Review

Once upon a time, if you wanted a large van at an affordable price, then you wanted a Ford Transit. Since the turn of the century though, one design has been changing things – this one. It’s known variously as the Vauxhall Vivaro, the Nissan Primastar or, as in this case, the Renault Trafic and it’s an LCV you have to consider if you’re shopping in the sector that lies between compact and monster-sized vans. And furthermore you can buy this van using van leasing. Thanks to the introduction of greener 2.0-litre CDTi Euro IV-compliant models in 2006, this vehicle has continued to rack up steady sales. It sits just above the Kangoo and just below the well-respected Master van in Renault’s commercial range and is aimed at buyers wanting a maximum payload of up to 1.2 tons.

Design

On the move, though newer designs better this one in terms of ride and refinement, the handling remains safe and predictable. Certainly, if you’ve had any experience with an early 1.9-litre CDTiTrafic model, you’ll notice a big difference at the wheel of the 2.0-litre Euro IV-compliant version. It’s still front wheel drive but the more modern 90 and 115PS engines offer higher performance with practically the same fuel consumption as their older predecessors, but have up to 26 per cent more pulling power, with torque up to 240Nm for the entry-level unit, and 290Nm for the 115PS engine. We’d go for the 115PS unit if you possibly can, strong enough to raise the Trafic’s top speed by 9mph to 99mph.There are maximum trailer weights of 2000kg (braked) and 750kg (unbaked). Most of the people nowadays are using van leasing as a payment option.

Performance

We opted for the most powerful version fitted with the 145PS 2.5-litre CDTi engine that sits at the top of the line-up. Here, 320Nm of torque make light work of hauling really heavy loads all the way up to an academic top speed of 106mph. All Trafics bought via van contract hire,  get this six-speed manual gearbox as standard and unless you go for the entry-level 90PS version, there’s also the option of a semi-automatic Quickshift6 transmission. That will be useful for urban drivers who will also appreciate the tight turning circle – 13.2m between kerbs and 13.7m between walls, with 3.2 turns of the power steering lock-to-lock. The cheapest way to get this van is by using van lease hire.

Features

The avant-garde shape which rolls down production lines in both Luton and Spain still works as well as the day this design first hit the market in 2001. The distinctive domed roof makes the vehicle easier to enter and improves side visibility. Other careful touches include the large front bumper with its integrated turn indicators and fog lamps, sitting just below the large, clear-glass headlamps. At the rear, the tail lights extend high up towards the roof from the rear bumper for better traffic visibility. Build quality isn’t quite as strong as you’d find in a Mercedes Vito or a Volkswagen Transporter – but then, you’re not paying that kind of money. We strongly suggest you use van leasing or van contract hire, so you reduce your payment extremely.