Renault New Zealand is ramping up its commercial range with the popular Trafic van now available with two-litre diesel automatic transmission.
This is available in long and short wheelbase versions and complements the 1.6-litre diesel manual transmission Trafic Trader range, featuring 85kW of power and 300Nm of torque, which hit the local market last year.
It gives Renault a strong portfolio and will help fill a much-needed gap in the commercial market with vans being the hardest hit segment under the new Electronic Stability Control (ESC) legislation which took effect on March 1.
Sales and marketing manager Warren Willmot says Renault NZ has been working hard to update its offering and now have a range of vehicles which are more suitable to the local market.
“We work very closely with our dealers and consult with them on the vehicle mix for New Zealand.
“Even the best car in the world wouldn’t work here if it’s not priced right.
“Our expectations for Renault are high.
Within 18 months, Renault NZ is confident our volume will grow to over 1000 vehicles per annum.
“Trafic is exceptionally well placed to fuel that growth. Not just because it is the best new van available, but also market conditions with used imports becoming harder to secure with the ESC rules coming into play. We have plenty of Trafics on the water and in stock now,” Willmot says.
The new two-litre automatic transmission range starts from $53,990 for the short wheelbase and $55,990 for the long wheelbase.
AutoMedia had the short wheelbase version out on the road for a week and found it to be a great van to drive.
Featuring updated designs, the vehicle looks smart and tidy featuring a front grille with chrome and full LED lights.
The interior is simple and functional with little features that remind you this vehicle was built with business operations in mind.
Everything from the smartphone holder, a folding tray for laptops, 90-litres of storage space and a 54-litre tray under the passenger bench seat, the Trafic is designed to be a little office on wheels.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available with the multimedia system and smartphone replication allows you to use all apps from the large touchscreen on the dashboard.
Other features include navigation, hands-free calls, radio and streaming.
Safety features include extended grip technology which improves vehicle adaptability on difficult roads such as unpaved or muddy tracks.
The computer system uses data from the wheels to optimise performance and when grip is lost, it adapts engine power to each wheel to improve grip and steering.
AutoMedia found the two-litre automatic transmission diesel engine provided plenty of muscle and was quick off the mark with 125kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.
The drive was smooth and steering was responsive making this vehicle a good work companion for the daily tasks.
The Euro 6 rated vehicle also boasts very impressive fuel consumption ratings of 5.8L/100km for the short wheelbase and 5.9L/100km for the long wheelbase.
Dimensions of the short wheelbase version are 4999mm in overall length and 2283mm in overall width including side mirrors.
The long wheelbase version is 5399mm in overall length and 2283mm in overall width including side mirrors.
Both models come standard with a new tail lift style rear cargo door, twin sliding doors on the sides, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, load adaptive electronic stability control, cruise control and speed limiter, hill start assist, dual airbags and more.
The models feature a max payload of around 1.2 tonnes and around 1.7 tonne braked towing capacity and 750kg braked.
Servicing includes three-year warranty or 350,000km, 24-hour breakdown assistance with roadside repair or towing for the duration of the warranty.
Meanwhile, the Trafic Trader models are also available in short or long wheel-based versions priced between $41,990 and $43,990.
“The Traffic Trader models represent a great quality vehicle at a fair price. It’s the vehicle for honest, hard-working Kiwi businesses, whatever their trade might be,” Willmot says.
“Renault commercials are known for their performance, durability and reliability.
With the extended kilometre warranty, we want to show our customers and dealers that Renault as a global manufacturer have absolute trust and confidence in our quality products.
“The renewed warranty is also a response to the market demand and helps us to deliver on our strategic growth ambitions,” he says.
