First launched locally in 2006 as a single passenger derivative, the Renault Trafic also spawned equally short-lived rebadged models in the form of the Opel Vivaro and Nissan Primastar, before departing without fanfare more than a decade ago.
Quietly returning in 2022 as a van, the Trafic is now the sole type of its kind offered in South Africa as its joint venture sibling, the Opel Zafira, made a discreet exit last year. The Trafic returns as a people carrier with nine seats as standard and in an expanded line-up. It becomes the rhombus brand’s new flagship and the first to exceed R1 million.
The Trafic three trim levels comprise Evolution, Evolution+ and Techno+ variants. Renault has made two tailgate options available: the standard upwards-opening tailgate, or optionally, dual barn-style doors as on the panel van that can open up to 180°.
Grade walk
As standard, the Evolution features auto on/off LED headlights, second- and third-row air-conditioning vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, six airbags, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors and cruise control.
Building on these, the Evolution+ adds 16” alloy wheels, and imitation leather upholstery.
Finally, the Techno+ additions comprise black 16” alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, folding electric mirrors, unique faux leather upholstery, push-button start, keyless entry, a heated driver’s seat, a tyre-pressure monitor, front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and hill-start assist.
Turbodiesel power
Renault has retained the 2.0 dCi turbodiesel engine, which, as a result of Euro 6 emissions regulations, features a 17ℓ AdBlue tank. While still producing 125kW and 380 Nm, the van’s six-speed manual gearbox has been dropped in favour of a nine-speed automatic.
As before, drive is routed to the front wheels, with Renault claiming a combined fuel consumption of 7,2ℓ/100km and a tow rating of 2 500kg.
As part of its facelift six years ago, the Trafic not only gained a new grille, LED headlights and bumpers, but also an updated interior featuring the latest steering wheel, a 7” digital instrument cluster and an 8” infotainment display across the range.
Smooth power
A further addition is the toggle-switch gear selector from the facelifted Captur and Duster, plus a wireless smartphone charging pad recessed alongside it, exclusive to the Techno+.
Aside from being responsive and peppy despite its more than 2 000kg mass, the oil-burner’s initial low-down lag quickly disappears.
For its part, the gearbox is smooth and devoid of any erratic shifting, whether changing up or down.
Enjoyable drive
In spite of feeling its size, the Trafic proved very enjoyable to drive. However, comfort inside was let down by the second row feeling a bit pinched as a result of the seats’ proximity to those of the front. Space in the third row, however, was in no way impacted.
The verdict
Pitched as a rival for the Ford Tourneo Custom and Volkswagen Transporter, Hyundai Staria and Toyota Quantum VX, the Trafic’s much acclaimed powertrain is seemingly let down by its fit-and-finish that doesn’t feel up to the same level of its rivals.
Pricing
Trafic Passenger 2.0 dCi Evolution AT R979 999
Trafic Passenger 2.0 dCi Evolution+ AT R1 016 999
Trafic Passenger 2.0 dCi Techno+ AT R1 049 999
Pricing includes five-year/150 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.
