keuraii Renault glimpses the future
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COOL REEFERS
• by Cob Barnett Renault Vans has announced various updates to its product line-up, including new Kangoo variants and a range of "off the shelf" body conversions. It has also given a glimpse into the future, with details of new common-rail diesels and a sneak preview of the all-new Trafic.
Recognising the company's current lacklustre performance in the UK market, Renault is taking various measures to improve its competitiveness, and pledges that now is a good time for buyers to be talking to its dealers.
The first batch of right-handdrive Kangoos fitted with sliding side doors is imminent. Operators now have the choice of a door on the left only for £235, or on both sides for £400. Although UK tax rules make the option less attractive, glazed doors can be fitted for £290 and £500. Renault expects 40% of Kangoos to be ordered with at least one sliding door.
Next year will see the arrival of an 80hp direct-injection turbo-diesel version, and the Hi5, with an extra 50mm of ground clearance. Renault is still considering the possibility of the lengthened Grand Volume crossing the Channel, but the fact that its load volume is close to the smallest new Trafic may rule this out.
Available now is the Kangoo 675P automatic priced at £9,400 (ex-VAT). The petrol-engined van, which comes with ABS as stan dard, features "pro-active" trans mission which chooses from nine programmes according to driving style and conditions. Petrol Kangoos are also available now with an air-conditioning and heat-reflective windscreen package for £52—diesel drivers must wait a little longer.
Due in September is a new 2.2-litre 90hp common-rail engine for the Master. With the same power output as the 2.5D engine it replaces, it has significantly increased torque and the same 12,000-mile service intervals as the 2.8DTI.
Recognising the benefits of having a range of the more popular body conversions available ex-stock, Renault has announced the first two models, both of which were designed specifically for the UK market.
The Master Tipper features a steel-floored aluminium body with a claimed payload of 1,200kg. Single-way tipping is by a scissor-action underfloor gear, powered by an electrohydraulic power pack and con trolled by wander lead. Prices are £16,400 and £17,500 (exVAT) depending on whether the 2.5 naturally aspirated or 2.8 turbo-diesel engine is specified.
Each of Renault's 54 Business Centre dealers should carry one vehicle in stock. Tippers in a colour/engine combination not in stock at any dealer should be available with a maximum three-week lead time.
The second model in the range will be a 17-seater bus, which is awaiting the final certification of its seating, built to the full M1 standard.
Other conversions will be added to the range as potential designs are identified; in the meantime Renault's Recognised Converters programme of approved third-party bodies continues unchanged.
Highlight of the presentation was undoubtedly the preview of the all-new Trafic, due to be launched at September's IAA Show in Frankfurt, together with its Vauxhall double. The new van, to be built at the IBC joint plant in Luton, features the most radical styling yet seen on a production van—Renault styling chief Patrick le Quement took a close interest in the project. Imagine a cross between a Kangoo and an Espace, with an extra helping of 'radical' for good measure.
The front-wheel-drive van will eventually come with two wheelbases and two roof heights, powered by a new 1.9litre common-rail diesel engine with outputs of 80, 100 and 135hp; a dual-fuel version is under consideration.
While the front end is full of swooping curves, the load space has practical squared-off dimensions. Cabin space will be helped by the inclusion of a dashmounted gear shift. Nominal payloads will be 1,000 and 1,200kg, with load volumes from 5-8m3