Renault Trafic Review

Given its mixed fortunes, it’s perhaps understandable that for 2019 Renault has given the Trafic the most extensive overhaul since it was launched in 2014. 

The exterior, for example, has been smarted up with a new front-end that glistens with LED lighting signatures and generous helpings of chrome. There is also a new Urban Grey colour scheme.

There are important changes under the metal, too. The 1.6 dCi diesel engines are gone and replaced with all-new 2.0-litre dCi units, which use variable geometry turbocharging to develop more power and (more significantly) better low-gear pull under heavy loads. 

The steering and suspension has been carried over from the old Trafic, which means the 2019 van has the same sharp handling and comfortable ride quality as before. The six-speed auto is also excellent, with smooth changes and good anticipation on both the up and downshift. 

The load area of the Trafic is the same as before, which means it will be easy to transfer load area racking and storage. The Trafic gets the same smart load solutions as before, with the most-popular one being the useful bulkhead hatch that extends the van's maximum load length to 4.1 metre.

The Trafic is available in two lengths and two heights and can carry items of up to 3.75 metres. Carrying capacity ranges from 5.2 to 8.6 cubic metres, while the load area has a simple-to use through-hatch that allows the loading of planks or pipes.

Similar vans to consider include the Ford Transit Custom, the Vauxhall Vivaro and the Volkswagen Transporter.

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The range-topping Media Nav Evolution, for example, gets full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility while the cheaper R-Link is limited to Android Auto only. Neither system is a match for the tech used by Ford and Volkswagen, however, with the blocky graphics and slow screen changes making maps difficult to read when on the move.  

In-cab storage has been improved, but the Trafic still lacks the space and smart touches of its rivals. The door pockets, for example, are narrow and some of the switchgear feels cheap.

The optional dashboard top box also has clips that make it painfully easy to catch the sides of your fingers between the plastic trim. That said, everything feels sturdy and hardwearing, which will please builders. Vans with three seats also get a work table that's located on the back of the middle seat. 

Buyers also get the choice of a six-speed manual or dual-clutch six-speed auto. The benefits of the 2.0 dCi engine are immediately obvious from behind the wheel, with smoother power delivery at urban speeds and lower levels of engine noise on the motorway. 

The old 1.6 dCi engines were never particularly bad, but only the twin-turbocharged versions ever truly felt up to the task of heavy duty work. In comparison, the new 2.0 dCi feels more than a match, with only half the turbo power. 

The newer 2.0 dCi is more economical and should return closer to 40mpg and above in everyday driving.

The cabin is revised from 2019 with an updated dashboard with satin chrome buttons (air vents, circling of the centre console, air conditioning control, gear lever and meters) and a dark carbon colour scheme. The design extends to the door panels (chrome door opening levers and trim on speakers for PV versions).

The load area gets LED lighting (500 lumens) of the loading area for better working conditions, a new three-button folding key or a Renault hands-free card with Single Door Opening (SDO) option for improved safety, with optional additional Extra Security lock still offered and a new polypropylene lining of the loading area for easier cleaning (optional), with a comprehensive choice of tailor-made lining providing a more robust and long-lasting loading area.