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Trafic SL29dCi 115
Page 37
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One of the 3 dest vans in our group, the Renault Traf faced its toughest challenge yet with this test.
It created something of a storm on its launch in 2001, such was its all-round ability and the refinement it brought to the sector.
Many came and went after that, but the Tref ic (and its Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan Primastar relations) maintained an overall presence that was hard to beat But time waits for no van, and the Tref ic has seen the likes of Ford, Mercedes and Volkswagen launch vehicles in recent years — so now the heat is on...
Driveline
The Renault's previously vaunted driveline is still very much intact, with the test group admiring its mix of usable performance and level of refinement.
This van wasn't the quickest in the group, but the way that all the elements combined drew admiration from our testers, with the smooth gearchange and engine being of particular note — the 2.0-litre unit happily spinning to the redline without fuss.
Dynamics
If there is one area that has been the bedrock of the Traf ic's success, it's the chassis. By introducing a more car-like dynamic to the suspension and damping, no longer did you have to endure crashing and thudding on uneven roads — and this was also reflected in the handling.
This attribute was evident from the group's feedback, which rated its driving credentials highly. 'Sophisticated' and 'safe' were just two of the words used, while its stability in the corners, matched with accurate and well weighted steering, made the Traf ic one of the best performing vans in the driving dynamics category.
Cabin
It was never going to be easy to challenge for the title at this point in the Renault's career, and if there was one area that it would fail to compete in it was the interior.
It may have been praised for its simplicity and clarity on launch, but time has caught up, exposing the Traf Limitations such as mediocre storage and a less-than-positive driving position that lacks sufficient legroom for taller drivers. The interior also looks dated, according to some.
But all is not lost. The lowest cab noise levels recorded in the test make this van one of the most relaxing to drive, particularly on the motorway, where it failed to be affected by outside noise.
The verdict
If this test was based solely on driveability, the Renault would still be up there thanks to a driveline and chassis that still perform strongly. However it falls short in one significant area — the cabin.
What was once fresh has now become limited in its scope; newer rivals have far more practicality to their designs.
Combine this with a not entirely convincing driving position and seat, and the picture becomes less rosy.
That aside, we doff our caps to a van that is still competitive after seven years, and in some areas remains best in class.