafic. The very newest Trafic models are only available with the 2.0L 4-cylinder that now pushes out 140hp and is called the Dci 130.
All Trafic models are strictly front-wheel-drive and come with a 6-speed manual. Efficiency-wise, you can expect around 40-45MPG UK which is the very best number you can get from the Trafic. All in all, the Trafic isn’t really equipped with a 21st-century powertrain as it does not come with either gasoline or hybrid iterations.
There are some rumors that the next-gen Trafic could come as an EV strictly, but we will have to wait and find out.
Design and Driving Experience
As far as the design is concerned, the Trafic is also rather dated, but no one really buys a van to show off its amazing design. The interior is both dated in look and in features which is to be expected from a rather old platform.
The driving experience is as ordinary as it gets because the Trafic is a van after all. On the positive side, it does hold the road really well, it does not lean into corners too much, and it does manage to isolate road noise really well. It is not as quiet as the Mercedes Vito nor is it as comfortable as the newest VW Transporter, but the differences aren’t too noticeable.
Reliability and Common Issues
The reliability of the Renault Trafic can vary depending on the specific model, year, and usage. Generally, Renault Trafic is considered a reliable van, especially in recent years. However, there have been some reported issues with older models, particularly those produced in the early 2000s.
These Renault Trafic problems include failing clutch plates, gear slipping, electrical failures, engine problems, and problems with the suspension. If you take proper care of the Trafic, you should be able to enjoy it for decades to come. It’s worth mentioning that newer Trafic models are much more reliable and therefore should be the ones you ought to go for.
Pricing and Practicality
The base price for a new Renault Trafic in the UK was around £23,000 back a few years ago while a used Renault Trafic in good condition with low mileage can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £20,000 or more, depending on the specific vehicle.
The Renault Trafic is a practical van that is well-suited for a range of commercial applications. It has a spacious and versatile interior, making it ideal for carrying cargo, equipment, or passengers. The Trafic is available in a variety of body styles, including panel vans, crew vans, and passenger vans, allowing it to be customized to suit different needs.
FAQ Section
Is the Renault Trafic Discontinued?
For most markets, the Renault Trafic stopped production in its current guise back in 2021, but it is still being sold in some markets such as Africa. There is no information about it coming back anytime soon, but there are rumors that it could come with an electric powertrain instead.
We will have to wait and find out if that truly is the case, but Renault is being awfully quiet about the Trafic ever coming back. Either way, Renault can’t offer diesel Trafic vans anymore because diesel is a bit of a taboo topic in Europe right now.
What is the Renault Trafic Load Capacity?
One of the key strengths of the Renault Trafic is its load-carrying capability. It has a generous load volume, with up to 8.6 cubic meters of space available in the long wheelbase version. The Trafic also has a high maximum payload capacity, ranging from 1,002 to 1,280 kg depending on the model.
It’s worth noting that the load capacity of a Trafic can also be affected by the weight and size of the items being carried, as well as any modifications or additional features added to the vehicle. Even though the Trafic can carry a sizeable load, you do need to be aware that these will make it much more difficult to drive up steep hills.
How Safe is the Renault Trafic?
One of the key safety features of the Trafic is its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are designed to help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of any collisions. Some of the ADAS features that are available on the Trafic include lane departure warning, blind spot assist, rearview camera, and hill start assist.
In addition to these ADAS features, the Trafic also has a range of standard safety features, such as airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioners, and electronic stability control. The Trafic has also received a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating, indicating a good level of protection for occupants in the event of a crash.
