Van launches from Renault
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• A hatchback van version of the Renault 5 and a 4x4 Trafic van have been revealed by Renault.
The 4x4 version of the Trafic goes on sale on October 15. Renault has opted for a low-cost, simple all-wheel drive system to avoid the large 4x4 premium that discourages so many potential users. Only the high-roof, long wheelbase Trafic is available with 4x4 but there are two engine options; the 2 litre 59kW (82hp) petrol unit and a 2.1 litre 43kW (60hp) diesel.
In normal road use the 4x4 Trafic has the usual front wheel drive. All-wheel drive can be selected on the move. There are flexible Rotoflex couplings in the additional prop-shaft that takes the drive out of the rear of the gearbox. The load platform has been raised by 125mm (5in) to clear the new rear differential, reducing the load volume from 7.8m3 (279ft3) to 7.1m3 (254ft3).
There are no differential locks fitted, reflecting Renault's intended use for the 4x4 Trafic as a van with occasional off-road ability rather than an out-and-out off-roader. The suspension from the heavier 1'1300 is used, but this is virtually the only concession to the 4x4's role. Normal road tyres are used but their section is increased from 175mm to 195R14. The ratios in the five speed gearbox and final drive are unchanged.
The payload capability, in cluding the weight of the driver, is 950kg for the diesel model and 980kg for the petrol.
Renault has priced the 4x4 Trafic to significantly undercut Volkswagen's more sophisticated Transporter syncro, the other factory-built 4 x4 one-tonne van. The Trafic 4x4 petrol is 28,375 plus VAT and the diesel version is 29,045 plus VAT.
The ambulance services have already been given a preview of the van and Renault says that its combination of internal standing height and simple, low-cost 4x4 mechanics were favourably received.
Further details about the Indic will appear in CM next week.
The 5 van, which went on sale this week, is a 511 car with its rear side windows replaced by steel panels. The rear seat is removed to leave a carpeted load space with four anchorage rings set into the floor and a half-height front bulkhead. The standard tailgate is retained, so loads must be lifted over a sill of 20cm (8in).
Renault quotes a load volume of 1.11113 (39ft3) and a payload capability of 400kg (8821b) including the driver. These figures put it marginally ahead of the Ford Fiesta van but just behind Peugeot's 205 van. For comparison, the abased Extra van with its. boxier body, offers 2.6m3 and a nominal payload of 575kg.
Two engine options are available: the 1.6 litre 40kW (55hp) diesel unit and the 1.1 litre 34kW (47hp) petrol engine. Both are mounted transversely.
The petrol model has a four speed gearbox, with the option of a five speed alternative costing 2120 plus VAT. Five speed is standard on the diesel version. Prices, excluding VAT, are 23,952 for the 1.1 litre petrol 51'1, van and 24,565 for the 1.6 litre diesel 5T1).
ljIjJ There has been speculation in the industry that a new version of the Dodge 50 with a revised grill and bonnet will be introduced to strengthen Renault's position in the 3.5 to 7.5 tonne market sector. Renault denies that it has any plans to introduce a revised version of the Dodge 50 Series this year.