Renault aims to lift its Australian profile with new versions of the Trafic and Kangoo models
March 7, 2011
Renault has overhauled its Trafic van for the Australian market with the arrival of the Phase III version. At the other end of the scale Renault has delivered what it says is a bigger, better specified and more helpful new generation Kangoo to it’s Australian LCV dealers.
Adding to the Renault Trafic’s versatility with its payload in excess of 1200kg, is the new double bench seat in place of a single passenger seat, allowing a crew of three to be carried.
The dashboard’s instrument panel has been revised with enhanced illumination for greater visibility, attractive chrome rings for the gauges, while the cruise control settings are now displayed via the on-board computer read-out.
A handy storage area has been inserted into the top of the dash. This can hold an A4-sized clipboard or sheaf of papers, while the new dark and light charcoal colour scheme offers a fresh and inviting appearance inside.
There’s a new steering wheel with integrated cruise control buttons and a new radio with 4 x 20W speakers features CD/MP3 functionality as well as an RCA aux jack and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and phone calls.
A Tom Tom satellite navigation system, featuring a remote control unit, heads the list of options. Electronic Stability Programme is optionally available on manual transmission models.
The Renault Trafic is available in standard and long wheelbase guises offering 5.0 or 6.0 cubic metres of load space with standard 180-degree opening rear barn doors. The Renault Trafic can tow a 2,000kg braked trailer (or 750kg unbraked).
A Euro 4, 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-valve diesel engine, producing 85kW of power at 3,500rpm and 290Nm of torque at a low 1,600rpm, powers all Renault Trafic models.
Both standard and long wheelbase models use the same engine, mated to a choice of six-speed manual transmission or six-speed, clutch pedal-free automated Quickshift set-up.
Fuel consumption on the combined cycle amounts to just 8.3-litres per 100km for the manual and 8.0l/100km for the Quickshift version.
Meanwhile, the revamped Kangoo’s petrol version produces 78kW of power at 5,750rpm and peak torque of 148Nm at 3,750rpm, while the turbo-diesel engine generates 63kW at 3,750rpm and maximum torque of 200Nm at 1,900rpm.
The diesel consumes a class leading 5.2-litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle, and emits only 137g/km of CO2 and will be the logical choice for businesses and drivers keen to reduce their environmental footprint.
The Kangoo is both longer and wider, with the diesel-powered version swalling 3.0 cubic metres, and is capable of carrying up to 800kg of payload, up from the previous generation’s 2.75 cu m and 530kg. The petrol version can carry an additional 120kg over its predecessor, for a total of 650kg within the 3.0 cubic metre capacity.