Van specialist from the French Pilote group, Hanroad offers a whole range based on the Renault Trafic, vintage 2022. We were able to test a Trek 5+ version, with a sliding bench seat to organize the interior to its way.
Camper vans, such as the VW California reference, are on the rise. Going on an adventure away from the crowds is an increasingly popular way of traveling, and the “vanlife” is becoming a real fashion phenomenon. There is no shortage of specialists, including in France, where Hanroad (Pilot group) builds its leisure vehicles near Angers (Maine-et-Loire). The brand only offers creations based on Renault Trafic, a story of enriching the tricolor coat of arms, but also of ensuring easy after-sales service for the vehicle in the dense diamond network. Hanroad models are sold in the manufacturer’s point of sale, in Saint-Herblain (Loire-Atlantique), or in one of the eleven partner concessions spread over the territory.
The range named Trek is simple, based on short or long Trafics, with four or five homologated seats and a suffix + for versions fitted with a sliding bench seat. Like the others, this van is intended to be “adventurous”, without loss of space, integrating a large 60 l fresh water tank and advanced thermal insulation. Its new pop-up roof is designed to be lighter and easier to handle. It also offers less wind resistance. Note that a protective cover for the winter is offered in order to preserve all its qualities during off-season storage.
On board the Hanroad Trek 5+ van
Upon entering our hanroad, we discover a sober and sturdy layout, without fault of taste or great imagination, with black fabric upholstery and light gray and metal tones for the very neat furniture. The rear seats are particularly welcoming in road configuration. They are positioned either close to the front passengers to have a conversation more easily, or very far back to create a separate space. This is possible thanks to the sliding bench seat, the highlight of this particularly modular vehicle with its sliding rails over the entire rear space. This allows for a baggage compartment with a maximum length of 1.60 m. But be careful to handle the two locking elements, which are quite hard, to properly secure the heavy bench seat. In the event of poor fixing, it otherwise becomes a dangerous moving object. This seat is also removable.
If our version offers five seats (and Isofix supports for baby seats), it can only offer four beds: 1.24 x 1.88 m for the bottom and 1.39 x 1.90 m under the roof , easily liftable with its cylinders. To access the latter, you will have to lean on the front seats. Prohibited shoes! Closing the roof is a rather delicate operation, which requires a little force to lock the locking systems. The comfort offered by the beds is very correct, and multiple vents make it easy to lower the temperature in summer. For the cold season, stationary heating is offered.
The kitchen block is full of closed storage. It incorporates a small washbasin supplied with a reserve of 60 l of clean water for 35 l of waste water, as well as two gas burners. The classic refrigerator is capable of preserving 49 l of food. The dining table can be stored under the seat backrest; it requires a little attention with its slightly loose single foot, once mounted and placed indoors or outdoors.
Two small optional foldable armchairs can slide into a corner of the large rear storage unit. An external shower allows you to make a rudimentary toilet. Finally, the optional solar roof is designed to extend the duration of the auxiliary battery (refrigerator, LED lamps, with somewhat pale lighting for that matter). With all these features, the Hanroad Trek 5+ competes with the Renault Trafic Horizon Van 5 from Glénan Concept, which we tested.
Driving
The latest generation Renault Trafic is a modern utility vehicle that is fun to drive. It adapts well to van mode, especially with the 2.0 dCi engine of 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque that fitted our test model. The latter also receives the smooth and fast dual-clutch automatic transmission which makes driving comfortable. The performance of the 2.0 dCi is quite sufficient to take the 2.3 t of the whole, to integrate without forcing in traffic (no pun intended) and to overtake quickly. We noted a very reasonable consumption of 6.5 l / 100 km at 110 km / h stabilized on the fast track, a little higher on the road with 7.7 to 9.5 l / 100 km.
On the comfort side, if the suspensions gently absorb the irregularities of the road, the balance sheet is just a little spoiled by the noises and creaks of the furniture which form a small concert which we would have gladly done without. The sound insulation has however been reworked, and engine and aerodynamic noises are very well filtered.
At the wheel, we are first surprised by the driving position because of the seat placed very high. Then one quickly finds its marks in a universe typed utilitarian certainly, but very close to that of Renault cars by its ergonomics. The recently restyled dashboard features solid materials, and it has plenty of practical storage. We like the intuitive infotainment system. The Short Traffic gauge is easy to understand thanks to the reversing camera and the front and side radars, a highly recommended option. With a height limited to 2 m, our mount retains all the advantages of fitted vans. Thus, the Trek 5+ will be able to enter all the limited outdoor parking lots, which banish large motorhomes, without worry. Beware, however, of underground car parks, which are generally inaccessible within a few centimeters.
Hanroad Trek 5+ Price
The starting price is set at €54,900 for the dCi 130 hp. You have to add €2,000 for the dCi 150 and €2,000 for the EDC dual-clutch gearbox. The price then flirts with 60,000 €, but the Trek 5+ includes full equipment which makes it competitive, with the auxiliary battery, the heating, the external shower, the 49 l refrigerator… Naturally, you will have to dig into the list of options to find the ideal configuration. This is where you can select the metallic paints, the solar panel, the reversing camera, even a side awning or a tent under the tailgate.
Remember, for all intents and purposes, that these converted vans, considered motorhomes under the law, are exempt from the ecological penalty. And, on the highway, they are entitled to the Class 1 rate like cars. Finally, apart from competition from other developers, Hanroad will have to rely on Renault, since the Losange will enter the dance of converted vans with the SpaceNomad Traffic promised for this year.
Find the results of the test, the technical sheet, prices, equipment and options on the following page.
