Renault Trafic Review
The Renault Trafic is a light commercial van produced by the French vehicle manufacturer Renault. It's about to celebrate its 43rd birthday too, as the original Renault Trafic was sold right back in 1980.
For the first four years, it proved to be a popular and reliable van, and little was changed as sales were healthy. However, towards the end of 1984, a four-wheel drive version was introduced.
Then, in May 1989, the Trafic underwent a major front end facelift. But then again, it was the 80s and most people needed a little work to look a bit cooler for the 90s!
The Trafic was no different, and a rounder shape was designed, eliminating all the sharp angles reminiscent of the 1970s, and a plastic bumper was added, as well as a new longer body shape.
In 1995, the Mk1 Trafic got its final facelift, with a new grille, new rear lights, the iconic large double rear view mirrors, and a new interior with a modern dashboard and multi adjustable seats.
Second generation 2001
By the turn of the millennium, the Trafic was ready for some large changes. This went beyond the design and a few facelifts or upgrades too. We were about to see a huge amount of collaboration between Opel, from Germany, Nissan from Japan, Renault themselves.
Although designed in Paris and developed by Renault's light commercial vehicle unit at Villiers-Saint-Frederic, there were many cooks involved, and the result was exciting.
It was subsequently released for sale in several differing versions, from a three-seater with all the rear space available for loads, to a nine-seater - much more practical for shuttling more people around.
A further minor adjustment in October 2006 saw the orange indicators swapped for clear ones, which were more integrated into the headlamp housings.
Third generation 2014
September 2014 saw Scotland remain part of the UK, and Renault release a new generation Trafic - quite a big year indeed.
Then, in 2022, in line with all manufacturers' responsibilities to keep the Earth a greener place, the 100% electric Trafic was officially presented at the 2022 IAA.
It is equipped with a 90 kW (120 hp) electric traction motor drawing from the same 52 kW-hr battery as the larger electric Master E-Tech, giving a WLTP range of 240km (150 miles).
The van can accept charging power of up to 7 kW (single-phase AC) or 22 kW (three-phase AC), and a fast-charging option (50 kW DC) is available.
