Renault has upgraded the diesel versions of its Trafic and Trafic Van, launched alongside the electric Trafic E-Tech. The changes include electric power steering, larger front brakes, a driver attention camera and a new 10-inch multimedia system. Converted vans also get an app that runs added equipment from the central touchscreen.
The Trafic is one of Renault’s most important commercial vehicles. The company says it is number one in its segment in France and number two in Europe. This update leaves the diesel range’s basic layout alone. Instead it focuses on how the van drives, how safe it is and how usable the cabin is, for both goods-carrying and passenger versions.
New steering and stronger brakes
The biggest mechanical change is a new electric power steering system. Renault says it has tuned it for comfort and precision. It should need less effort at low speeds, especially when driving and parking in town. According to the manufacturer, the steering also feels smoother and holds a straighter line on the open road thanks to better on-centre stability. Renault has also changed the number of steering-wheel turns from lock to lock to balance agility in town against stability at higher speeds, but it has not given the new figure.
The brakes have been upgraded as well. The front axle now has twin-piston callipers and larger discs, which grow from 296 × 28 mm to 320 × 30 mm. Renault says this reduces pedal effort and gives more progressive braking, so drivers can control braking force more finely in all conditions.
More safety equipment as standard
The diesel Trafic adds an advanced driver attention monitoring camera, and every version now comes with a reversing camera as standard. That should make manoeuvring and parking in tight urban spaces easier.
Other changes are new 17-inch steel wheels and more aerodynamic wheel trims in single-colour and two-tone finishes. The Trafic Van also gets new dark grey marl fabric upholstery with blue stitching. Renault says it is more resistant to wear than the previous material.
A bigger, faster touchscreen
The touchscreen grows by two inches to 10 inches, and Renault says it responds twice as quickly. The OpenR Link system comes in two versions, and both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The basic version has no built-in navigation. The higher version adds navigation and access to apps, and it now uses HERE mapping instead of TomTom.
The Trafic Van gains two extra USB-C ports. Versions with a second or third row of seats get four USB-C ports per row, with up to 80 W of charging power. Renault says that is enough to power a laptop. LED lighting is now standard in both the cabin and the load area, which should help when loading in low light.
Making conversions simpler
The Trafic comes in two lengths, L1 and L2, with either a manual gearbox or a nine-speed EDC automatic. Renault’s factory-built range includes a crew van, passenger and wheelchair-accessible versions, and the Escapade leisure model. The company also works with around 300 certified conversion partners.
Under the ‘converted by Renault’ label, buyers get a factory-converted vehicle from a single point of contact. They receive one invoice and one warranty, and after-sales support covers both the van and its conversion.
The new ‘convertor companion’ app is built into the multimedia system. It lets converters replace separate physical switches with controls on the central touchscreen. Renault gives three examples: setting the temperature in a refrigerated van, controlling the lighting in a mobile workshop, and operating some equipment in an emergency vehicle.
What it means
The mid-size van segment is highly competitive. In this update, Renault is concentrating on the things that daily users notice most: lighter steering, stronger brakes, more standard safety kit and a better infotainment system. The conversion app is aimed at fleet and specialist buyers, for whom built-in integration can be a strong selling point.
Facts: Renault Trafic (diesel, upgraded)
- Steering: new electric power steering
- Front brakes: twin-piston callipers, 320 × 30 mm discs (previously 296 × 28 mm)
- Transmission: manual or nine-speed EDC automatic
- Lengths: L1 and L2
- Screen: 10-inch OpenR Link touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Charging: up to 80 W USB-C (four ports per row on multi-row versions)
- Wheels: new 17-inch steel wheels
- New equipment: driver attention camera, standard reversing camera, standard LED interior lighting
Renault has not yet announced prices or an on-sale date for the upgraded diesel Trafic range.
Source: media.renault.com