Renault Extras revised
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• Two payloads, four new engines and a host of minor changes are included in the revised Renault Extra range, available in the UK at the beginning of January.
The 575kg model is retained but a 775kg version is added, making the Extra the highest payload, high-cube van available in the UK. To cope with the extra load, the rear side and crossmembers have been reinforced and the rear suspension uprated. Body volume is unchanged at 2.57m3.
The most radical changes are under the bonnet, where the petrol 1,108cc and 1,397cc OHV engines have been superseded. A 1,237cc OHV engine replaces the old 1,108cc unit, producing 40kW (55hp) at 5,250rpm and 88Nm (651bft) of torque at 3,000rpm. The 1.4 litre pushrod engine is replaced by the 1.4 OHC `'Energy" engine from the Renault 19 and Clio car ranges.
Power output is increased by 28% to 58kW (80hp) at 6,000rpm while torque is barely changed at 107Nm (791bft) produced at 4,000rpm instead of 2,500rpm from the old engine. A three-way catalyst is offered as an option, with power and torque unchanged.
The only engine to be carried over is the 1,600cc diesel which continues in the 575 model. The 1.9 diesel model has the 1,870cc engine from the Clio and 19. It produces 47kW (65hp) at 4,500rpm and 118Nm (87Ibft) of torque at 2,250rpm. A five speed gearbox is standard across the range. The 575 has the option of all petrol engines or the 1.6 litre diesel. The 775 is fitted with either the 1.4 litre petrol or 1,9 litre diesel.
The new model is distinguished externally from the old by the new front grille and headlamps, sturdier bumpers and wider bodyside protection mouldings. The rear bumper can double as a step, taking a vertical loading of 100kg. Buyers can choose either the double rear doors with hinged top hatch or a tailgate with rear wash/wipe. Options include power steering and remote control central locking.
Renault claims better noise insulation, helped by improved engine mountings for the 1.4 litre petrol and 1.9 litre diesel engines. Prices have yet to be announced.
A brief drive in an unladen 1.9 diesel with power steering option, showed it to be refined with a respectable performance that the 1.6 always lacked. Ride quality does not seem to have suffered from uprating the springs. We were impressed with the power steering, which reduced effort without making the steering excessively light. The unchanged interior leaves the Extra with its other faults and virtues untouched.