Renault Trafic goes auto

If you’re looking for a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), the new Renault Efficient Duel Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission found in the 2020 Renault Trafic may be up your alley.

Why on earth you’d want to drive a manual variant around all day is beyond me, so this is terrific news for the Trafic.

“The Renault Trafic has carved an enviable reputation for itself in the Australian LCV market since it was launched in 2015,” said Anouk Poelmann, Managing Director of Renault Australia.

“It has been the top-selling manual transmission mid-size van and one of the best-selling vans in the category altogether. With the arrival of a new, more powerful engine combined with the new EDC transmission, the Trafic will broaden its appeal in the market,” Poelmann continued.

“This gearbox is borrowed from our high-performance Megane Renault Sport hot-hatch and will deliver crisp, direct gearchanges, providing excellent driver engagement and satisfaction,” she added.

Along with the new six-speed auto comes a new Euro 6 compliant 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. It has outputs of 125kW at 3500rpm and 380Nm of torque available from 1500rpm, so it should spring off the mark well.

Claimed fuel economy is 7.3L/100km, while the Trafic can accommodate a maximum payload of 1250kg and tow up to 1630kg in the long wheelbase variant.

Since arriving in May 2015 over 7000 examples have been delivered for what is truly a workplace on wheels for many.

It’s also not a bad looker and from my previous experience is fun to drive.

The Trafic scores the signature C-shaped LED daytime running lights, as will the updated Renault Master large van. The grille has also been given a working over with a larger Renault diamond logo.

Aussie Trafic models also gain automatic Pure Vision LED headlamps, great for rural and regional areas. LED headlamps are the standard in most passenger cars, so why not work vehicles?

The Trafic Premium and Crew Lifestyle models score more tech. Renault’s Media Nav Evolution touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a new single DIN stereo and better mobile phone call quality and DAB reception.

For night deliveries Renault has increased interior lighting to 500 lumens via LED bulbs.

The Renault Trafic can absorb lengths up to 4.5m due to flaps in the bulkhead. Pipes for example can be slotted through right up to the firewall.

18 tie-down points are scattered around the load bay. While barn doors open up to 180-degrees and are standard aside from the tailgate used for the 85kW Trafic Pro.

If you must have a manual there are minor improvements for the six-speed found in the existing single turbo 85kW and twin turbo 103kW variants.

The same 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engines remains for self-shifters.

All Trafics come with a three-year/unlimited km factory warranty, which can be extended to five years/200,000km. Renault provides Roadside Assistance for up to four years. Servicing intervals remain at 30,000km or yearly with capped price servicing offered from $549 for each of the first three scheduled visits to the dealership.

The Renault Trafic will go on sale in December with the following price structure before on-roads.