Plumbing Connection 3-2015

P L UMB I N G CO N N E C T I O N

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enault’s third-generation Trafic delivery van has

arrived in Australia, offering a comprehensive

redesign inside and out and, not least of all, an all-

new 1.6L diesel engine with improved fuel efficiency and

performance.

There is no longer an automatic transmission available on

Trafic, leaving Renault Australia to soldier on with the new

‘R9M’ engine family, which is offered in two states of tune but

combines only with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Both short and long wheelbase variants remain available

– measuring 3,098mm and 3,498mm respectively – with the

SWB (dubbed L1H1) offering either engine and the LWB (L2H1)

going it alone with the high-output unit.

This top-spec twin-turbocharged ‘Energy dCi 140’

produces 103kW of power at 3,500rpm and 340Nm of

torque from just 1,500rpm (80% of which is available from

1,250rpm). Fuel consumption on the combined cycle comes

in at 6.2L/100km, aided by automatic engine idle-stop and

regenerative braking systems, among a host of economy-

enhancing technical features.

At the entry level, the ‘dCi 90’ delivers the same economy

figures with the lower output, which is 66kW and 260Nm (each

produced at the same revs as the dCi 140).

Extended front and rear overhangs have liberated more

space throughout the Trafic, with load lengths now stretching

to 3,750mm (SWB) or 4,150mm (LWB) via a new bulkhead

flap arrangement – establishing “a new benchmark for the

market”, according to Renault, as longer items extend into the

cabin – while the bulkhead itself has been repositioned 30mm

further back to liberate more space for passengers.

The cargo area measures 1,387mm high and 1,662mm wide

across the range, with access gained through an unglazed

left sliding door or, at the back, a conventional glazed tailgate

or 180º rear barn doors. Significantly, the cargo area layout

remains the same as the previous generation, enabling

tradespeople to transfer customised fittings and equipment

over to the new model.

Maximum cargo volume is 5.2m

on the SWB, and 6.0m

on the longer version, while payload ranges from 1,235kg to

1,274kg, depending on the variant. Maximum towing capacity

is 2,000kg.

Standard features include three-abreast seating, full

driver’s seat and steering wheel position adjustment, air

conditioning, electric windows/mirrors, remote central

locking, cruise control (with speed limiter) and Bluetooth

audio/phone and USB connectivity.

On the safety front there are dual front airbags, rear

parking sensors, hill-start assist, electronic stability and

traction control (including an advanced Grip Xtend system),

and ABS brakes with EBD and brake assist.

Specifying the high-output engine brings extra equipment,

including automatic headlights/wipers, front fog lights

(with cornering function), a rear-view camera, leather-clad

steering wheel, CD/MP3 radio and dual passenger bench with

fold-down centre seat workstation that includes a detachable

A4 clipboard, laptop storage and under-seat storage

compartment. The aforementioned load-through flaps and

rear barn doors also kick in here.

Renault Australia is offering three factory-fit option

packs on the twin-turbo models, providing scope for

buyers to beef up the comfort, convenience and/or

technology specification.

Pricing starts from $33,490 plus on-road costs for the L1H1

dC1 90, with the dCi 140 adding $3,500 on the SWB. The LWB

L2H1 dCi 140 starts a little further upstream at $38,490.

Renault Australia

www.renault.com.au

RENAULT TRAFIC