2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat renew their generation of vans. Renault has been fully established in the light commercial vehicle sector for five years with the quick-change artist Trafic.
Thomas Flehmer
Renault managed to break into the established top of light commercial vehicles with the Trafic. While Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat are subjecting their transport generation, which has just turned 25 years old, to a facelift, the Trafic, which is identical to the Opel Vivaro and Nissan Primastar, has already proven to be a direct hit after five years. The multivan benefits from its versatile uses as a bus, VIP shuttle or small van. A total of 70 different versions of the Trafic, which was developed jointly with General Motors, are available.
Extremely agile
The panel van we drive with a high roof is particularly suitable for craft businesses. The 2.5 dCi 140 common rail diesel with 99 kW / 135 PS is primarily intended for those who travel long distances. Despite its two tons empty weight, the Trafic proves to be extremely agile. The torque of 310 Nm is already at 1750 rpm. - Traffic obstacles look different.
The Trafic also cuts a fine figure on the autobahn and can compete with its colleague from Stuttgart. The French promise 163 km / h as the top speed, but the speedometer needle struck a few kilometers per hour. But then - due to the high roof - the susceptibility to wind increased considerably. In contrast, a speed of around 150 km / h turned out to be extremely pleasant. The noise level in the interior was also not very high at this speed thanks to special insulating materials and the six-speed gearbox. Consumption leveled off at just under ten liters of diesel, and the chassis did not necessarily give the impression of sitting in a small truck.
Navi with weaknesses
The interior itself is equipped for common practice. Analog instruments, lots of storage options, everything in black and gray plastic, the shift lever in the middle easily accessible thanks to its elevated position - what more could you ask of the craftsman. The navigation system is a bit fiddly, as it failed twice during the test drives and took a break of around an hour each time. The storage space in the doors for up to two-liter bottles is also not ideal, as you have to reach down very far before you can get the desired item. There is then the danger of paying the necessary attention to the traffic.
Otherwise, the passenger cabin, which is also available as a double cabin with five or six seats, offers enough comfort for the journey. The passenger bench is more than sufficient for one person, but two people don't have to fight for centimeters either.
Practical cargo space
The cargo area is just as practical. Six or eight lashing eyes are attached to the vertical walls, depending on the wheelbase. Of the total length of 4.78 meters, 2.40 meters are accounted for by the loading space, which is easily accessible from the rear or from one or both sides thanks to a low loading height. However, shelves could also be mounted on the sides to store the constantly used tools. With the high roof version, many users can also stand upright. A total of 1.91 meters are available and thus offer a total volume of seven cubic meters. The maximum payload is 1074 kg.
The body of the Master, manufactured by GM in Luton, UK, stands out not only because of its unusual box shape, but also because of its front and rear bumpers and the wedge-shaped side protection strips, which are not only dedicated to art, but also limit possible damage in the event of minor collisions.
Good security equipment
The basic version of the smallest diesel with 66 kW / 82 PS is available for as little as 18,560 euros. The 2.5 dCi 140 with high roof that we drive starts at 22,310 euros. Central locking with radio remote control, electric windows and exterior mirrors as well as ABS and driver airbag are part of the series, cost air conditioning (920 euros), the Carminat 2+ navigation system with visual and acoustic driving recommendations and a color screen including two 15 watt CD (1800) and heated seats (for the passenger seat bench only for drivers) are charged extra.
