In its SpaceClass version with Escapade Pack, the Renault Trafic makes it possible to travel comfortably for seven and sleep for two thanks to the extra bed at the rear. The 150 hp diesel and EDC duo suit this long, all-rounder van very well.
Test car: Renault Trafic Grand SpaceClass 2.0 dCi 150 hp EDC
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From€ 49,300
€ 20,396 penalty
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In specialist language, this Renault Trafic Grand SpaceClass is an L2H1. By that mean the longest model (5.48 m, + 40 cm compared to the base model) and standard height. It is obviously inside that everything is played with a passenger transport configuration and, above all, a modernized presentation. The dashboard adopts furniture pleasant to the eye and shaped with a design reminiscent of the Germanic models, Volkswagen Multivan in mind. The target is already designated!
The exterior is not to be outdone with a grille and a more rewarding light signature than in the past. For the profile, nothing has obviously changed with an allure still very cubic in favor of the interior volume, strong point of the French. For this test of the Renault Trafic SpaceClasse 2021, we have a model equipped with the Escapade Pack which allows you to have an extra bed thanks to the convertible seat in row 3. We are far from the vans equipped with small camper vans by specialized developers, at the image of the Renault Trafic Horizon Van, but this model is a great starting point for adventure for two or family trips. The other vocation of SpaceClass, VIP transport, remains in place.
Renault Trafic SpaceClass prices and penalties
The base price for a Trafic SpaceClass with a 150 hp diesel engine is € 45,900. With the long chassis and the EDC box, our model points to € 49,300. In this configuration, it offers eight places in three rows of seats: two armchairs in the front and a three-seater bench for rows 2 and 3. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, reversing radar. , hands-free map, 8 ” touchscreen with GPS, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connections, body shields and 17 ” alloy wheels (see all equipment on page 2).
The Escapade Pack (€ 3,600) replaces the three-seater bench in the middle with two swivel seats on rails, adds a removable table and allows the rear living area to be converted into a 1.90 m long bed for two people thanks to the bench seat convertible. With this pack, the price is € 52,900; corn the coup de grace for Traffic comes from the ecological penalty which amounts to € 20,396 (208 g / km) on this version! For large families with 3 children or more, the deduction of 20 g per child allows the rate to be reduced to 148 g and a penalty of € 400. For families with less than three children or those targeting this type of vehicle for leisure use, the tax pill is a foil.
Driving
Basically a utility vehicle, the 2021 Trafic shows the progress of these models in terms of drivability. The suspension comfort is appreciable and the 2.0 dCi engine is relatively discreet on the road, much more in any case than the 2.0 TDI of the Volkswagen Transporter. Generally speaking, the noise on board is not disturbing over the long haul because the Renault avoids the sound box effect in the passenger compartment. The high driving position makes it possible to anticipate traffic and the layouts of the road, which is appreciable given the size of the vehicle which calls for calm driving to avoid rocking the truck and the passengers. The XXL length of this version is felt in maneuvers where you need a good glance to park. The reversing camera option (450 €) is very useful in this case. Speaking of options, the Trafic can now be equipped with driving aids such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and lane departure warning.
The 2.0 diesel engine of 150 hp and 350 Nm is well calibrated for the expected use with correct revivals on the road. No need to go up to the 170 hp proposal, except for those who travel a lot with load. The marriage with the EDC dual-clutch gearbox offers great ease of driving, especially as the transmission shift laws are well calibrated. Only the long ramps of the motorway with the loaded vehicle got the better of the goodwill of the dCi-EDC duo with a mandatory downshift and a sound level which rises temporarily. Consumption was 9.2 l / 100 km on a mixed road and motorway route. Rather reasonable considering the size of the vehicle. By the way, this consumption does not exceed that of a plug-in hybrid gasoline SUV which benefits from an ecological bonus … The Trafic also shows a range twice that of the aforementioned vehicle thanks to its generous fuel tank. 80 liters.
On board
Competetion
The king of passenger transport in Europe is the Volkswagen Combi in its Caravelle and Multivan versions. If he is legitimately in the target of Renault, the German advance far higher prices. In its Multivan Carat Long version comparable to the Trafic SpaceClass long, the German points to € 65,850 with a comparable engine (TDI 150 hp and DSG gearbox). The price difference is difficult to justify but the Volkswagen is riding on its reputation acquired with its many versions, of which the California is the figurehead.
Discover the results of the test, the technical sheet and the options on the next page.
