AT the British launch of the ne models. CM tested
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two fully I. den vehicles, a T800 Trafic NIE and a short wheelbase
diesel Master van.
Over a 105km (65 miles) roui through the Cotswolds the Tra ic's average fuel consumptic was 10.7 lit/100km (26.5mpg using four-star petrol; the Ma ter's average diesel consumr tion was almost identical at 10 lit/100km (26mpg).
The handling characteristics t the front-wheel-drive Trafic wet impressive. There was vey litt. body roll and, like so many fw cars, the van held its hr tenaciously on corners.
Insufficient weight over tb front wheels can be a probler when these wheels are driven o vans, but that certainly was n( so with the Trafic. With a simi lated load of sandbags weigi distribution seemed to be ideal.
The 1397cc four-cylinder oh engine does not give the Traf startling acceleration or hil climbing ability, but then a cut tomer needing those qualitiE can choose the more powerft 1.6-litre engine option.
The 2445cc diesel engine use in the Master is the Sofim un also fitted in Fiat's Daily van.
A certain amount of pitchin made the Master's ride, les comfortable than that of th Trafic, but, like the Trafic, th Master's cab is well-appointe and may accurately be describe as car-like.
Both vans' load volumes loo voluminous, but in fact Renault' specifications show the cubi capacities to be no more tha that of the competition.
Both ranges will be sol through Renault UK's 470-stron car dealer network. Cetain selec ted Renault Truck and Bu dealerships will also sell th Master.