Following the design sketch released earlier this year, Renault has unveiled its all-new Trafic van a sister car to the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, which will launch this summer with a new look and new engines.
The third-generation Renault Trafic will be available with a new Renault-developed 1.6 dCi diesel unit in two versions, including a twin-turbocharged version that delivers a fuel economy of less than 6 l/100 km (39.2 mpg US).
Renault doesn’t say it specifically, but the Twin-Turbo engine is likely to be the 158hp (160PS) unit previewed last month. The base engine features a single variable geometry turbo, with Renault saying it is up to 1 l/100 km more economical than the outgoing 2.0-liter diesel engine.
Both new units offer “brisk pick-up and greater low-end torque for responsive acceleration, even when the vehicle is fully loaded,” according to Renault.
The new Renault Trafic features a completely new exterior design, with the front end incorporating the brand’s bigger, more upright logo and wide, slender headlights that offer it an expressive look.
The large air intake and a body-colored trim strip between the two grilles give the front end a lighter appearance, while the more sloping windscreen results in a clear division with the bonnet. Overall, the van features sharper lines than before, while retaining its sturdiness thanks to a protective, wrap-around front bumper.
Renault says there are up to 270 new Trafic variants thanks to the diversity of the range, which includes two different heights, two different lengths, delivery van, crew-cab, platform cab and minibus versions.
The new Trafic will be available in around 50 countries worldwide and will be built at the Sandouville plant in France, following an investment of more than €230 million ($320 million).
By Dan Mihalascu
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