Easing Your Load
Robin Roberts Is Impressed By The User-Friendly Renault Trafic, Which Isn’t Just Comfortable But Also Extremely Capable. What’s More, Its Euro4 Diesel Engines Are Among The Cleanest In The Light Van Market
WHEN Renault launched the latest Trafic series, they raised the ante in Britain’s light van market.
With rivals rolling out new or heavily modified models, Europe’s leading van brand hit back at the end of 2006 with completely revised versions of their Trafic and Master ranges.
I tested the smaller Trafic, which cuts into the heart of the UK van sector.
With its range of the latest low-emission Euro4 engines, the Trafic has some of the greenest and most powerful two and 2.5-litre engines in the market.
The 2.5 four-cylinder 150bhp long wheelbase, high roof model has a carrying volume of 8.36 cubic meters.
With twin opening rear doors and a nearside slider, it is very user-friendly.
There is more than 6ft headroominside and a useful over-cab shelf for additional storage.
It’s also worth mentioning the availability of individually unlocking/locking the cab and cargo area.
In the cab, the three seats are thick and comfortable. There is also plenty of space to put on-journey items in the cabin.
On the downside, legroom is very tight in the middle, while the adjustment range is marginal and unsuited to a shorter driver.
Visibility is good to the front and sides, thanks to the Trafic’s low waistline and big windows. It is further helped by large wipers, good lights and big mirrors.
Underfoot, the Trafic 150 feels lively even from low revs.
An easy-shifting six-speed manual box will help you to make use of the available power irrespective of load.
Everything is fine up to moderate speeds, but at high engine speed you hear the powertrain working hard with a load on board. That said, it still pulls well and overall economy is good at close to 40mpg.
I liked the ease of the steering and the fact that the Trafic can be very precisely placed on the road or in a parking space.
The brakes also perform very well and have electronic force distribution and anti-lock features to maximise grip.
The Trafic’s suspension is by familiar MacPherson front struts and rear torsion beam, incorporating load-sensing shock absorbers to maintain road holding at its optimum.
It is both comfortable and capable of taking a heavy load with confidence.
This particular model costs £16,300. But with prices from £14,000, the latest Renault Trafic series is competitively priced - and with a 12-year warranty on the bodywork it represents a sound long-term investment, as well.
This article was taken from: Daily Record
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