Photo: Renault
Starting this fall, new regulations set in place by the European union mean that all new vehicles sold will have to be cleaner and more efficient. In the light and medium commercial vehicle segments, this means we'll see the first real implementations of the downsizing technology that's dominated headlines for normal family vehicles for years.
Today, Renault pointed the way towards the future with a brand new Trafic range, built and developed in partnership with Opel. Set to go on sale this summer, one major headline has grabbed out attention: a newly developed 4-cylinder 1.6-liter dCi. It will be available in two states of tune with either one or two turbochargers.
"These engines offer brisk pick-up and greater low-end torque for responsive acceleration, even when the vehicle is fully loaded," says Renault. The outgoing model used to be, or rather will continue to be for the next few months, powered by a choice of large 2.0-liter diesel engines with either 90 or 115 PS. Considering the Twin Turbo dCi has already been announced to have 160 PS in passenger car, it's reasonable to expect large power gains for the Trafic range.
Besides more power and better fuel economy, the range of Trafic models will also deliver better low-end torque, engine response and superior handling, even under full loads. Hopefully, Renault isn't just boasting, since that seems a tall order for any downsized engine.
Designed to be flexible, the all-new Trafic will also be available in a variety of different configurations. According to the official word from the diamond, no less than 270 versions will exist, including two different lengths, two heights, platform cab, crew van, panel van, passenger variant and any number of other specialist vehicles created through Renault Tech.
Of course, design is not the most important aspect for a work vehicle, but being French the Trafic is also quite sexy. Inspiration clearly came from the Initiate Paris concept of last year, with a very large grille that slopes down from the line of the headlights. The lower bumper on the other hand bulges out at the sides, creating a visual effect very similar to dimples and a smile. There's not a single LED in sight and the indicators have not been moved to the mirrors like on the Ford Transit, which could be a mistake on Renault's part. No interior photos are available at the moment, but expect the R-Link infotainment and navigation system to be available as a €300-€400 option.
"These engines offer brisk pick-up and greater low-end torque for responsive acceleration, even when the vehicle is fully loaded," says Renault. The outgoing model used to be, or rather will continue to be for the next few months, powered by a choice of large 2.0-liter diesel engines with either 90 or 115 PS. Considering the Twin Turbo dCi has already been announced to have 160 PS in passenger car, it's reasonable to expect large power gains for the Trafic range.
Besides more power and better fuel economy, the range of Trafic models will also deliver better low-end torque, engine response and superior handling, even under full loads. Hopefully, Renault isn't just boasting, since that seems a tall order for any downsized engine.
Designed to be flexible, the all-new Trafic will also be available in a variety of different configurations. According to the official word from the diamond, no less than 270 versions will exist, including two different lengths, two heights, platform cab, crew van, panel van, passenger variant and any number of other specialist vehicles created through Renault Tech.
Of course, design is not the most important aspect for a work vehicle, but being French the Trafic is also quite sexy. Inspiration clearly came from the Initiate Paris concept of last year, with a very large grille that slopes down from the line of the headlights. The lower bumper on the other hand bulges out at the sides, creating a visual effect very similar to dimples and a smile. There's not a single LED in sight and the indicators have not been moved to the mirrors like on the Ford Transit, which could be a mistake on Renault's part. No interior photos are available at the moment, but expect the R-Link infotainment and navigation system to be available as a €300-€400 option.
Google News